Palynological Profile Research Articles

Honey-bearing potential of dendroflora in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The floristic composition and ecological characteristics of the area where honey grazing is carried out directly define the botanical origin as well as the physical and chemical properties of honey. The goal of this research was to determine the potential of woody and shrubby plant species in the apiflora from Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) based on the qualitative-quantitative palynological analysis of honey samples. In the research, 100 different types of honey samples from B&H were collected and analyzed. The melissopalinological preparations were prepared and analyzed in accordance with the Rulebook on methods for the control of honey and other bee products of B&H, as well as the methods proposed by ICBB. After the melissopalinological analysis, 25 plant families with a total of 30,000 pollen grains were identified, of which 16 were woody or shrubby plants with 18,126 pollen grains in the preparations. In the research, the most presented honey-bearing woody plants were: black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), chestnut (Castanea sativa) and linden (Tilia sp.). Each analyzed palynological profile represented a unique combination of pollen from honey-bearing plants, as a specific biological imprint of the place of honey grazing.

Palynological implications for the paleoclimate and paleoceanographic reconstruction of the East Sea since the early Pleistocene at IODP site U1430

Palynomorphs, including pollen and dinoflagellate cysts from marine sediments, can provide a history of paleoclimate and paleoceanography. We present new palynological profiles based on a core from the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Site U1430, which was drilled in the Ulleung Plateau East Sea. This core covers the past 2 Ma and spans the Mid-Pleistocene Transition (MPT, 1.2–0.8 Ma) and Mid-Brunhes Event (MBE, ∼0.43 Ma). Terrestrial and marine palynomorph records indicate orbital-scale variations in paleoclimate and paleoceanography, reflecting changes in the interconnections between vegetation, climate, and the ocean. Before the MPT, the high pollen taxa ratio and abundant temperate pollen suggest a relatively warm temperature associated with astronomical forcing-induced insolation changes. At ca. 1.3 Ma, boreal coniferous pollen increased, suggesting intensification of the East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM). The long-term trend of boreal coniferous pollen concentration was similar to that of benthic δ18O. This orbital scale boreal conifer pollen assemblage variation indicates Quaternary EAWM evolution controlled by changes in global ice volume and climatic cooling. The marine palynological data reflect the ocean circulation history of the study area, where sea level fluctuations and tectonic activity played important roles around the marginal sea. The abundance of warm-water dinoflagellate species after ca. 1.9 Ma, including Tuberculodinium vancampoae, indicates Tsushima Warm Current intrusion related to the expansion of the Korea (Tsushima) Strait. Nematosphaeropsis labyrinthus and other cold-water species increased markedly during the MPT, suggesting a low sea surface temperature and weakened vertical mixing of the East Sea due to the cooled climate and sea ice during the MPT. The marked sea level fluctuation associated with the glacial–interglacial cycling after the MBE resulted in an assemblage composition shift from cold to warm water species. Tsuga and Betula thrived during mild winters, primarily influenced by winter insolation. These genera were particularly prosperous in the early Pleistocene, coinciding with a strong intrusion of the Tsushima Warm Current (TWC). Our findings should be considered in developing a comprehensive understanding of the paleoclimate and paleoceanographic history of northern East Asia across the major climate transitions of the Pleistocene.

Contenido de oligoelementos y capacidad antioxidante en mieles de regiones fitogeográficas protegidas de Uruguay

Honey is a natural sweet substance produced by honey bees, from the nectars of plant flowers and honey dew. The components of honey vary depending on the geographical site and the existing flora. The objective of this work was to characterize Uruguayan honeys produced in different regions by composition of trace elements (Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Zn, I, Se), the antioxidant capacity, the total polyphenols, and the palynological profile. Sixty-six honey samples were obtained in two seasons, spring-summer and summer-autumn, from three regions of protected areas, and a fourth region associated with human activities. The results obtained show that the contents of Cu and Mn were significantly higher (P<0.05) in region C (1.785 ug/g and 4.668 ug/g). For Mo, the Q region presented 1.060 ug/g, being significantly different (P<0.05) from the other regions. The total polyphenol content from region C was significantly higher (P<0.05) (66.442 mg GAE/100g). Likewise, the antioxidant capacity presented significant differences (P<0.05) for region C in the spring-summerseason. Some species, genus or botanical families were only found in a particular region. This work allows us to affirm that honey can be differentiated by its micronutrient content associated with the total polyphenol content, and a higher antioxidant activity for certain regions, given by the floral species present in the region and the type of soil.

