Unwrapping Evolution: How Paleontologists Build the Tree of Life

Animals have lived on Earth for over half a billion years—but what did those first animals look like, and how are they related to the diversity we see today?

Join us to learn from Prescorr Vayda, a Ph.D. student at Virginia Tech, about how paleontologists use clues from the fossil record to decipher the relationships of ancient organisms. We’ll explore the methods used to build evolutionary trees—with the help of candy bars!

Is a Snickers more closely related to a Reese’s or a Kit Kat? Come find out!

Free and open to the public. Hosted by the Center for Communicating Science at Virginia Tech and Virginia Tech's chapter of Sigma Xi.

Please note: This event will involve candy containing peanuts. Attendees with peanut allergies are advised to use caution.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Erin Smith at ZXJpbm1zbWl0aCB8IHZ0ICEgZWR1 during regular business hours at least ten days before the event.

We hope to see you there!