Abstract
The rise of global warming as a significant societal issue has underscored the need to comprehend biological responses across diverse spatial and temporal scales. Current impacts on the biosphere include changes in species abundance, growth rates, antagonistic interactions, dwarfism, and vulnerability, which may eventually lead to extinction. Conservation Paleobiology (CP) applies paleontological theories and tools to address biodiversity conservation, offering insights that extend beyond direct human observation. The CP approach helps identify the most vulnerable and resilient species and assesses their responses to global warming. While no perfect geological analogue exists for current changes, past climatic conditions can inform our understanding of future warming. This project aims to create a high-resolution database by integrating both near-time and deep-time CP research. Quantitative methods will be used to analyze changes in abundance, size, and biomineralization patterns in marine organisms during global warming events. The primary objective is to investigate the responses of marine life to temperature shifts across recent (mainly Holocene) and ancient periods (e.g., latest Cenomanian, end-Permian, Pliocene). The research unit focusing on the near-term effects of global warming will investigate antagonistic interactions and growth rates of economically or biologically relevant marine macroinvertebrates, such as Chamelea gallina and Varicorbula gibba, during the Holocene or specific intervals within this epoch. Additionally, the effects of human impact on the fossil record will be examined. The three research units will refine methodologies, ensure data compatibility, and develop models of responses to global warming. The findings will be shared through publications and international meetings, emphasizing the importance of understanding environmental stressors across time. Educating Earth scientists in CP will enhance their ability to contribute to cutting-edge research and collaborate with policymakers.
Project details
Unibo Team Leader: Daniele Scarponi
Unibo involved Department/s:
Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali
Coordinator:
Università degli Studi di MILANO(Italy)
Total Unibo Contribution: Euro (EUR) 67.845,00
Project Duration in months: 24
Start Date:
28/09/2023
End Date:
28/02/2026
