瞭望·瞭望访谈 | 让中国古生物学在国际拥有更高话语权——专访中国科学院院士徐星

Core Insights - China's paleontology has gained significant international influence and aims to increase its presence in global scientific discourse through more contributions and recognition in textbooks [1][8]. Group 1: Achievements and Contributions - The 2025 Future Science Prize awarded to scientists for fossil evidence linking birds to dinosaurs highlights China's advancements in paleontology [2]. - Xu Xing, a prominent figure in the field, has published over 300 papers and named more than 80 new dinosaur species, elevating China's status in dinosaur research [2][3]. Group 2: Research Methodologies - The discovery of the earliest known flying dinosaur, the "Qiyulong," challenges traditional views on the evolution of flight, showcasing the importance of advanced imaging techniques like CT scans [3][4]. - The integration of artificial intelligence in paleontological research is becoming more prevalent, aiding in the processing of complex data [5]. Group 3: Future Directions - The future of paleontology is expected to involve a fusion of geological and biological data, enhancing the understanding of evolutionary processes [7][12]. - China's unique fossil resources from the Mesozoic era provide a significant opportunity for impactful research, particularly in reconstructing ancient ecosystems [9]. Group 4: Educational and Institutional Challenges - The field of paleontology faces challenges in talent cultivation due to its niche status and limited job prospects, although public interest is growing [10][11]. - Continuous investment in basic scientific research is essential for the long-term development of paleontology in China [11]. Group 5: Climate Change Insights - Paleontological studies offer critical insights into historical climate changes and their impacts on biodiversity, which can inform current ecological challenges [15][16]. - Understanding past mass extinction events can provide valuable lessons for addressing contemporary environmental crises [15][16].