The Neotoma Database

Neotoma is a multiproxy database that includes fossil data for the past 5 million years, the time during which modern species, including humans, and modern ecosystems appeared. The initial database aggregates the Global Pollen Database, FAUNMAP, the North American Plant Macrofossil Database, and a fossil beetle database into a single integrated database. These databases have become critical infrastructure for paleobiological research. They are used for almost every aspect of this research--from broad-scale synoptic studies to understanding the context of local site studies to using the database as a taxonomic standard. They are also widely used as teaching tools. Their integration facilitates new lines of research and even more use of these data.

Purposes:

• Facilitate studies of ecosystem development and response to climate change.
• Provide the historical context for understanding biodiversity dynamics, including genetic diversity.
• Provide the data for climate-model validation.
• Facilitate analyses of biostratigraphy.
• Provide a safe, long-term archive for a wide variety of paleobiological data.
• Lower the cost of paleodata management.

Implementation

A new data model has been developed for disparate types of paleobiological data. The database is implemented in Microsoft SQL Server, a highly scalable client-server relational database management system suitable for web servicing. Database products such as data files and graphics may therefore by delivered in real time from the current database rather than from prepackaged files and graphics. Interoperability with Microsoft Access and free desktop editions of SQL Server facilitate development with local standalone versions of the database. The database is initially being developed, maintained, and served by the Center for Environmental Informatics at Pennsylvania State University, but it has been explicitly designed to facilitate linkages to other paleoclimate and paleoecological data repositories.

Support

The Neotoma database is supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation Geoinformatics Program, grant numbers 0622349 to Pennsylvania State University and 0622289 to the Illinois State Museum Society. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed on this web site are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.