Palynological studies shed new light on the Neolithisation process in central Europe

A precisely dated, high-resolution palynological profile shows that around 5680 BCE a community that grew crops and raised livestock settled on the northern periphery of the area later covered by the LBK colonisations. This indicates that pioneer farmers reached this region around 300 years earlier than estimated by recognised models of the Neolithisation process. These findings point to the need for a revision of the Neolithisation model, not only regarding dating but also in terms of reassessing the role played by demographic pressure. The authors believe that the impact of the latter is widely overestimated, because the migration could also be caused by conflicts resulting from ethnic diversity and competition for prestige and access to the most valuable lands. Cooperation with hunter-gatherer communities could have been an additional factor that may have been particularly significant during the period of pioneering colonisation. The paper discusses the role of palynology in contemporary research on Neolithisation.

The Settlement and Economy of the Pyrzyce Lowland in the Pre-Roman and Roman Iron Ages

The article presents the results of research on the settlement of the Pyrzyce Lowland, NW Poland, in the Pre Roman and Roman Iron Ages. The central part of this area was covered in the past by a large water body, pre-Miedwie lake, which due to natural processes and subsequent human intervention was partially drained. In order to carry out the research, 85 Pre-Roman and 305 Roman Iron Age sites were catalogued. The main method of researching the spatial organization was triangulation and subsequent polygon networking. The results of the spatial analysis were confronted with data from lake Racze’s palynological profile. Thanks to this procedure information was obtained on settlement structures, population, environment and economy, as well as their changes in time. The similarities and differences between the Pre-Roman and Roman Iron Ages were then discussed. During the research a strong suggestion of settlements having been relocated according to changes of the palaeo-shoreline of pre-Miedwie lake was concluded. Also, the change from inhabiting large and stable settlements in PRIA to single, often relocating farms in RIA was registered. There were no significant changesin terms of economy, which stayed diversified during the entire PRIA and RIA periods. The changes in anthropopression were most likely linked with changes in population size, reflecting 8 distinct phases of settlement in the area.

TOWARDS THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE PRESENT-DAY HUMAN IMPACT ON PEATLAND DEPOSITS FORMED SINCE THE LATE GLACIAL: A “RETROSPECTIVE” AGE–DEPTH MODEL OF THE GREL RAISED BOG (POLISH INNER CARPATHIANS)

ABSTRACTDuring the last 60 years, the thickness of the Grel peatland deposits (Polish Inner Carpathians), was decreased twice: from about 7.4 m in 1962, to 3.9 m in 2019. Pollen analyses of peat deposits performed in 1962 (Koperowa 1962) and 2019 (this study) showed that the peatland deposits have accumulated since the Oldest Dryas Stadial up to the present day. Comparative analysis of both palynological profiles was carried out, which exhibits a high consistency of the percentage of pollen of several taxa for the 10 horizons occurring in both profiles. Based on the age–depth curve made for the new profile, the modeled age for the above-mentioned compliance levels was obtained and based on this age, a “retrospective” age–depth model was elaborated for the Koperowa’s profile. The analysis of both profiles showed that the compaction of sediments did not occur proportionally in the entire sequence. The conducted research indicates that contemporary human activity may significantly affect the whole length of peatland profiles, not only their upper parts, as previously was considered. The reconstruction of the palaeoenvironment (palaeoclimate) based on multiproxy analysis of the peatland deposits is capable to precisely document this phenomenon.

