Palynological Studies Research Articles

Satish G. Udhoji (1945-2022)

Satish G. Udhoji was born on 28.06.1945. He passed B. Sc. in 1965 and M. Sc. in 1967 from Geology Department of Nagpur University, Nagpur. After passing M. Sc, he joined Indian Bureau of Mines in Mineral Exploration Division which later merged with Geological Survey of India (GSI). Initially, he was working in Mineral Exploration for Manganese Ore and transferred later to GSI, Nagpur. At Nagpur, he worked in mineral exploration for few years and was later shifted to the Palaeontology Division. At Palaeontology Division, he worked on palynological study of rocks from Central India. During his stay at Nagpur, he completed LLB in 1987. Besides geology, he had good knowledge of legal matters and he was consulted frequently on legal matters. Later, he was posted to the Publication Division due to skill of meticulous scrutiny of technical matters. He was expertin scrutiny and publication of scientific articles, which was acclaimed all over GSI. His contribution in printing Seminar volume, GSI news and brochure during the celebration of “150 years of GSI” was well appreciated. Later, he was posted to Bengaluru, where he worked as a Head of Office also. He retired from GSI, Nagpur as a Director Publication. He was an active member of GGS, who contributed well during the Seminars, mostly managing publication of proceeding volumes. He was also consulted frequently about legal matters. His demise at the age of 76 years is an unbearable loss to GGS.

Early Jurassic Flood Basalt Volcanism on the Franz Josef Land Archipelago: Geological and Palynostratigraphical Data

Biostratigraphic evidence of the presence of Early Jurassic flood basalts on the Franz Josef Land archipelago is presented. The flood basalts form layered section with two units, which is not discovered for Early Cretaceous basalts. The lower unit is composed by large-columnar basalts (colonnade), and the upper unit by small-columnar (entablature) chaotic-fan basalts. On the Hooker Island, the basalt flow is exposed on the Sedov Plateau, on the Lunacharsky Rock Cape and, possibly, on Al’banov Cape. On the southern slope of the Sedov Plateau, the basalt flow overlaps sands and sandstones, which contain palynoassemblage of the lower Toarcian. In the Lunacharsky Rock Cape outcrop, the underlying basalt sands are of the Pliensbachian to Early Toarcian chronostratigraphic interval. Apart from the Hooker Island, we observed basalts with the “colonnade/entablature” on three other islands: Scott Keltie, May and Leigh-Smith. The most complete section was found in the western part of the Leigh-Smith Island, where basalts are underlain and overlapped by sand units. The underlying sands in contact with basalts have a quenching zone. There is no quenching zone at the contact with the overlapping sands. A palynocomplex from the lower sand unit is early Toarcian in age. The palynocomplex found in the upper sand unit indicates its accumulation in the interval from the lower part of the late Toarcian to the early Aalenian. A palynological study of the underlying and overlying deposits of the basalt flow has shown that the flow is underlain by continental and coastal-marine sediments of the Pliensbachian to the upper part of the early Toarcian age interval. Basalt flow is overlain by the earliest late Toarcian–early Aalenian marine sediments. According to the modern chronostratigraphic scale, the age of the basalt flow can be estimated as approximately 180 million years, which is quite consistent with the earlier obtained 40Ar/39Ar data of 189.1 ± 11.4 million years. These data indicate that the basalt flow was formed during a narrow stratigraphic interval of the uppermost lower–earliest upper Toarcian.

Palynoflora and palaeoenvironment of the early Miocene palaeolake from the Bełchatów mine, central Poland

The Bełchatów lignite deposits are a rich archive allowing palaeoenvironmental, palaeoecological and palaeoclimatic reconstructions from the Neogene and Quaternary periods. We describe the results of palynological studies (including non-pollen palynomorphs) of eight samples from the lower Miocene KRAM-P 211/214 collection of plant macroremains. The results of this palynological analysis are consistent with the results of previous studies of plant macroremains and significantly enrich our knowledge of vegetation and palaeoenvironment. Both studies indicate the presence of a freshwater body (a moderately large and deep lake) surrounded by wetland vegetation (including swamp forests with Glyptostrobus , Taxodium , Nyssa and Osmunda ) and upland mesophytic forests. Evergreen or at least semi-evergreen forest communities grew along the ancient shores of the lake and on the slopes of the Mesozoic calcareus rocks surrounding the lake. In the lake, green algae ( Pediastrum , Tetraedron and some Botryococcus ) and freshwater peridinoid dinoflagellates were major components of the algal community. The same lake was the source of previously identified animal remains: freshwater fishes, molluscs, and mammals, including Megachiroptera bats. Our analysis shows that the climate was subtropical and humid, with an estimated mean annual temperature of 16.8–17.8°C.

