Conservation paleobiology: What are the prospects and potential collaborations?

Noel Heim, Stanford

 

Abstract: The subfield of conservation paleobiology has emerged over the past decade and a half with the overarching aim of applying the data, theories, and analytical techniques of paleontology to inform conservation decisions. The fossil record and other geohistorical records (e.g., deep sea sediment cores) provide an historical perspective on global change, ecological dynamics, and evolutionary responses that are not available from even the longest observational records of modern ecosystems. Conservation paleobiologists, however, need to establish common goals with conservation biologists and policy makers when designing studies. My question is: What can a paleobiologist do for you? In this presentation I will outline the merits and challenges of paleontological data and highlight some recent conservation paleobiology research. Importantly, I am seeking feedback on research directions and collaborations that will maximize the positive impacts of marine conservation paleobiology.

 

Bio: Noel is a postdoctoral scientist in Geological Sciences at Stanford University. His research focuses on explaining large-scale evolutionary trends in the fossil record of marine animals. Noel is also actively involved in conservation paleobiology, which aims to leverage fossil data to better understand current biodiversity loss. Website.