Methods for collecting spore and pollen samples from city pavements and the palynomorph distribution in urban areas

To test the validity and reliability of methods for collecting palynological samples from paved surfaces common in urban areas, palynomorphs at three concentration levels were collected from four pavement types using seven different methods. Results showed that more spores and pollen could be recovered from smooth surfaces than from other surface types, while sterile water˗soaked cotton swabs tended to yield comparable results from almost all experiments. However, where spores and pollen occurred in high concentrations, nearly all tools produced similar palynological profiles. The forensic potentiality of palynomorphs distributed over 17 different urban locations was also investigated. A total of 99 palynomorph taxa were recovered. Each sampling site contained different palynomorph assemblages due to a vast number of taphonomic variables. These localised variations strongly support the forensic use of spores and pollen found in cities.

Palynological profile and depositional environment of the Ishim formation (upper Miocene) in Tobol-Ishim interfluve, Western Siberia

For the first time some outcrops of the Upper Miocene Ishim Formation on the south of Tyumen Area near Pyatkovo, Masali and Bigila villages are studied by palynological method in detail. A series of mineralogical analyzes of these sediments and radiocarbon analysis of the Quaternary sediments overlying the Ishim Formation are done. Four palynocomplexes (PC) are established in the Ishim Formation: PC1 with Botryococcus; PC2 with Botryococcus, Sigmopollis; PC3 with Alnus, Polypodiaceae, Botryococcus, Sigmopollis; PC4 with Betula, Alnus, Corylus. The layers with PC1, PC2 и PC3 are traced in two outcrops near Masali and Bigila Villages. PC4 is revealed from the sands and aleuropelits of the outcrop near Pyatkovo Village, it is characterized by a significant content of diverse pollen of temperate termophylic broad-leafed taxa and by the presence of rare typical Miocene elements (Таxodiaceae, Nyssa, Tsuga). The PC3 and PC4 are compared with the complexes well known from the Neogene sediments of Western Siberia.
 PC5 with Betula, Herbae, Fungi is revealed from the bedded silts overlying the Ishim Formation in Masali outcrop. Previously, these sediments were attributed to the Late Miocene Pavlodar Formation. The composition and the structure of PC5 allowed making an assumption about Quaternary age of the enclosing sediments. Radiocarbon analysis of the organic substance from the silts showed, that these sediments were accumulated in the Late Pleistocene (Sartan Ice Age).
 For the first time the information about microphytoplankton (Botryococcus, Pediastrum, Zygnemataceae, Sigmopollis) and other nonpollen palynomorphs, contained in Ishim Formation (Upper Miocene) and in Pleistocene sediments, is given. On palynological data, some stages of development of the Late Miocene Ishim Basin and the type of vegetation surrounding this basin are considered. The depositional environment of Pleistocene sediments (Masali outcrop) is reconstructed.

Palynological Profile and Depositional Environment of the Ishim Formation (Upper Miocene) in Tobol–Ishim Interfluve, Western Siberia

For the first time, sections of the Upper Miocene Ishim Formation in the south of Tyumen oblast near the villages of Pyatkovo, Masali and Bigila were thoroughly studied by the palynological method. A series of mineralogical analyses of these sediments and radiocarbon analysis of the Quaternary sediments overlying the Ishim Formation were carried out. Four palynological assemblages (PA) were established in the Ishim Formation: PA1 with Botryococcus; PA2 with Botryococcus and Sigmopollis; PA3 with Alnus, Polypodiaceae, Botryococcus, and Sigmopollis; PA4 with Betula, Alnus, and Corylus. The layers with PA1, PA2, and PA3 were observed in two sections near Masali and Bigila. PA4 was found in sands and aleuropelites in the outcrop near Pyatkovo; it contained a significant amount of diverse pollen of temperate thermophylic broad-leaved taxa and scarce elements typical of Miocene (Taxodiaceae, Nyssa, and Tsuga). PA3 and PA4 were compared to the known complexes of Neogene sediments in Western Siberia. PA5 with Betula, Herbae, and Fungi was discovered in the bedded silts overlying the Ishim Formation in Masali outcrop. Previously, these sediments were attributed to the Late Miocene Pavlodar Formation. The composition and the structure of PA5 suggested Quaternary age of the hosting sediments. Radiocarbon analysis of the organic substance occurring in the silts has shown that these sediments were accumulated in the Late Pleistocene (Sartan Ice Age). For the first time, the information about microphytoplankton (Botryococcus, Pediastrum, Zygnemataceae, Sigmopollis) and other non-pollen palynomorphs contained in the Ishim Formation (Upper Miocene) and in Pleistocene sediments is presented. Development stages of the Late Miocene Ishim Basin were distinguished, the vegetation surrounding this basin was described, and the depositional environment of Pleistocene sediments (Masali outcrop) was reconstructed using palynological data.

