My research
encompass biological and geological sciences, with particular focus
on paleoecology, taphonomy, stratigraphic paleiobiology and Conservation Paleobiology. Data are collected over a
wide range of spatial and temporal scales, methods emphasize
computer-intensive statistical techniques, and goals include
non-applied (basic) as well as applied projects.
The key themes
include:
1. Stratigraphic Paleobiology.
Projects focus on
the fossil record of mollusk association, paleoenvironmental
reconstructions, and numerical integration of paleoecological and
sequence stratigraphic patterns.
2.
Taphonomy. Research focuses on fossilization
processes and the resulting quality of the fossil record, with
emphasis on quantitative taphonomic methods, long-term biases in
the quality of the geological record, and time-averaging and
temporal resolution within fossil assemblages (i.e., benthic
mollusks mainly).
3.
Diversity of Mediterranean Conoidea. Study of the most recent fossil
record (<5 Ma) aimed at reconstructing diversity patterns of
this important Superfamily of predators. Scarponi and Della Bella
showed that the Turride and Drillidae in the Mediterranean
decreased by at
least 80% following the Plio-Pleistocene Climate
deterioration.
4. Conservation paleogiology.By looking at the fossil (or subfossil) record we can reconstruct pre-human ecosystems, their shifting baselines and assess possible anthropogenic impacts.
