Communicating Phylogeny: Evolutionary Tree Diagrams in Museums |
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Authors: | Teresa MacDonald E O Wiley |
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Institution: | (1) University of Kansas Natural History Museum, University of Kansas, 1345 Jayhawk Blvd, Dyche Hall, Lawrence, KS 66045-7593, USA;(2) Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045-7593, USA |
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Abstract: | Tree of life diagrams are graphic representations of phylogeny—the evolutionary history and relationships of lineages—and
as such these graphics have the potential to convey key evolutionary ideas and principles to a variety of audiences. Museums
play a significant role in teaching about evolution to the public, and tree graphics form a common element in many exhibits
even though little is known about their impact on visitor understanding. How phylogenies are depicted and used in informal
science settings impacts their accessibility and effectiveness in communicating about evolution to visitors. In this paper,
we summarize the analysis of 185 tree of life graphics collected from museum exhibits at 52 institutions and highlight some
potential implications of how trees are presented that may support or hinder visitors’ understanding about evolution. While
further work is needed, existing learning research suggests that common elements among the diversity of museum trees such
as the inclusion of anagenesis and absence of time and shared characters might represent potential barriers to visitor understanding. |
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