Palynological analysis of soil in Portugal: potential for forensic science

Forensic palynology is a discipline used in criminal cases, the importance of which has been increasing within the forensic sciences worldwide over the past three decades. Palynological analysis of surface soil samples collected from crime scenes, items and individuals has already been proven to provide important evidence linking suspects, victims and items to specific locations. A palynological study of surface soil obtained in two Portuguese districts, Coimbra and Setubal, was undertaken. The main aim was to determine the value of soil samples regarding the plant community diversity in a given area of the country, based on the evaluation of palynomorph assemblages, and to determine whether any variation could be useful in a forensic palynology context. Five surface soil samples were obtained and processed from three representative types of habitat (dunes, mixed forest and scrub) within the two districts, providing 30 samples. In total, 5434 palynomorphs were analysed and 62 taxa identified, representing nine families, 42 genera and 11 species. Results show that both districts were generally characterised by high pollen taxa frequencies, by composition diversity and by distinct palynological profiles for each district, area and collection site. In conclusion, this study shows that different locations varied in their pollen profiles, which may be of use to forensic palynologists.

Bloom of the diatom, Biddulphia sp. and ecology of Pulicat lagoon, Southeast India in the aftermath of the 2015 north east monsoonal rainfall.

Pulicat lagoon in the south-east coast of India is recharged with the highest fresh water influx annually during north-east winter monsoon. An abrupt heavy rainfall in November-December 2015 was a flood calamity in the region that inundated the lagoon. We investigated the physico-chemical characteristics and palynological profile of the surface sediments from the lagoon at water depth between 0.5 and 2m to understand the impact of the 2015 event. On the basis of a 'marine index', three zones were demarcated, the 'LC zone' (Araniar river-lagoon confluence, south), the 'LM zone' and the 'LL zone' (Kalangi river confluence, north) showing values of 4.55, 1.25 and 0.25, respectively, indicating the extent of tidal influence. The dissolved oxygen, pH and salinity ranged between 6.4 and 9.6mg/L, 7.96-9.23 and average ~ 12.3ppt at different sites, respectively. The highest salinity (31 and 31.8ppt) was in the LC zone along with the highest dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) concentrations (275-288mmol/m3) too. The dissolved inorganic phosphates (DIP) ranged between 8.5 and 29.5mmol/m3, which was relatively high. Sandy sediment, high sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-) ions too indicate the landward extension of seawater influx. Forsterite (Mg2SiO4) and beta-uranophane (Ca[(UO2)SiO3(OH)]2.(H2O) minerals show higher values with the dominance of olivine (MgFe)2SiO4) and quartz (SiO2) in this zone indicating magnitude of fresh water influx too through Araniar river. The highest calcium, magnesium and potassium ions were also observed in LC zone. Fe-rich goethite, calcite and aragonite were recorded at all sites but with dominance of illite in LL zone. Halite, an evaporite recorded from all sites shows inundation of the entire lagoon during flooding event. Results show a bloom of Biddulphia pulchella, B. biddulphiana and B. laevis in association with Cladophora in LC zone which serves as potential indicators of physico-chemical characteristics of the lagoon showing intense response to catastrophic events of floods due to above normal monsoon variability.

