An integrative paleolimnological approach for studying evolutionary processes

The field of paleolimnology has made tremendous progress in reconstructing past biotic and abiotic environmental conditions of aquatic ecosystems based on sediment records. This, together with the rapid development of molecular technologies, provides new opportunities for studying evolutionary processes affecting lacustrine communities over multicentennial to millennial timescales. From an evolutionary perspective, such analyses provide important insights into the chronology of past environmental conditions, the dynamics of phenotypic evolution, and species diversification. Here, we review recent advances in paleolimnological, paleogenetic, and molecular approaches and highlight how their integrative use can help us better understand the ecological and evolutionary responses of species and communities to environmental change.

Automated summary

The field of paleolimnology has made significant progress in reconstructing past environmental conditions of aquatic ecosystems based on sediment records. Advances in molecular technologies have further enhanced the understanding of evolutionary processes and species diversification over long timescales. Integrative use of paleolimnological, paleogenetic, and molecular approaches provides important insights into ecological and evolutionary responses of species and communities to environmental change.