A guide to the processing and standardization of global palaeoecological data for large‐scale syntheses using fossil pollen

作者：Suzette G. A. Flantua, Ondřej Mottl, Vivian A. Felde, Kuber P. Bhatta, Hilary H. Birks, John‐Arvid Grytnes, Alistair W. R. Seddon, H. J. B. Birks · 发表于：Global Ecology and Biogeography · 年份：2023 · DOI：10.1111/geb.13693 · 被引用次数：38 · 研究领域：Geology and Paleoclimatology Research、Geochemistry and Geologic Mapping、Species Distribution and Climate Change

Abstract Aim Palaeoecological data are crucial for comprehending large‐scale biodiversity patterns and the natural and anthropogenic drivers that influence them over time. Over the last decade, the availability of open‐access research databases of palaeoecological proxies has substantially increased. These databases open the door to research questions needing advanced numerical analyses and modelling based on big‐data compilations. However, compiling and analysing palaeoecological data pose unique challenges that require a guide for producing standardized and reproducible compilations. Innovation We present a step‐by‐step guide of how to process fossil pollen data into a standardized dataset compilation ready for macroecological and palaeoecological analyses. We describe successive criteria that will enhance the quality of the compilations. Though these criteria are project and research question‐dependent, we discuss the most important assumptions that should be considered and adjusted accordingly. Our guide is accompanied by an R‐workflow—called FOSSILPOL —and corresponding R‐package—called R‐Fossilpol— that provide a detailed protocol ready for interdisciplinary users. We illustrate the workflow by sourcing and processing Scandinavian fossil pollen datasets and show the reproducibility of continental‐scale data processing. Main Conclusions The study of biodiversity and macroecological patterns through time and space requires large‐scale syntheses of palaeoecological dataset...