Are Individually Acquired Characters Inherited?

Exploring the inheritance of traits acquired during an organism's life, this essay delves into a pivotal question in evolutionary biology. Alfred Russel Wallace, a significant figure alongside Darwin, draws on his extensive travels and observations in the Amazon rainforest to shape his insights. His experiences collecting specimens and studying diverse cultures and ecosystems informed his thoughts on natural selection. This republished work, accompanied by a new biography, highlights Wallace's substantial contributions to the understanding of evolution.