Supplementary tables: Challenges and directions in analytical paleobiology

Supplementary tables for Dillon et al. Paleobiology: Challenges and directions in analytical paleobiology

Abstract: Over the last 50 years, access to new data and analytical tools has expanded the study of analytical paleobiology, contributing to innovative analyses of biodiversity dynamics over Earth’s history. Despite—or even spurred by—this growing availability of resources, analytical paleobiology faces deep-rooted obstacles that stem from the need for more equitable access to data and best practices to guide analyses of the fossil record. Recent progress has been accelerated by a collective push toward more collaborative, interdisciplinary, and open science, especially by early career researchers. Here, we survey four challenges facing analytical paleobiology from an early career perspective: (1) accounting for biases when interpreting the fossil record; (2) integrating fossil and modern biodiversity data; (3) building data science skills; and (4) increasing data accessibility and equity. We discuss recent efforts to address each challenge, highlight persisting barriers, and identify tools that have advanced analytical work. Given the inherent linkages between these challenges, we encourage discourse across disciplines to find common solutions. We also affirm the need for systemic changes that reevaluate how we conduct and share paleobiological research.

This article is accompanied by two supplementary tables. For each, we provide a .csv file and a formatted .xlsx file.

Supplementary Table 1. Examples of databases and online data portals used for paleobiological and (paleo)ecological research, along with their primary temporal, spatial, and taxonomic scope. N/A indicates that the corresponding information was either not applicable, undefined, or not readily available. The 'Modern' time period refers to last ~400 years unless otherwise specified.

File names: 

Supplementary Table 1_Dillon et al. Paleobiology_2022.csv

Supplementary Table 1 formatted_Dillon et al. Paleobiology_2022.xlsx

Supplementary Table 2. Examples of programming packages and tools that are commonly used to analyze and visualize paleo data. Tools are grouped by their primary functionality.

File names: 

Supplementary Table 2_Dillon et al. Paleobiology_2022.csv

Supplementary Table 2 formatted_Dillon et al. Paleobiology_2022.xlsx

Supplementary References. Full references for articles and software cited in the supplementary tables can be found in the supplementary references.

File names:

Supplementary References_Dillon et al. Paleobiology_2022.txt