Ross is selected to deliver a keynote speech at a paleontology convention in Barbados, and invites the gang to accompany him.
Upon arrival, Monica's hair becomes frizzy due to the humidity, which annoys Chandler, Joey feels out of place with the attending paleontologists and the tourists who are fans of Ross, and a heavy downpour of rain prevents the group from going outside to the beach.
Charlie volunteers to help a panicked Ross recreate his speech, delaying her dinner plans with Joey, who then takes Rachel to crash a nearby pharmaceutical convention for fun.
After quickly recreating the speech, Ross and Charlie celebrate by indulging in the hotel room snacks and find they have a lot in common, from intellectual pursuits to relationship problems.
Charlie sees Joey and Rachel smirking at the word "homoerectus", and another fresh downpour outside prevents the group from going to the beach following the presentation.
As she begins to explain additional reasons for the break-up, she and Ross are ambushed by the other paleontologists who plan to throw them in the pool, leading to a lengthy chase around the hotel.
Many people criticized the episode's approach, deeming it insensitive and perpetuating negative stereotypes about curly hair.