Phil Eklund has designed some great simulation board games, among them is American Megafauna - a simulation of evolution and natural selection. In Bios Megafauna, Phil has re-worked his earlier game to bring a more compact and shorter version.

Players start with proto-animals (dinosaurs or mammals) that are living just after the Permian apolocalypse that destroyed 96% of our planet. Players must face environmental changes and competition from other species in order to survive. To cope with these challenges, players must mutate their species, starting with 'gene' tokens used to purchase mutation and genotype cards.  Stacks of cards and tiles indicate the dietary DNA of the species, giving them adaptations such as long necks for browsing. Markers on tracks record roadrunner DNA, attributes that help your species catch prey or avoid being prey, such as swiftness or aggressiveness.

As the creatures evolve and mutate, you can create bizzare chimeras, from vegetarian velociraptors to flying dolphins.

Like most of Phil's creations, this isn't just a game, it's a simulation and a lesson in science.