Ecosystem Dynamics

Research groups in this area analyze correlations between habitat structures and biodiversity patterns in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, in geological eras of both the past and today. They also predict future scenarios. Habitat utilization by animals at various evolutionary stages is parameterized and quantified to develop habitat models that can be used to reconstruct and predict changes in distribution areas and population. For example, dental wear patterns in vertebrates provide a significant basis for modeling climate-related habitat parameters in previous eras.