Barbellus

Lab Activity

The Evolution of Barbellus

You are a paleontologist digging up a site when suddenly, you find strange fossil evidence of a tiny worm. Because it resembles a barbell, your boss names it “Barbellus.” Digging deep into the rocky layers, you find evidence of this creature at several depths. You have a mystery on your hands. This creature has seemingly gone through several forms? Examine the fossil evidence and determine how you think Barbellus evolved.

1. Download and print the Barbellus Lab Acvivity
   
   

2. Complete an evolutionary branching tree on the large paper provided. Cut out the drawings and reassemble. Posterize the work and colour/draw the environment that you believe each version existed in (water, land, mud, etc.)
   
   

3. Be very aware that the oldest fossils should be found deepest in the rock strata. Alternately, the youngest fossils will be found nearest to the surface.
   
   

4. Also be aware that there may be missing links. The fossil evidence may be lost. Some forms of Barbellus may not have survived to "tell the tale." You may draw-in the missing links in your tree. Do not overdo the potential missing links.
   
   

5. Use the large-sized paper provided.