What role did Darwin serve on the HMS Beagle?

Darwin served as the naturalist on the HMS Beagle, which was a critical role that involved observing and documenting the diverse flora and fauna encountered during the ship's voyage. As the naturalist, Darwin collected specimens, recorded observations, and made notes on geological formations, animals, and plants, which later contributed significantly to his development of the theory of evolution by natural selection. His role allowed him to gather the empirical data and insights that would form the basis of his later work, including "On the Origin of Species."

The position of naturalist was important because it emphasized observational skills and the ability to collect data, which proved essential in understanding the variations in species and their adaptations to different environments.