New uses for ancient middens: bridging ecological and evolutionary perspectives

Area of Science:

• Paleoecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Conservation Science

Background:

• Rodent middens provide detailed spatiotemporal records of past plant and animal communities.
• Midden studies in the Americas have illuminated biotic responses to environmental change and factors affecting species distribution.
• Current research has limited investigation into genetic or ecosystem-level responses using midden data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the potential of rodent middens for understanding eco-evolutionary dynamics.
• To propose integrating midden studies with neoecology and experimental evolution.
• To address gaps in knowledge regarding genetic and ecosystem-level responses.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing midden studies and their contributions to ecological and evolutionary understanding.
• Conceptual framework for integrating midden data with neoecological and experimental evolution approaches.
• Call for collaborative efforts to exploit and expand midden archives globally.

Main Results:

• Middens offer a unique window into past biodiversity and environmental interactions.
• Integration of midden data with modern techniques can test eco-evolutionary mechanisms.
• Existing midden archives represent a valuable, underutilized resource.

Conclusions:

• Rodent middens are crucial archives for reconstructing past ecological and evolutionary processes.
• Interdisciplinary approaches are needed to fully harness midden data for scientific advancement.
• Collaborative global efforts are essential to maximize the utility of midden records for future research and conservation in the Anthropocene.