Silent past: Biogeographic gaps in the Cenozoic fossil archive

This dataset accompanies an analysis of fossil information loss across the Cenozoic and integrates palaeoclimatic reconstructions, lithological sedimentary data, and fossil occurrences. The dataset includes processed climatic variables (temperature and precipitation) derived from the HadCM3 model at 14 geological intervals from 66 to 0 Ma, categorized into Köppen-Geiger climate zones. Lithological data were extracted from a generalized global geological map (Chorlton, 2007) to isolate sedimentary formations with fossil preservation potential. Fossil occurrence records were obtained from the Paleobiology Database (PBDB) as of February 2025. The R script provided merges and analyses these data layers to assess the spatial-temporal overlap between climate zones, sedimentary coverage, and fossil distribution. Outputs include estimates of information loss in the fossil record due to the absence of suitable depositional environments within specific climate zones. This dataset facilitates reproducibility of the analyses and supports reuse for studies involving palaeoclimatic modeling, fossil preservation biases, or Cenozoic biodiversity patterns. No ethical or legal restrictions apply to the use of these data.