Morphology and Palynology Systematic Studies of The Genus Bellevalia Lapeyr. (Asparagaceae) in Kurdistan-Iraq

Morphological and palynological systematic studies for the 10 species of genus Bellivalia Lapeyr. (Asparagaceae) in Kurdistan-Iraq conducted during the growing seasons( 2015-2016) to determine the species distribution and recording new localities.The morphological investigation was dealt with the characteristics of the bulbs, stems, leaves, flowers, inflorescences, fruits and seeds and it was indicated through discussing the characters diversity that the flowers characters are taxonomically more important than vegetative characters to isolate the species. The palynological study is first conducted on Iraqi botanical specimens and indicated that pollen grains of all studied taxa of the genus Bellevalia , monads and monosolcate with variations in other characters of pollen grains which give a taxonomic importance. The species (B. macrobotrys, B. longipes, B. glauca, B. saviczii, B. olivierii, B. mosheovii, B. kurdistanica and B. pycnantha) were previously recorded and two species are new for Iraq (Bellevalia fominii and B.longistyla).

Polish Palaeobotany: 750 Million Years of Plant History as Revealed in a Century of Studies. Palaeozoic Microflora

All the palynological studies of the Polish Paleozoic were conducted during the last 100 years. The investigations regarded the oldest microflora remains, acritarchs reaching up to Precambrian, and spores, and pollen grains which appeared later. The main benefits of palynological analyses are their stratigraphic significance, usage for age determination, correlation of stratigraphic horizons, detection of climatic changes, and information on plant cover, often providing supplementary data for macroflora records. The most important results of Polish palynology demonstrate the multifaceted character of studies and their significance in science.

Palynological recovery of small carbonaceous fossils (SCFs) indicates that the late Cambrian acritarch Goniomorpha Yin 1986 represents the teeth of a priapulid worm

New palynological studies from the Xiaoyangqiao section (Jilin Province, north-east China), which has been selected as an Auxiliary Boundary Stratigraphic Section and Point (ASSP) for the base of the Ordovician, confirms the presence of Goniomorpha Yin 1986 in intervals ranging from the late Cambrian (Furongian) to the Early Ordovician (Tremadocian), and allow us to clarify its morphology and affinities. Despite being compared originally to vesicular microfossils with processes arising from one pole, Goniomorpha lacks an enclosed cavity, so it cannot be classified as an acritarch in the strict sense. Instead, we find that the specimens originally described as Goniomorpha are actually part of a wider spectrum of morphologies that are identifiable as the pharyngeal teeth of priapulid worms. The best-preserved specimens resolve the ‘processes’ as denticles arising from an arch on the margins of a cuticular pad, sometimes with an extending spur and polygonal microstructure. Closely equivalent forms have been reported from Cambrian assemblages of small carbonaceous fossils (SCFs) and in situ on Burgess Shale specimens of the priapulid Ottoia. The findings from the Xiaoyangqiao section extend the taphonomic range of Cambrian-type SCFs into the Ordovician, and provide the first evidence for priapulids from the Ordovician of northern China. More generally, our results demonstrate the reciprocal insights from palynological and SCF-type processing for identifying problematic microfossils.

Jurassic Palynology from "The Dinosaur Coast" of Asturias (Lastres Fm., Northwestern Spain): Palynostratigraphical and Palaeoecological Insights.

