Here's why:
* Evolutionary theory was controversial: Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection was highly contentious during his lifetime. Many people, especially religious figures, vehemently opposed it. This opposition made it difficult for him to receive recognition for his work.
* The Royal Society's Copley Medal: While Darwin never won the Nobel Prize (which wasn't established until after his death), he did receive the Royal Society's prestigious Copley Medal in 1864. However, this was awarded for his work on barnacles, not his groundbreaking theory on evolution.
* Scientific recognition came later: Darwin's influence on scientific thought became increasingly recognized after his death in 1882. His ideas formed the foundation of modern evolutionary biology.
Although he didn't receive widespread recognition during his lifetime, Charles Darwin's work has had an immense and enduring impact on our understanding of the natural world.