The Geological Record of Ecological Dynamics: Understanding the Biotic Effects of Future Environmental Change - Softcover

National Research Council; Division On Earth And Life Studies; Board On Life Sciences; Board On Earth Sciences And Resources; Committee On The Geologic Record Of Biosphere Dynamics

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0309095808 ISBN 13: 9780309095808

Publisher: National Academies Press, 2005

Synopsis

In order to answer important questions about ecosystems and biodiversity, scientists can look to the past geological recorda "which includes fossils, sediment and ice cores, and tree rings. Because of recent advances in earth scientistsa (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 nationa (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 a /natural laboratorya 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.

About this title

About the Author

Committee on the Geologic Record of Biosphere Dynamics, National Research Council

Edition details

• Publisher: National Academies Press
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0309095808
• ISBN 13: 9780309095808
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 214