J. T. F. E. M. Van Valen

J. T. F. E. M. Van Valen was an American evolutionary biologist best known for his work on evolutionary theory. He proposed the "Red Queen hypothesis," which suggests that species must continually adapt and evolve not just to gain advantages, but merely to survive against evolving predators and competitors. This idea highlights the constant, dynamic nature of evolution, where the "race" between organisms is ongoing. Van Valen also contributed to understanding biodiversity and the extinction rates of species. His work has had a significant impact on how scientists view evolution and ecological relationships.