Simulations are playing an increasingly important role in paleobiology. When designing a simulation study, many decisions have to be made and common challenges will be encountered along the way. Here, we outline seven rules for executing a good simulation study. We cover topics including the choice of study question, the empirical data used as a basis for the study, statistical and methodological concerns, how to validate the study, and how to ensure it can be reproduced and extended by others. We hope that these rules and the accompanying examples will guide paleobiologists when using simulation tools to address fundamental questions about the evolution of life.

中文翻译：

---

古生物学模拟的七个规则

模拟在古生物学中发挥着越来越重要的作用。在设计模拟研究时，必须做出许多决定，并且在此过程中会遇到共同的挑战。在这里，我们概述了执行良好模拟研究的七个规则。我们涵盖的主题包括研究问题的选择、用作研究基础的经验数据、统计和方法问题、如何验证研究以及如何确保它可以被其他人复制和扩展。我们希望这些规则和随附的示例能够指导古生物学家使用模拟工具来解决有关生命进化的基本问题。