Abundant fossils of vertebrates (mainly footprints and bones of dinosaurs) and numerous invertebrates occur in the Upper Jurassic deposits of the Lastres Formation in the Asturias region, North of Spain. However, no palynological study has been published from this geological formation; therefore, much palaeoenvironmental and palaeoecological information is still unknown. In this study, a total of 62 morphospecies, belonging to 49 different morphogenera were identified, including pollen, spores, algae remains, fungi spores, dinoflagellates, foraminifera, and scolecodonts from four different locations on the Asturian coast. Spores are the dominant group of palynomorphs, both in diversity and abundance, contrasting with the minor diversity of pollen grains. The age of some key taxa indicates that the palynological assemblage cannot be older than the Kimmeridgian, suggesting a Kimmeridgian-Tithonian age. The botanical and environmental affinities of the pollen and spores indicate the presence of different plant assemblages, including plant communities from humid areas such as the margin of rivers and small freshwater ponds that were dominated by bryophytes and ferns, and a coastal plant community that would inhabit arid areas and would be dominated by gymnosperms and some pteridophytes. The SEM analyses of wood remains show the abundance of charcoalified remains suggesting that wildfires were usual in "The Dinosaur Coast" of Asturias during the Kimmeridgian.

Pollen Morphological Inter- and Intraspecific Variability in Selected Species of Rubus L. (Rosaceae)

Pollen morphology is one of the important vehicles in resolving some taxonomic problems on the family, genera or species level and has become part of the many disciplines and collaborative approaches in plant systematics and evolution. Palynological studies on the large and taxonomically highly complex genus Rubus L. have been limited, particularly concerning pollen variability. The aim of current study was to investigate the scope of inter- and intraspecific variability of the studied species based on pollen morphology, as well as verify taxonomic usefulness of pollen traits in distinguishing the studied taxa. The sixteen native Poland and Europe Rubus species were studied. Over a dozen quantitative and qualitative features of 2100 pollen (70 samples of 30 pollen each) were analyzed. Exine ornamentation and pollen size proved to be most useful pollen traits in the assessment of variability in the studied Rubus species. Pollen traits did not confirm the currently adopted taxonomical division of the genus Rubus into subgenera, sections and series. The greatest interspecific variability was found for traits P, E, Le and d, while variability was lowest in the case of Exp, Exe, P/E, Le/P, d/E, Exp/P and Exe/E. Intraspecific variability was determined by the following features ordered from those least to most variable: P, E, d, Le, d/E, Exp/P, Exp, P/E and Le/P.

Carbon isotopes, palynology and stratigraphy of the Santonian–Campanian boundary: The GSSP auxiliary sections, Seaford Head (England) and Bocieniec (Poland), and correlation between the Boreal and Tethyan realms

The stratigraphy and palynology of the upper Santonian–lower Campanian (Uintacrinus socialis–Gonioteuthis quadrata zones) Newhaven Chalk are described for the Campanian auxiliary GSSP section at Seaford Head, England. A new high-resolution bulk-sediment carbonate carbon stable-isotope (δ13Ccarb) curve provides the basis to refine the carbon-isotope event (CIE) stratigraphy of the section. Results are compared to a complementary palynological study of a second Campanian auxiliary GSSP section (U. socialis–O. pilula zones) at Bocieniec, Poland. Palynological assemblages are dominated by organic-walled dinoflagellate cysts (dinocysts; 208 taxa) at both sites. A stratigraphic framework is established via review of published lithostratigraphic, macrofossil, foraminifera and calcareous nannofossil records from the study sites. Carbon isotope curves with 13 major named CIEs provide a basis for correlation of Seaford Head and Bocieniec to sections at: Trunch, England; Poigny, France; Lägerdorf, Germany; and the Campanian GSSP at Gubbio, Italy. Correlations are constrained by biostratigraphic records, including dinocyst events. The Late Santonian δ13C Event (LSE, previously termed the Santonian–Campanian Boundary Event, SCBE) provides a key correlation level between Boreal and Tethyan sections and enables the placement of base Campanian markers: extinction levels of the crinoid Marsupites and the planktonic foraminifera Dicarinella asymetrica; the first appearance of the calcareous nannofossil Aspidolithus parcus parcus; and the C34n/C33r magnetozone boundary (the primary Campanian marker), in both Boreal and Tethyan sections. A holostratigraphy for the Santonian–Campanian boundary interval that integrates CIEs, macrofossils, benthic and planktonic foraminifera, calcareous nannofossils, dinocysts and magnetostratigraphy is presented. Rhynchodiniopsis juneae sp. nov. is described.

