In recent years, significant advancements in DNA extraction, sequencing technologies, mass spectrometry-based methods, computing power, and analytical techniques have transformed the study of ancient DNA and proteins. These developments have greatly expanded palaeontological and evolutionary research possibilities, offering a clearer window into the past. Additionally, this knowledge can assist researchers in predicting future ecological changes.

We welcome submissions on topics including, but not limited to:

• Paleoecology and ecosystem reconstructions: Insights from paleogenomic and paleoproteomic data to study past biodiversity, ecosystem dynamics, and species-environment interactions

• Extinct species and megafauna: Spatial and temporal distribution of extinct taxa, including Pleistocene megafauna, and their responses to environmental change

• Adaptation, domestication, and admixture: Genetic and protein-based evidence to uncover evolutionary processes in ancient populations

• Conservation and extinction: Lessons from ancient genomes and proteins to understand extinction dynamics and inform modern conservation efforts

• Ancient plants and microbial communities: Novel approaches to reconstruct past vegetation, microbial evolution, and marine ecosystems

• Theoretical advances: Rates of evolutionary change, population history, phylogeny, and species response to climate change and anthropogenic impacts

• Technical challenges and innovations: Addressing PCR biases that favor model or contaminate DNA, Preventing DNA degradation and improving DNA recovery, tackling incomplete reference databases, computational methods to improve sequence identification, taxonomic assignment, and noise filtering in highly fragmented datasets and developing frameworks for verifying and integrating data from multiple reference sources

BMC Ecology and Evolution welcomes submissions to its new Collection on Bioacoustics and soundscape ecology. By studying how animals use sound and how noise impacts them, you can learn a lot about the well-being of an ecosystem and the animals living there. In support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13: Climate action, 14: Life below water and 15: Life on land, the Collection will consider research on:

The use of sound for communication

The evolution of acoustic signals

The use of bioacoustics for taxonomy and systematics

The use of sound for biodiversity monitoring

The impacts of noise on animal development, behavior, sound production and reception

The effect of anthropogenic noise on the physiology, behavior and ecology of animals

Innovative technologies and methods to collect and analyze acoustic data to study animals and the health of ecosystems

Reviews and commentary articles are welcome following consultation with the Editor

(Jennifer.harman@springernature.com).