Palynomorfer

Palynomorfer, or palynomorphs, are microscopic organic particles preserved in sediments and studied in palynology. They include pollen grains, spores, dinoflagellate cysts, acritarchs, and other microfossils produced by plants and algae.

Many palynomorphs have durable wall material such as sporopollenin, which allows them to survive chemical and physical weathering and to travel long distances. Terrestrial palynomorphs mainly originate from plants such as conifers and flowering plants; marine palynomorphs include dinoflagellate cysts. Their preservation and transport make them useful for reconstructing past environments.

Palynomorphs occur in sedimentary rocks, soils, and peat, spanning much of Earth history in favorable records, though most practical studies focus on the Phanerozoic. They provide information on past vegetation, climate, and landscape change, and their assemblages reflect shifts in ecosystems over time.

Processing involves collecting samples, digesting mineral matter with acids, and concentrating the remaining organic particles for examination under light or scanning electron microscopy. Palynologists identify and count grains to produce diagrams that track changes in relative abundance and composition through successive layers.

Applications of palynology include biostratigraphy and dating of sediments, reconstruction of past climates and environments, vegetation history, fire events, and support for hydrocarbon exploration and archaeological studies. Limitations include preservation bias, reworking of old palynomorphs, regional variation, and taxonomic uncertainty, underscoring the need for careful preparation, reference collections, and standardized counting methods.