ЗМІНИ КЛІМАТУ ТА ДЕНДРОФЛОРИ ПІВНІЧНО-СХІДНОЇ ЧАСТИНИ УКРАЇНИ У ПІЗНЬОМУ МІОЦЕНІ-РАННЬОМУ ПЛЕЙСТОЦЕНІ (ЗА ПАЛІНОЛОГІЧНИМИ ДАНИМИ)

The results of palynological studies serve as the basis for paleofloristic and paleoclimatic reconstructions. Plants are sensitive to changes in basic climatic parameters—heat and moisture. In this regard, the flora is a reliable indicator of changes in paleoclimatic conditions. The purpose of this study is the paleofloristic and paleoclimatic reconstructions of the late Miocene—early Pleistocene of the northeastern part of Ukraine based on palynological data. For the regions of Dnieper-Donetsk depression and the central part of the Donetsk folded structure, detailed reconstructions of paleoclimate changes from the late Miocene to the Pliocene based on palynological data are presented for the first time. The information on climatic changes during the Gelasian time of the early Pleistocene of these regions has been significantly supplemented. Paleoclimate reconstructions were carried out on the basis of analysis of the taxonomic composition of spore-pollen complexes and subcomplexes that characterize Upper Miocene-Lower Pleistocene sediments, analysis of ecological timing of individual taxa, as well as analysis of geographical elements of flora and patterns of changes in their relationships over time. It is established that the climate of the late Miocene, Pliocene, and early Pleistocene of the northeastern part of Ukraine was characterized by cyclicity of different frequencies and amplitude. Climatic optimums and pessimums traced in the specified period of time are characterized. The curves of changes in the main climate parameters of the northeastern part of Ukraine in the late Miocene-early Pleistocene are represented.

Türkiye'de yetişen Fumaria asepala Boiss. ve Fumaria schleicheri Soy.-Will. microcarpa Boiss. ex Hausskn. için taksonomik bir çalışma: morfolojik, anatomik ve palinolojik çalışmalardan elde edilen kanıtlarla

The genus Fumaria L. belongs to the Papaveraceae family, and consists of plants that are difficult to distinguish morphologically. In this study, it is aimed to reveal the structural features of two species belonging to the genus Fumaria. To this end, leaf, sepal, petal dimensions and shapes, filament and anther lengths, and various morphological characteristics were examined and necessary measurements were made. Within the scope of anatomic studies, cross-sections were made manually from roots and stems of species, and preparations were prepared by reverse staining technique and photographed under a light microscope to determine anatomic characteristics. Additionally, light microscope and SEM studies were made to expose pollen characteristics. According to the results of the studies, Fumaria asepala Boiss. and Fumaria schleicheri Soy.-Will. subsp. microcarpa Boiss. ex Hausskn. species live together in the area and display an interesting characteristic. Following microscopic studies, although these two species are morphologically very similar to each other, F. asepala is different from F. schleicheri subsp. microcarpa by the absence of sepal. Again, fruit micromorphologies also provide valuable data to distinguish the species. Results of anatomic studies were also similar in both species. In palynological studies that examined pollens, it was observed that pollen types were suboblate for both species, and apertures of pollens were pantoporate/porate. The number of apertures was 6-7 in F. asepala, 4-8 in F. schleicheri subsp. microcarpa, and larger in F. asepala species. Additionally, the pollens of F. schleicheri subsp. microcarpa were larger compared to F. asepala. Original data were obtained about species after combining these results, and basic systematic data about genus was brought to the literature. This study is important as it is the detailed systematic study of Fumaria species grown in Elazığ province.

Origins of clay-rich strata in Cenozoic paleochannel deposits: an example from Suttor Formation, Queensland