Questioning the reliability of “ancient” woodland indicators: Resilience to interruptions and persistence following deforestation

Indicator species can provide invaluable insights into environmental conditions but robust empirical testing of their effectiveness is essential. Ancient woodland indicators (AWIs) are plant species considered indicative of sites that have been continuously wooded for a long period by virtue of poor dispersal ability and intolerance of non-woodland habitats. Many countries now utilise AWI species lists to classify ancient woodlands. Here we use a metastudy approach to test resilience of AWIs to interruptions and persistence following deforestation − and thus the robustness of using AWI lists − using a novel approach. We compare current AWI assemblage with woodland history based on pollen evidence at nine sites across the UK with a robustly-dated and spatially-precise palynological profile. Sites were split into: (1) proven continuous woodland; (2) previously interrupted woodland; and (3) previously but not currently wooded. Vegetation history was >1000years at most sites. Assessment of ancientness using AWIs agreed with palynologically-proven ancient woodland at two sites, including a species-poor woodland of previously-uncertain age. However, four interrupted woodland sites and three clear-felled sites supported extensive AWI floristic communities. This suggests AWIs are resilient to interruptions, possibly by remaining in the seed bank longer than expected, and persistent following deforestation. Persistence might be due to other species (e.g. heathland plants) acting as pseudo-canopy or because some AWIs are more tolerant of non-woodland locations than previously thought. We conclude that use of floristic AWIs alone in defining ancient woodland should be reviewed, especially where status links to planning policy and conservation prioritisation. We suggest species on AWI lists be reviewed under expert and local guidance and a system of weighting species based on their strict or strong affinity solely with ancient woodland be developed. The use of multi-taxa indicators is recommended to allow stakeholders globally to make informed decisions about ancient woodland status.

Mycotoxicological and palynological profiles of commercial brands of dried bee pollen.

Pollen is used in the human diet as a food supplement because of its high nutritional value; however, this product is prone to fungal contamination that could potentially generate toxins that are harmful to human health. This study aimed to verify the floral diversity of commercial brands of bee pollen and their mycotoxicological safety for human consumption. A total of 27 bee pollen samples were analyzed; these samples represented commercial brands, either showing an inspection seal or not, marketed in the State of Rio de Janeiro. The analyzed parameters included floral diversity through palynological analysis, water activity, fungal counts, identification and toxigenic profiles. The palynological analysis identified nine plant families, of which the Asteraceae was predominant. Analysis of hygienic quality based on fungal load showed that 92% of samples were reproved according to the commercial, sanitary, and food safety quality indicators. Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Penicillium were the most common genera. Toxigenic evaluation showed that 25% of the A. flavus strains produced aflatoxins. The high rate of contamination of products bearing an inspection seal emphasizes the need to monitor the entire procedure of bee pollen production, as well as to revise the current legislation to ensure safe commercialization of this product.

Protocols for forensic palynology

Palynology has developed over the last 100 years, and has been used chiefly in palaeoecology, environmental archaeology, geology, and taxonomy. Many publications concern general and esoteric methods used in branches of palynology, but most are derived from the Quaternary sciences. The literature in forensic palynology, in contrast, is relatively small, disparate, and fragmented. No comprehensive guide to best practice for the forensic palynologist has previously been published. The protocols presented here address that need, and are based, though not exclusively, on the author's experience over 20 years, primarily in the UK and Ireland where every police force has been assisted in some way. Regional differences in police practices have been ignored here, and the protocols concentrate on essential requirements. The spectrum of activity from first encounter with a client (such as the police) to a final court appearance is addressed, and can be applied wherever forensic palynology is employed. While procedures can be standardised to a considerable extent, it is not possible to provide guidelines on the interpretation of data. Interpretative skills require repeated exposure to casework and an understanding of the complexity of palynological taphonomy (all the factors affecting whether a palynomorph will be found at a particular place, at a particular time). As every case is unique, each presents new challenges, so a fully formulaic or inflexible protocol would be unhelpful in the interpretation of palynological profiles. References to more detailed information are provided where other literature, especially in Quaternary science, is inadequate for forensic purposes.

