Dillon et al. (2023)

illustration of a scientific publication

Dillon, E. M., Dunne, E. M., Womack, T. M., Kouvari, M., Larina, E., Claytor, J. R., Ivkić, A., et al. (2023). Challenges and directions in analytical paleobiology. Paleobiology, 1–17. Cambridge University Press.

I designed the figures for publication..

Figure 1: integrating different data types across temporal, spatial, and taxonomic scales. A, the interpretation and integration of different data types pose two major challenges in analytical paleobiology given their contrasting properties and scales. Moving from fine to coarse: A1, real-time monitoring data—indicated here by elephants—often having a very fine temporal (days, months), spatial (localities, sites), and taxonomic (populations, species) resolution; A2, microfossil data—often recovered from marine sediment cores and represented here by a Globigerina foraminifer fossil—having a fine temporal (thousands of years), spatial (basins), and taxonomic (species, genera) resolution; and A3, macrofossil data—indicated here by fossil remains from mammoth and Deinotherium—having a coarser temporal (millions of years), spatial (continents, worldwide), and taxonomic (genera, families) resolution. Microfossil, pollen, and geological data can also produce interpolated paleoenvironmental maps with low temporal (stages, periods) and spatial (km2) resolution (B5). B, to overcome these challenges, paleobiologists are developing quantitative approaches that use computer programming languages, software, and online databases. The scope of these analyses is vast, including but not limited to: B1, reconstructing phylogenetic relationships; B2, visualizing morphological differences among taxa; B3, quantifying biotic interactions (e.g., using ecological networks); B4, calculating diversity dynamics; and B5, pairing paleoenvironmental patterns with taxon occurrences to model ecological niches through time.
Figure 2: increasing data accessibility and equity in palaeobiology (challenge four)

..as well as a video graphical abstract.