Cenozoic sediments cover much of Queensland’s landscape and record changes in climate and flora that evolved in tandem with the tectonic evolution in eastern Australia, associated with uplift and erosion events arising from Late Cretaceous sea-floor spreading in the Coral Sea, leading to the passive margin we see today. In eastern Australia, incised and potentially fault-bounded valleys developed on the pre-Cenozoic landscape and were variably infilled at different times by siliciclastic sediments, carbonaceous muds and peat, and basaltic lava flows. This study examines a 100 m-deep drill core through one such siliciclastic-dominated paleochannel incised into upper Permian coal measures on the western limb of the Bowen Basin. Palynological analysis, core logging, hyperspectral logging of the core, X-ray diffraction (XRD), SEM–EDS and U–Pb zircon geochronology were used to investigate the age and origins of these clay-rich deposits. Palynological analysis confirmed that the strata belong to the upper Paleogene and Neogene Suttor Formation, a time when Australia’s climate has been interpreted to shift from wet and warm to a more arid setting. Core logging revealed that the sequence in the studied channel began as a breccia/alluvial fan with chaotic angular clasts of Permian laminated siltstone, tuff and coal floating in disturbed poorly lithified sand with evidence of soft sediment deformation, possibly initiated by localised faulting. These clasts were continually reworked and broken down into a clast supported pebble conglomerate capped by a series of claystone with intermittent carbonaceous claystone and lignite, interpreted to have formed in a lacustrine environment that could be localised on the floodplain (oxbow) or more regional in extent. Above this, and interpreted from palynology as corresponding to a climatic shift to more arid conditions, are well sorted but subrounded sugar sands and intermittent clays with abundant iron staining (?paleosols) interpreted to represent sandy ephemeral channels. These are overlain by extremely weathered undated basalts. The hyperspectral logging of the core and XRD studies of the white claystone samples indicate that they are kaolinite-rich, but observations under SEM–EDS noted that their honeycomb structure mimicked that of smectite. The presence of abundant zircon suggested the possibility of syndepositional volcaniclastics, but U–Pb zircon geochronology recorded an age of 272–254 Ma (middle to late Permian). Hence local recycling of the tuffaceous smectite-rich coal measures within the incised alluvial system, assisted by intense weathering under a warm and wet climate, and potentially acid leaching from the organic-rich layers was the origin of the kaolinite-rich clay strata. KEY POINTS Clay-rich Cenozoic paleochannels in the northern Bowen Basin belong to the upper Paleogene and Neogene Suttor Formation, based on palynological study. The clay-rich strata are developed by local recycling of middle to late Permian tuffaceous smectite-rich coal measures. The interpretation based on palynology and clay mineralogy confirm that Australia experienced a shift from wet and warm to a more arid climate during the upper Paleogene and Neogene.

Vegetation dynamics in a disturbed lacustrine record: The Eocene maar lake of Groß-Zimmern (Hesse, SW Germany)

Palynological studies of lacustrine sediments in Eocene maar craters on the Sprendlinger Horst (Hesse, SW Germany) are complemented by 26 core samples from Groß-Zimmern. In addition, diatoms have been studied to assess palaeolimnological conditions. The palynomorph assemblage proves a middle Eocene age more or less coeval to the upper part of the nearby lacustrine succession at Messel. The core includes 33 m of massive to finely laminated bituminous shale abruptly following the underlying breccia of the diatreme filling. The lacustrine deposits are characterised by frequent mass movements and redeposition probably due to tectonic activity in combination with syn- and postsedimentary subsidence in the lake basin. Together with a diatom assemblage characteristic for shallow to moderately deep water, this indicates that the core was drilled in the area of a marginal syncline rather than in the centre of the basin. Freshwater conditions with low nutrient levels were inferred for Lake Groß-Zimmern from diatoms and coccal green algae. Despite the strong disturbance of the sedimentary record, results of cluster analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) of the palynomorph assemblages can be compared to the undisturbed succession from Messel. This includes successional stages of the azonal vegetation in the crater area during an initial and early recolonisation phase as well as in the zonal vegetation, which are related to the reoccupation of the crater area by a thermophilic forest. Furthermore, slight changes of the climate can be inferred.

Palynology, Paleoenvironment and Stratigraphy Relationship of Tungan Buzu Hill with Adjacent Valley Gwandu Formation, Sokoto Basin, Northwestern Nigeria

