Paleobiology Database: Mapping the History of Life
The Paleobiology Database (PBDB) serves as a comprehensive online resource dedicated to the distribution and classification of fossilized life. By aggregating data on fossil animals, plants, and microorganisms, the PBDB provides a critical framework for scientists to analyze how life has evolved and shifted across the globe over millions of years.
Key Facts
- Purpose: Tracks the classification and geographic distribution of fossil plants, animals, and microorganisms.
- Current Home: Housed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
- Governance: Overseen by an international committee of major data contributors.
- Collaborations: Works closely with the Neotoma Paleoecology Database and the EarthLife Consortium.
- Funding History: Supported by the NCEAS, the National Science Foundation, and the Australian Research Council.
Evolution and History of the PBDB
The origins of the PBDB can be traced back to the Phanerozoic Marine Paleofaunal Database initiative, which was funded by the NCEAS and operated from August 1998 through August 2000. Following this initial phase, the database received significant funding from the National Science Foundation between 2000 and 2015, as well as support from the Australian Research Council.
For a decade (2000–2010), the PBDB was hosted at the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS), a cross-disciplinary research hub within the University of California, Santa Barbara. Today, the database is managed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Synergy with Neotoma and EarthLife
The PBDB operates in tandem with the Neotoma Paleoecology Database. While they share a similar intellectual foundation, Neotoma focuses specifically on the Quaternary period—emphasizing the late Pleistocene and Holocene—at timescales ranging from decades to millennia. Together, these two databases helped establish the EarthLife Consortium, a non-profit umbrella organization dedicated to the free and easy sharing of paleobiological and paleoecological data.
Contributing Researchers and Academic Support
The database is a collaborative effort involving a vast network of international experts. Contributing researchers represent prestigious institutions worldwide, ensuring the data remains robust and comprehensive.
| Researcher | Affiliated Institution |
|---|---|
| Martin Aberhan, Wolfgang Kiessling, Johannes Müller | Museum für Naturkunde |
| Kay Behrensmeyer, Matt Carrano, Bill DiMichele, Pete Wagner, Robin Whatley, Scott Wing | Smithsonian Institution |
| John Alroy | Macquarie University |
| Charles R. Marshall | University of California, Berkeley |
| Michael Foote | University of Chicago |
| Xiaoming Wang | Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County |
Scientific Criticism and Data Integrity
As with any large-scale data compilation, the PBDB has faced academic scrutiny. Donald Prothero has argued that range data for several Cenozoic mammal families may be exaggerated. He suggests this is the result of the uncritical inclusion of mistaken data, highlighting the ongoing challenge of maintaining accuracy in large taxonomic databases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of the Paleobiology Database?
The PBDB is an online resource used to track the classification and distribution of fossilized microorganisms, plants, and animals.
How does the PBDB differ from the Neotoma Paleoecology Database?
While both share similar goals, Neotoma focuses on the Quaternary period (specifically the late Pleistocene and Holocene) and operates on shorter timescales, such as decades to millennia.
Who currently manages the Paleobiology Database?
The database is currently housed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is overseen by an international committee of major data contributors.
What is the EarthLife Consortium?
The EarthLife Consortium is a non-profit umbrella organization created by the PBDB and Neotoma to support the free and open sharing of paleoecological and paleobiological data.
Has the PBDB been criticized by the scientific community?
Yes, researcher Donald Prothero has asserted that some range data for Cenozoic mammal families are exaggerated due to the inclusion of inaccurate data.