CORRELATING THE POLLENS GATHERED BY APIS MELLIFERA WITH THE LANDSCAPE FEATURES IN WESTERN FRANCE

Honey bee health depends on various factors, including the availability of food resources and chronic exposure to toxins in the foraging area. These parameters can be evaluated using indicators based on either pollen gathered to the hive or landscape features of the foraging area, including the structure, land use, or density of such specific landscape elements as hedgerows. This study examines the correlation between the diversity of pollens gathered and the landscape features in a 3-km radius using Geographic Information System technology. Palynological analyses were performed on pollen pellets collected from sixteen apiaries in western France during one year. Richness, diversity and similarity indices were calculated for land-cover features and palynological data and then compared. The land-cover analyses permitted the identification of three different landscape contexts (hedgerow, cultivated, and urban landscapes). Although the palynological profiles were highly diverse, some taxa were conserved between hives. The flower richness was greater in the apiaries from urban landscapes than in apiaries from rural landscapes, regardless of the dominant land-cover. The statistical analysis did not associate a specific flora with a specific landscape. However, it was possible to distinguish the pollen gathered by bees in urban landscapes and from pollen collected in rural areas

Consideration of some taphonomic variables of relevance to forensic palynological investigation in the United Kingdom

Palynology is a long established and respected branch of environmental science that has been applied to criminal investigation in a meaningful way only in recent years. It has proved to be remarkably versatile in many kinds of criminal enquiry. It is not, however, an absolute science; palynological data are on a par with the suites of symptoms which allow medical practitioners to make diagnoses. Taphonomic variability is the main factor complicating interpretation of forensic palynological data. Palynological taphonomy may be defined as “all the factors that influence whether a palynomorph (pollen, spore, or other microscopic entity) will be found at a specific place at a specific time”. If taphonomic variability is anticipated, and regularly tested, palynology will continue to keep its place in the armoury of useful forensic methods. Some assumptions made by palynologists engaged in palaeoecology and archaeology have been shown to be untenable in the forensic context. Palynological and botanical profiling of crime scenes has demonstrated anomalies which challenge received wisdoms. It has proved impossible to obtain palynological population data because every site is unique—expectations of any palynological profile can only be crude. The palynological status of any place must be tested every time. Without a body of analytical data from the actual crime scene, it is difficult to see how any palynologist can hope to present credible arguments under cross-examination. The statements made in this paper relate mainly to work carried out in the United Kingdom.

A multitracer study of peat profiles from Tunguska, Siberia

Two peat columns from Tunguska (Siberia) were analysed for pollen, spores, charcoal, trace elements and γ-emitters in order to identify the fingerprints of the impact of a still unidentified cosmic body (TCB), which occurred in the summer of 1908, and the level of environmental pollution in a background area of central Siberia. Peat layers were subject to non-destructive γ-ray spectrometry to derive radiochronology by the excess 210Pb method. The age-to-depth relationship was crosschecked by using both 1963 horizon of 137Cs associated to maximum global fallout deposition and palynological data profiles. Vertical distributions of trace elements in the peat columns were obtained by PIXE multielemental analysis allowing determination of the levels of environmental contamination in a background region of the Siberian taiga. The association of heavy metals such as Ni, Co and Cu in the profiles suggests the connection of the area with mining and metal smelting activity in the north of the region through atmospheric circulation. As concerns global scale contamination, the inventory of the artificial radionuclide 137Cs (4.6 kBq m − 2 ) shows a value typical of remote slightly contaminated areas resulting from global scale redistribution of radioactive fallout from Cold War nuclear weapon testing. The atmospheric inventory of the natural radionuclide 210Pb, for which a mean annual flux of 200 Bq m − 2 yr − 1 has been calculated, is typical of continental regions. The influence of Tunguska Cosmic Body in the peat is recognizable by a large discontinuity in the palynological profile of the peat monolith at a depth coinciding with the 1908 layer as determined by the 210Pb technique, showing a large peak of total pollen counting attributed to the impact of the shockwave on the area in which huge tree stands were destroyed. Following the event, tree pollen concentration decreases abruptly showing the temporary inception of a mire environment with an increase of Sphagnum spore concentrations. Results of elemental analysis so far available do not show anomalies in the concentration profiles at depths coinciding with the Tunguska event layer indicating the need for pre-concentration technique enabling the detection of element associations typical of extraterrestrial materials.

