The Evolution of Paleontological Methods
While the image of a paleontologist often involves a brush and a hammer in a dusty field, the reality at the IPE is increasingly digital and high-tech. Our researchers combine classical field investigation with a suite of advanced laboratory techniques. This integration allows us to extract far more information from a single fossil than was ever possible in the past.
MicroCT Imaging and Digital Morphometrics
One of the most transformative tools in our arsenal is microCT imaging. This technology allows us to peer inside fossils without damaging them, revealing internal structures that have been hidden for millions of years. Coupled with digital morphometrics, we can quantitatively analyze the shapes of ancient organisms to understand their evolutionary trajectories with unprecedented precision.
Geochemical and Isotopic Clues
We also look at the very atoms that make up a fossil. Through geochemical analyses and isotopic geochemistry, our scientists can reconstruct ancient diets, migration patterns, and even the temperatures of prehistoric oceans. These methods provide a window into the environmental changes that shaped life, offering insights into climate-driven ecological transformations.
Quantitative Modeling and Reproducible Science
Data at the IPE is not just collected; it is modeled. We use quantitative modeling to test hypotheses about evolution and extinction. Furthermore, all our findings are published under FAIR data principles, ensuring that our science is findable, accessible, interoperable, and reproducible for the global research community
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