Challenges and directions in analytical paleobiology

Dillon E, Dunne E, Womack T, Kouvari M, Larina E, Claytor JR, Ivkić A, Juhn M, Milla Carmona P, Robson SV, Saha A, Villafaña J, Zill M (2023)

Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2023

Journal

Paleobiology Paleontological Society

DOI: 10.1017/pab.2023.3

Open Access Link: https://doi.org/10.1017/pab.2023.3

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.

Authors with CRIS profile

Emma Dunne Lehrstuhl für Paläoumwelt

Involved external institutions

University College London (UCL) GB United Kingdom (GB) University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) US United States (USA) (US) Victoria University of Wellington NZ New Zealand (NZ) Universität Wien / University of Vienna AT Austria (AT) University of California, Riverside (UCR) US United States (USA) (US) Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) / University of Buenos Aires AR Argentina (AR) University of Washington US United States (USA) (US) University of Calgary CA Canada (CA) University of California US United States (USA) (US) University of Warsaw / Uniwersytet Warszawski PL Poland (PL) University of Texas at Austin US United States (USA) (US)

How to cite

APA:

Dillon, E., Dunne, E., Womack, T., Kouvari, M., Larina, E., Claytor, J.R.,... Zill, M. (2023). Challenges and directions in analytical paleobiology. Paleobiology. https://doi.org/10.1017/pab.2023.3

MLA:

Dillon, Erin, et al. "Challenges and directions in analytical paleobiology." Paleobiology (2023).

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