The geological record of ecological dynamics : understanding the biotic effects of future environmental change

In order to answer important questions about ecosystems and biodiversity, scientists can look to the past geological record which includes fossils, sediment and ice cores, and tree rings. Because of recent advances in earth scientists' ability to analyze biological and environmental information from geological data, the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Geological Survey asked a National Research Council (NRC) committee to assess the scientific opportunities provided by the geologic record and recommend how scientists can take advantage of these opportunities for the nation's benefit. The committee identified three initiatives for future research to be developed over the next decade: use the geological record as a 'natural laboratory' to explore changes in living things under a range of past conditions; use the record to better predict the response of biological systems to climate change; and, use geologic information to evaluate the effects of human and non-human factors on ecosystems. The committee also offered suggestions for improving the field through better training, improved databases, and additional funding. 1. Introduction. Background To This Report -- Environmental Sciences And The Geologic Record Of Ecological Dynamics -- Understanding Process - Different Perceptions -- Status Of Research Support -- Committee Charge And Scope Of The Study. 2. The Nature And Value Of Geohistorical Information. The Rationale Of Geohistorical Analysis -- Completeness Of The Geologic Record -- Inferring Environmental Conditions - Resolution And Confidence -- Biological Insights Contained In The Geologic Record -- Precision And Accuracy Of Geohistorical Records -- Impact Of Database Technologies And Synthetic Studies -- Summary And Outlook - Strategies For Geohistorical Analysis. 3. Research Opportunities. The Geologic Record As An Ecological Laboratory -- Ecological Responses To Past Climate Change -- Ecological Legacies Of Societal Activities. 4. The Culture Of Collaborative Research. Promoting The Culture Of Collaboration -- Opportunities For Collaboration -- Summary. 5. Conclusions And Recommendations. Intitiative 1: The Geologic Record As An Ecological Laboratory -- Intitiative 2: Ecological Responses To Past Climate Change -- Initiative 3: Ecological Legacies Of Societal Activities -- Facilities And Infrastructure -- Implementation. Appendixes. A. Committee And Staff Biographies -- B. Acronyms And Abbreviations. Committee On The Geologic Record Of Biosphere Dynamics, Board On Earth Sciences And Resources, Board On Life Sciences, Division On Earth And Life Studies, National Research Council Of The National Academies. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 165-190). Also Issued Electronically Via World Wide Web. In order to answer important questions about ecosystems and biodiversity, scientists can look to the past geological record?which includes fossils, sediment and ice cores, and tree rings. Because of recent advances in earth scientists' ability to analyze biological and environmental information from geological data, the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Geological Survey asked a National Research Council (NRC) committee to assess the scientific opportunities provided by the geologic record and recommend how scientists can take advantage of these opportunities for the nation's benefit. The committee identified three initiatives for future research to be developed over the next decade: (1) use the geological record as a "natural laboratory" to explore changes in living things under a range of past conditions, (2) use the record to better predict the response of biological systems to climate change, and (3) use geologic information to evaluate the effects of human and non-human factors on ecosystems. The committee also offered suggestions for improving the field through better training, improved databases, and additional funding.