Palynological study of Tungu Buzum Hill was investigated with a view towards determining the age of the outcrop, compare its miospore content with the adjacent Tungu Buzu Valley of carbonaceous shale, their stratigraphic relationship and paleoenvironment of deposition of the litho-sequence. Field study involved litho-description and logging achieved by noting the rock type, mineralogical composition, bed thickness, texture, sorting, roundness, structure, fossil content and diagenetic effect. Palynological slide preparation involved decarbonisation, digestion, sieving, maceral separation using zinc bromide, mounting on slide and petrographic analysis. The litho-sequence is composed sequentially upward of claystone, siltstone, indurated silty claystone, mudstone and ferruginized ironstone characterized by loadcast, fracture, lithification and bioturbation. Palynologically, the litho-section exhibits few marker forms such as Belskipollis elegans, Peregrinipollis nigericus and Retibrevitricolporites obodoensis depictive of early Miocene age. The paleoenvironment was deduced based on the occurrence of peridinacean forms such as Andalusiella sp., Senegalinium sp., Lejeuncysta diversiforma and Paleocystodinium golzowense indicative of marginal marine, while deeper marginal marine forms of gonyaulacacean phytoplanktons present are Micrhystridium sp., Canningia capillata and Dinogymnium sp. There are similarities in palynomorph assemblages of this study and Tunga Buzu Valley section in terms of age and similarity to Gwandu Formation though varied in paleoenvironment in the valley litho-section, marked by continental to marginal marine settings. Field relationship suggests that the Tunga Buzu Hill is stratigraphically overlying the Tunga Buzu Valley, separated by a fault. The Tunga Buzu Hill section represents the footwall while the Tunga Buzu Valley is situated within the hanging wall of a normal fault structure.

Anatomical and palynological comparison of three endemic species of Teucrium sect. Teucrium of Turkey

Teucrium ekimii, T. pestalozzae and T. semrae are three endemic species of Turkey belonging to Teucrium sect. Teucrium. These species grow in the western Mediterranean region of the country and are morphologically similar to each other. In the present study, the three species underwent anatomical examination of the stems, leaves and palynological studies for a better characterization of the species and in search of additional diagnostic characters. Quantitative characters were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and boxplot. In general, these species are anatomically similar, though there are significant differences in stem cuticle thickness, stem epidermis length and width, leaf lower epidermis width and midrib parenchyma width. Pollen grains of all three species are prolate, medium-sized and tricolpate. The exine ornamentation is microverrucate-perforate in T. ekimii, verrucate in T. pestalozzae and microverrucate in T. semrae. Considering palynological characters, polar axis and t (apocolpium) were identified as taxonomically significant characters.

Distribution and sources of fluvial pollen in the middle reaches of the Yellow River in China and their relationship with vegetation and land use

Understanding the processes determining the composition of alluvial pollen assemblages and its relationship with watershed vegetation is a prerequisite for alluvial palynological study. Palynological analysis of a total of 45 river water samples collected from the middle reaches of the Yellow River and its major tributaries, identifies the distribution patterns, possible sources of pollen and relationship with the catchment vegetation. The results reveal that the pollen assemblages in the middle reaches of the Yellow River is dominated by herbaceous taxa, and the pollen is mainly derived from fluvial sources. Higher concentrations of the pollen tend to occur in the southern part of the study area. The Luo River is the main source of tree pollen in the Wei River Basin, while the Sanchuan River and Xinshui River are the main sources of tree pollen in the mainstream of the Yellow River. Herbaceous pollen mainly originates from the flood plain, and from channel bars and point bars, and there is no obvious relationship between herbaceous pollen and tributary inputs. The relative proportions of the various land use classes in the middle reaches of the Yellow River can be ordered as follows: grassland (GL) > cultivated land (CL) > forest (FO) > shrubland (SH) > water (WA). The herbaceous pollen of the Huangfuchuan River and Kuye River are closely related to the coverage of GL; cereal pollen is not fully representative of the CL coverage in the watershed; and the pollen of woody plants is extremely over-represented compared to the coverage of FO and SH in the watershed. Our results provide basic information about the sources of fluvial pollen and its indicative significance in the lower Yellow River and they are also potentially applicable to other major river basins.

First evidence of Ricciaceae in the Jurassic of the Iberian Peninsula (Asturias, NW Spain): Ricciopsis asturicus sp. nov

