Quaternary palaeoecology

Quaternary palaeoecology studies past environments and ecosystems from the Quaternary period (the last 2.6 million years) by examining evidence like fossils, pollen, and sediments. It helps scientists understand how climate changes, ice ages, and human activities influenced the distribution of plants, animals, and ecosystems over time. This field provides insights into natural ecological responses to environmental shifts, informing our understanding of current climate impacts and future changes. Essentially, it reconstructs how life on Earth adapted through recent geological history, aiding in predicting how ecosystems might evolve in the face of ongoing climate change.