These Creatures Were Darwin's Greatest Enemy

The video explores the complex history of barnacle classification, highlighting the challenges faced by early naturalists like Linnaeus and Cuvier, who mistakenly classified them as mollusks. William Thompson's discovery of their crustacean characteristics led to a significant reclassification. Charles Darwin's extensive research on barnacles, despite his frustration, contributed to his evolutionary theories. Modern studies reveal genetic convergence between barnacles and mollusks, explaining past confusion. Darwin's work on barnacles provided insights into natural selection and variation, crucial to his evolutionary theory.

What role did genetic convergence play in the classification of barnacles?

How did Darwin's detailed analysis of barnacles influence his theory of evolution?

What was the impact of barnacles on the understanding of the natural world according to the text?