The Geological Record of Ecological Dynamics

The Geological Record of Ecological Dynamics PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309095808
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 215

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Book Description
In order to answer important questions about ecosystems and biodiversity, scientists can look to the past geological recordâ€"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.

The Geological Record of Ecological Dynamics

The Geological Record of Ecological Dynamics PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309095808
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 215

Get Book

Book Description
In order to answer important questions about ecosystems and biodiversity, scientists can look to the past geological recordâ€"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.

The Geological Record of Ecological Dynamics

The Geological Record of Ecological Dynamics PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780309384421
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 214

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Book Description
In order to answer important questions about ecosystems and biodiversity, scientists can look to the past geological recordâ "which includes fossils, sediment and ice cores, and tree rings. Because of recent advances in earth scientistsâ (TM) 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 nationâ (TM)s benefit. The committee identified three initiatives for future research to be developed over the next decade: (1) use the geological record as a â oenatural laboratoryâ 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.

Effects of Past Global Change on Life

Effects of Past Global Change on Life PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309051274
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 267

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Book Description
What can we expect as global change progresses? Will there be thresholds that trigger sudden shifts in environmental conditionsâ€"or that cause catastrophic destruction of life? Effects of Past Global Change on Life explores what earth scientists are learning about the impact of large-scale environmental changes on ancient lifeâ€"and how these findings may help us resolve today's environmental controversies. Leading authorities discuss historical climate trends and what can be learned from the mass extinctions and other critical periods about the rise and fall of plant and animal species in response to global change. The volume develops a picture of how environmental change has closed some evolutionary doors while opening othersâ€"including profound effects on the early members of the human family. An expert panel offers specific recommendations on expanding research and improving investigative toolsâ€"and targets historical periods and geological and biological patterns with the most promise of shedding light on future developments. This readable and informative book will be of special interest to professionals in the earth sciences and the environmental community as well as concerned policymakers.

Understanding the Paleoecology and Evolution of Cetaceans in the Eastern North Pacific

Understanding the Paleoecology and Evolution of Cetaceans in the Eastern North Pacific PDF Author: Nicholas David Pyenson
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 648

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Book Description


Understanding Earth's Deep Past

Understanding Earth's Deep Past PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309209196
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 208

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Book Description
There is little dispute within the scientific community that humans are changing Earth's climate on a decadal to century time-scale. By the end of this century, without a reduction in emissions, atmospheric CO2 is projected to increase to levels that Earth has not experienced for more than 30 million years. As greenhouse gas emissions propel Earth toward a warmer climate state, an improved understanding of climate dynamics in warm environments is needed to inform public policy decisions. In Understanding Earth's Deep Past, the National Research Council reports that rocks and sediments that are millions of years old hold clues to how the Earth's future climate would respond in an environment with high levels of atmospheric greenhouse gases. Understanding Earth's Deep Past provides an assessment of both the demonstrated and underdeveloped potential of the deep-time geologic record to inform us about the dynamics of the global climate system. The report describes past climate changes, and discusses potential impacts of high levels of atmospheric greenhouse gases on regional climates, water resources, marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and the cycling of life-sustaining elements. While revealing gaps in scientific knowledge of past climate states, the report highlights a range of high priority research issues with potential for major advances in the scientific understanding of climate processes. This proposed integrated, deep-time climate research program would study how climate responded over Earth's different climate states, examine how climate responds to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, and clarify the processes that lead to anomalously warm polar and tropical regions and the impact on marine and terrestrial life. In addition to outlining a research agenda, Understanding Earth's Deep Past proposes an implementation strategy that will be an invaluable resource to decision-makers in the field, as well as the research community, advocacy organizations, government agencies, and college professors and students.

Foundations of Paleoecology

Foundations of Paleoecology PDF Author: S. Kathleen Lyons
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
ISBN: 022661834X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 800

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Book Description
Approximately 99% of all life that has ever existed is extinct. Fortunately, these long dead species have left traces of their lives and interactions with other species in the rock record that paleoecologists use to understand how species and ecosystems have changed over time. This record of past life allows us to study the dynamic nature of the Earth and gives context to current and future ecological challenges. This book brings together forty-four classic papers published between 1924 and 1999 that trace the origins and development of paleoecology. The articles cross taxonomic groups, habitat types, geographic areas, and time and have made substantial contributions to our knowledge of the evolution of life. Encompassing the full breadth of paleoecology, the book is divided into six parts: community and ecosystem dynamics, community reconstruction, diversity dynamics, paleoenvironmental reconstruction, species interaction, and taphonomy. Each paper is also introduced by a contemporary expert who gives context and explains its importance to ongoing paleoecological research. A comprehensive introduction to the field, Foundations of Paleoecology will be an essential reference for new students and established paleoecologists alike.

Ecology Abstracts

Ecology Abstracts PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Ecology
Languages : en
Pages : 780

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Book Description
Indexes journal articles in ecology and environmental science. Nearly 700 journals are indexed in full or in part, and the database indexes literature published from 1982 to the present. Coverage includes habitats, food chains, erosion, land reclamation, resource and ecosystems management, modeling, climate, water resources, soil, and pollution.

Geology and Ecosystems

Geology and Ecosystems PDF Author: COGEOENVIRONMENT.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9780387292922
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 424

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Book Description
This book is the result of an international working group entitled ‘Geology and Ecosystems’ that was organized by the IUGS commission on Geological Sciences for Environmental Planning (COGEOENVIRONMENT). The aim of the working group is to increase awareness and build methodological principles of ecological geology as a new branch of science. This book includes the analysis of the relationship between the different geological, hydrochemical, hydrogeological, and engineering-geological processes and the processes within surface ecosystems. Modern engineering activity associated with the mining of minerals, excessive groundwater withdrawal, disposal of industrial and domestic liquid wastes (including radioactive wastes) and their impacts on all components of the environment are analyzed, as is the "water factor" impact on ecosystems. It is intended as a professional update for all scientists and professionals with an interest in the Earth's environments and environmental protection.

Paleontology in Ecology and Conservation

Paleontology in Ecology and Conservation PDF Author: Julien Louys
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3642250386
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 277

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Book Description
The fossil record contains unique long-term insights into how ecosystems form and function which cannot be determined simply by examining modern systems. It also provides a record of endangered species through time, which allow us to make conservation decisions based on thousands to millions of years of information. The aim of this book is to demonstrate how palaeontological data has been or could be incorporated into ecological or conservation scientific studies. This book will be written by palaeontologists for modern ecologists and conservation scientists. Manuscripts will fall into one (or a combination) of four broad categories: case studies, review articles, practical considerations and future directions. This book will serve as both a ‘how to guide’ and provide the current state of knowledge for this type of research. It will highlight the unique and critical insights that can be gained by the inclusion of palaeontological data into modern ecological or conservation studies.

Geologic and Environmental Dynamics of the Pontchartrain Basin

Geologic and Environmental Dynamics of the Pontchartrain Basin PDF Author: Duncan M. FitzGerald
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Geology
Languages : en
Pages : 270

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Book Description