Modern marine oxygen-deficiency research inspires search for fossil record
Life in Deep Time
How did rainforests and reefs respond to changes in temperature and carbon dioxide in the past? How did species evolve as a result of geological changes? What were tropical ecosystems like before humans? Our scientists address these questions using a rich fossil record. Their investigations look at the rise of the first tropical forests tens of millions of years ago; how marine species diverged after being isolated on either side of the Isthmus of Panama a few million of years ago; and how reefs and forests have changed over thousands of years in response to climate change and human impact.
Ira Rubinoff, Emeritus Director, retires from STRI
“Tropical forests are the result of an accident of history.” - Carlos Jaramillo.
New book offers deep-time tour of Colombia
What were Caribbean coral reefs like before humans?
How long has Central America been so biologically diverse?