Late Pleistocene/Holocene climatic and vegetational history of the Brazilian caatinga: the fossil dunes of the middle São Francisco River

Palynological studies of a peat-bog sequence, with a basal date of 10,990±80 yr B.P., provide a history of vegetational and climatic changes in the Icatu River Valley located inside a large system of stabilized sand dunes at the middle São Francisco River at 10°24′S, 43°13′W in northeastern Brazil. The present day vegetation of the valley is `vereda' a Mauritia vinifera palm swamp forest bordered by a narrow strip of semi-deciduous tropical forest. The adjacent dunes are stabilized by arboreal caatinga and cerrado vegetation in some areas. The palynological profile of the Saquinho locality within this valley was divided into five pollen zones: Zone SA1 (10,990–10,540 yr B.P.) contains pollen of taxa found in present Amazonian and Atlantic forests, as well as from montane taxa, thus suggesting very humid climatic conditions synchronous with more reduced temperatures. Zone SA2 (10,540–6790 yr B.P.) has pollen spectra from a vegetation type dominated by Mauritia, suggesting progressive warming and high humidity levels. The period between 8920 and 8910 yr B.P. has rapid sedimentation rate, few thermoluminescence (TL) dates, pronounced increase of Mauritia and Ilex pollen suggesting a very moist climate. From 8910 to 6790 yr B.P. there is a progressive decline in forest taxa and a gradual increase of caatinga and cerrado taxa on the landscape. Zone SA3 (6790–ca. 6230 yr B.P.) does not contain palynomorphs, possibly indicating semi-arid conditions. Zone SA4 (ca. 6230–ca. 4535 yr B.P.) marks the return of mosaic vegetation composed of gallery forest, cerrado and caatinga taxa indicating moister climatic conditions. A marked decline in moisture levels characterizes the period between 4240 yr B.P. and Present, as suggested by an increase in caatinga and cerrado species and a decline in gallery forest taxa. Zone SA5 (ca. 4535 yr B.P.–Present) establishes the present vegetational and climatic pattern of the Icatu River Valley.

Vegetational history of the Springfield coal (Middle Pennsylvanian of Illinois) and distribution patterns of a tree-fern miospore, Thymospora pseudothiessenii, based on miospore profiles

The vegetational history of the Springfield (No. 5) Coal Member in the southwestern and southeasternmost portion of the Illinois Basin is reconstructed from palynological profiles of the coal seam. In most parts of the swamp dominance was shared by arborescent lycopods that produced Lycospora granulata, and two tree ferns that produced Thymospora pseudothiessenii and Laevigatosporites globosus. The profiles suggest that populations of the Thymospora producing tree fern occupied sites for long periods. In the Southwestern portion of the basin vegetation changes can be correlated to the splitting of a coal in the proximity to a paleochannel. A greater understanding of the ecological requirements of some of the spore taxa of the Springfield Coal is seen by the patterns of the same taxa in surrounding Spoon and Carbondale Coals. Some taxa appear to be more generalists and other more specialists that are more restricted to a certain type of coal.

Première étude palynologique du gisement paléolithique de Biache- Saint-Vaast (Pas-de-Calais)

In 1976, several palynological profiles were sampled during the archeological exacavations at Biache St-Vaast. (Northen France). They show that the paleolithic settlement is contemporary of a Saalian interstadial. The dominance of Quercus (22,7 %) and the relative abundance of Fagus (6,4 %) give to this interstadial a temperate aspect, in agreement with the faunistic studies.