Palaeopalynology

Abstract

All kinds of microfossils recovered from sediments by palynological methods (maceration in acids and alkalis, separation by heavy liquids) are termed palynomorphs. This refers to spores and pollen, acritarchs, dinoflagellates, tiny fruiting bodies of fungi, etc. The discipline dealing with palynomorphs is called palaeopalynology or merely palynology. Some palynomorphs have been under consideration in other chapters. This chapter treats those sections of palynology which are most closely associated with investigations of the morphology, systematics and evolution of higher plants. Other information on palynology can be gleaned from the literature reviews (Chaloner, 1968b; Chaloner and Muir, 1968; Faegri and Iversen, 1975; Kremp, 1965; Paleopalinologia, 1966; R. Potonié, 1956–1970; 1973; R. Potonié and Kremp, 1970; Shaw, 1970; Taylor, 1981).