Challenges and directions in analytical paleobiology
- Author(s)
- Erin Dillon, Emma M. Dunne, Tom M. Womack, Miranta Kouvari, Ekaterina Larina, Jordan Ray Claytor, Angelina Ivkic, Mark Juhn, Pablo S. Milla Carmona, Selina Viktor Robson, Anwesha Saha, Jaime A. Villafaña, Michelle E. Zill
- Abstract
Over the last 50 years, access to new data and analytical tools has expanded the study of analytical paleobiology, contributing to innovative analyses of biodiversity dynamics over Earth's history. Despite - or even spurred by - this growing availability of resources, analytical paleobiology faces deep-rooted obstacles that stem from the need for more equitable access to data and best practices to guide analyses of the fossil record. Recent progress has been accelerated by a collective push toward more collaborative, interdisciplinary, and open science, especially by early-career researchers. Here, we survey four challenges facing analytical paleobiology from an early-career perspective: (1) accounting for biases when interpreting the fossil record; (2) integrating fossil and modern biodiversity data; (3) building data science skills; and (4) increasing data accessibility and equity. We discuss recent efforts to address each challenge, highlight persisting barriers, and identify tools that have advanced analytical work. Given the inherent linkages between these challenges, we encourage discourse across disciplines to find common solutions. We also affirm the need for systemic changes that reevaluate how we conduct and share paleobiological research.
- Organisation(s)
- Department of Palaeontology
- External organisation(s)
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), University of California, Santa Barbara, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, University of Birmingham, Victoria University of Wellington, University College London, Natural History Museum London, University of Texas, Austin, University of Washington, Burke Museum, University of California, Los Angeles, Universidad de Buenos Aires, University of Calgary, Polish Academy of Sciences (PAS), University of Warsaw, Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, University of California, Riverside
- Journal
- Paleobiology
- Volume
- 49
- Pages
- 377-393
- No. of pages
- 17
- ISSN
- 0094-8373
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1017/pab.2023.3
- Publication date
- 08-2023
- Peer reviewed
- Yes
- Austrian Fields of Science 2012
- 105118 Palaeontology
- ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics, Palaeontology, Ecology
- Portal url
- https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/e175d145-9f4e-4f98-b844-83c784c76f7c