Equity, Culture, and Place in Teaching Paleontology

Macroevolutionary inference has historically been treated as a two-step process, involving the inference of a tree, and then inference of a macroevolutionary model using that tree. Newer models blend the two steps. These methods make more complete use of fossils than the previous generation of Bayesian phylogenetic models. They also involve many more parameters than prior models, including parameters about which empiricists may have little intuition. In this Element, the authors set forth a framework for fitting complex, hierarchical models. The authors ultimately fit and use a joint tree and diversification model to estimate a dated phylogeny of the Cincta (Echinodermata), a morphologically distinct group of Cambrian echinoderms that lack the fivefold radial symmetry characteristic of extant members of the phylum. Although the phylogeny of cinctans remains poorly supported in places, this Element shows how models of character change and diversification contribute to understanding patterns of phylogenetic relatedness and testing macroevolutionary hypotheses.

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Confronting Prior Conceptions in Paleontology Courses

Yacobucci¹

2018

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People hold a variety of prior conceptions that impact their learning. Prior conceptions that include erroneous or incomplete understandings represent a significant barrier to durable learning, as they are often difficult to change. While researchers have documented students' prior conceptions in many areas of geoscience, little is known about prior conceptions involving paleontology. Here, data on student prior conceptions from two introductory undergraduate paleontology courses are presented. In addition to more general misunderstandings about the nature of science, many students held incorrect ideas about methods of historical geology, Earth history, ancient life, and evolution. Of special note are student perceptions of the limits of paleontology as scientific inquiry. By intentionally eliciting students' prior conceptions and implementing the pedagogical strategies described in other Elements in this series, we can shape instruction to challenge this negative view of paleontology and improve student learning.

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Equity, Culture, and Place in Teaching Paleontology

Cited by 25 publications

References 63 publications

Expanded Sampling Across Ontogeny in <I>Deltasuchus motherali</I> (Neosuchia, Crocodyliformes)

Expanded Sampling Across Ontogeny in <I>Deltasuchus motherali</I> (Neosuchia, Crocodyliformes)

Testing Character Evolution Models in Phylogenetic Paleobiology

Confronting Prior Conceptions in Paleontology Courses

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