Community ecology in a changing environment: Perspectives from the Quaternary

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Paleoecology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Community ecology and paleoecology study biotic assemblages but remain largely separate disciplines.
• Community ecology traditionally focuses on present-day species, with recent integration of historical elements like phylogeny and dispersal.
• A gap exists in understanding ecological processes occurring over decades to millennia, termed the "missing middle".

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential for greater interaction and articulation between community ecology and Quaternary paleoecology.
• To identify how Quaternary paleoecological data can inform community ecology.
• To suggest frameworks for bridging the gap between these disciplines.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of ecological insights from Quaternary terrestrial records.
• Discussion of theoretical and practical foundations for interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Identification of key research areas for mutual benefit.

Main Results:

• Quaternary paleoecology offers extensive data on ecological dynamics at decadal to millennial timescales.
• Integrating paleoecological data can fill the "missing middle" in community ecology.
• Specific ecological insights from terrestrial records can be highlighted.

Conclusions:

• Greater integration of Quaternary paleoecology into community ecology is mutually beneficial.
• Bridging these fields enhances understanding of ecological and environmental processes across diverse timescales.
• Targeted engagement can advance ecological science by connecting past dynamics with present-day communities.