Current patterns of biological diversity are influenced by both historical and present-day factors, yet research in ecology and evolution is largely split between paleonto-logical and neontological studies. Responding to recent calls for integration, we provide a conceptual framework that capitalizes on data and methods from both disci-plines to investigate fundamental processes. We high-light the opportunities arising from a combined approach with four examples: (i) which mechanisms generate spatial and temporal variation in diversity; (ii) how traits evolve; (iii) what determines the temporal dynamics of geographical ranges and ecological niches; and (iv) how species–environment and biotic interactions shape community structure. Our framework provides conceptual guidelines for combining paleontological and neontological perspectives to unravel the fundamental processes shaping life on Earth.