Visualisation of deep evolutionary time: looking back and looking forward

Abstract

Evolutionary history is embedded in the deep and imperceptible past with traces left in fossils and in the genetic makeup of living organisms. Deep Evolutionary Time (DET)–the time living organisms have existed–is a demanding topic for students and the general public. Visual communication through various static, dynamic, interactive, and immersive visualisation forms is pivotal for interpreting and learning about DET and its implications. Nevertheless, both challenges and opportunities are associated with the interpretation of visualised DET. This review paper illuminates how visualisation of DET has developed, its integration in biology education and outreach, and potential future research avenues concerning visualised DET. We first show that the communication of DET has developed from views of a very young Earth to scientifically grounded concepts, with visual representations like ladders, timelines, tree diagrams, and palaeoimagery significantly shaping perceptions of evolution. We then synthesise research on interpreting DET visual representations, addressing static, animated and interactive forms, palaeoimagery, currently available digital interfaces, and the benefits of combining multiple representations in biology education and outreach. We close by advocating for integrating a historical perspective, critical visual literacy, and emerging interactive visualisations in communicating DET in formal and informal biology education.