Diversity in time and space: wanted dead and alive

Area of Science:

• Ecology and evolutionary biology
• Paleontology
• Neontology

Background:

• Biological diversity is shaped by historical and current factors.
• Ecology and evolution research is often divided between paleontology and neontology.
• There is a growing need to integrate these disciplines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a conceptual framework for integrating paleontological and neontological research.
• To investigate fundamental processes influencing biological diversity.
• To highlight opportunities arising from a combined approach.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual framework development.
• Integration of data and methods from paleontology and neontology.
• Case studies illustrating the combined approach.

Main Results:

• A framework for combining historical and present-day data in ecological and evolutionary studies.
• Identification of key research questions addressable by integrated approaches, including diversity variation, trait evolution, range dynamics, and community structure.
• Demonstration of the utility of integrating paleontological and neontological perspectives.

Conclusions:

• Integrating paleontology and neontology is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of life's patterns.
• This integrated approach can unravel fundamental processes shaping biodiversity.
• The proposed framework guides future research in ecology and evolution.