Fossil data allow us to unravel the evolutionary history of species. We use big paleontological data to address fundamental questions in biogeography and ecology, to contextualize the present, and to anticipate potential future changes in terrestrial biota.
Palaeontology is the scientific discipline that studies and interprets the past life on Earth over time through the examination of fossilized remains of organisms or their activities that lived in the past, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. Fossils provide valuable information about the evolution and history of life on Earth.
Palaeontology allows us to reconstruct and understand the variety of life that existed in the past, along with how species evolved over millions of years. Unravelling the evolutionary history, patterns of extinction, and climatic changes through the interpretation of fossils contributes to our understanding of the biology and geology of the planet. Besides, sheds light on crucial events such as species extinction and the emergence of new life forms, helping us to contextualize the present and to anticipate potential future changes in terrestrial biota.
We use big paleontological data to test traditional and significant inquiries in biogeography and ecology. Our main contribution lies in integrating a spatial perspective into the field of palaeontology, which has traditionally been examined mainly from a temporal standpoint.
Simultaneously, our multidisciplinary team enables us to close the gap between palaeontology and other branches, such as ecology or genetics. This collaboration allows us to implement methodologies, hypotheses, and conceptual frameworks that facilitate the amalgamation of efforts toward our shared goal of advancing knowledge about life on Earth.
