Why we study the past: Paleoecology in a time of rapid global change

If you want to know how ecosystems respond to environmental change, then you have to understand the past. PaleoEcology is the study of patterns, causes, and consequences of ecological change over time. As the scientific community has struggled to define, understand, and anticipate the impacts of global change, PaleoEcologists have experienced a renewed relevance. “We’ve seen this all before!” they proclaim. Or, rather more shockingly, “we’ve never seen anything like this before!” Join us as we highlight why history matters, and learn how paleoecological information can help advance your favorite fundamental and applied questions in ecology…all in five minutes.