Advances in Quaternary Studies: The Contribution of Mammalian Fossil Record

Dear Colleagues,

The multifaceted and intriguing evolutionary history of mammals, which led to today’s biodiversity and biogeographical setting, mingles with those of paleogeographical, climatic and environmental changes.

The Quaternary period, recording the most dramatic change in the Earth climate system, is of particular interest when scrutinizing the causal factors leading to the progressive reconstruction of mammalian communities, as well as the changes in biogeography and biodiversity.

This Special Issue, “Advances in Quaternary Studies: The Contribution of Mammalian Fossil Record” aims to present the state-of-the-art and the diversity within the field, the most advanced research on fauna dynamics with the purpose of evaluating the significance of the species responses to Quaternary climatic changes, and comparing evolutionary scenarios during time and across space.

Deciphering the complex network of mechanisms driving fauna evolution, likewise, is of crucial relevance to understand the actual meaning of the so-called sixth mass extinction, and to plan appropriate actions for biodiversity conservation in view of the ongoing climate warming. The Special Issue allows for stretching our imagination beyond the present, and collects insights into the Earth’s ecosystems future scenario through a lesson from the past.

Prof. Maria Rita Palombo
Guest Editor