Preservation of evolution in the geological record

This two-step activity allows students to simulate the evolution of a single trait using different modes of evolution and examine how it would be preserved in the geological record, as opposed to what it would look like if we had a perfect record. The activity includes a preconception check: students first interpret a stratigraphic record of a trait and then take control over reading it by using a web-based simulation app, DarwinCAT, https://utrecht-university.shinyapps.io/DarwinCAT/. The activity can be completed in one session or split into two sessions, for Task 1 and Task 2. Completing Task 2 requires access to internet.