ABSTRACT A new species of liverwort, Ricciopsis asturicus sp. nov., is described from dinosaur-bearing Kimmeridgian (Upper Jurassic) deposits of the Lastres Formation in Asturias (NW Spain, Iberian Peninsula) based on a new combination of taxonomic characters, including differences in thallus shape, branching, segment surface, size, and shape. This new species represents the oldest evidence of bryophyte from the Mesozoic of the Iberian Peninsula so far, and it also represents the first evidence of the genus Ricciopsis in this area. In addition to the description of the Ricciaceae remains, palynological analyses were carried out in order to understand the paleoenvironmental context. The remains of Ricciopsis asturicus sp. nov. were found in life position on grey marly siltstones forming dense mats, suggesting that some areas of the Lastres Formation presented shallow freshwater pools placed in channel abandonment areas into an upper deltaic plain, where these mats of liverworts could proliferate during the apparent semiarid climatic conditions occurring during the deposit of the Lastres Formation. This interpretation is supported by the palynological study, which reveals the presence of ferns and Cheirolepidaceae plants (Leptolepidites sp., Klukisporites sp., and tetrads of Classopollis sp.) in nearby areas.

Cuban stingless bee livestock exhibit specialized floral resource use: a palynological study on honey samples from Matanzas and Mayabeque provinces

The knowledge of the different plant species that make up the feeding diet of animals is highly important to develop more efficient strategies. This research aimed to characterize the food potential available for the Cuban stingless bee livestock of the Matanzas and Mayabeque provinces. Palynological analysis was done using 60 g of pollen from sealed pots and 80 mL of honey from the ten randomly selected beehives (five in each province). The results showed that in the honey collected in Matanzas province, the most represented family was Amaranthaceae, followed by Myrtaceae and Fabaceae. Meanwhile, for Mayabeque, the most represented ones were the families Fabaceae and Myrtaceae. Regarding the stingless bee pollen of Matanzas provenance, the family Fabaceae prevailed, followed by Burseraceae and Myrtaceae. The pollen corresponding to Mayabeque coincided in showing Fabaceae as the most representative. In addition, pollen grains of small size (from 10 to 25 µm) were collected, with a marked representation of the pollen type of Mimosa pudica in the Mayabeque honey. It was concluded that the Cuban stingless bee livestock of the Matanzas and Mayabeque provinces had a specialist feeding behavior because a low number of plant taxa made up its diet.

Comparison of mid-Cretaceous (Cenomanian–Turonian) high-latitude palynofloras from Patagonia and New Zealand: Richness, ecology, and provincialization

The Cenomanian–Turonian is considered the warmest interval of the last 150 million years. It was characterized by major disturbances to the global carbon cycle, resulting in elevated pCO2 levels and global temperatures, and witnessed the rise to dominance of angiosperms floras. In this paper, we assess changes of fossil floras during the Cenomanian–Turonian interval based on palynological studies of two distantly-spaced localities in high southern paleolatitudes: the Mata Amarilla Formation of Patagonia, southern South America and the Tupuangi Formation of the Chatham Islands, New Zealand. Richness estimations for each stratigraphic unit and cluster analysis were conducted to assess the vegetation changes. Palynological dominance and the presence/absence of taxa were compiled for these units and compared with others from the Cenomanian of southern Gondwana. We recognize a peak in richness during the Mid-Cenomanian Event in Patagonia, with a fall in richness after the event due to species being displaced by dominant taxa. Several richness peaks are also recognized in New Zealand, but the lack of stratigraphic control prevents correlation with marine-based events. Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 is not recorded in either study area. The inclusion of Gondwanic palynological records demonstrate that the Tupuangi Formation cluster with sites from the Antarctic Peninsula and south-eastern Australia conforming a ‘polar cluster’. However, this area has its own palynological signature, constituting a newly proposed Taxodiaceaepollenites Subprovince. The abundances of key plant groups of the Mata Amarilla Formation cluster with those of Bathurst Island (northern Australia), but also show important differences, likely owing to their geographic separation and latitudinal difference. In summary, our paper presents a new scheme for the mid-Cretaceous palynological provinces of Southern Gondwana and provides novel data sets for Patagonia and New Zealand, which can be used as reference points for palynological and paleoecological studies of coeval floras worldwide.

Palynological study along the Triyuga River section from the Upper Siwalik sediment and its paleoclimatic implication

The records of past vegetation and climate using palynological study from the Upper Siwalik sediment along the Triyuga River section, eastern Nepal discloses 117 taxa belonging to 36 families. Different palynomorphs from gymnosperm, angiosperm (dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous) and pteridophytes were identified some up to species level like Abies, Picea, Pinus, and Tsuga, Justicia, Strobilanthes, Betula, Terminalia, Artemisia, Corylus, Quercus, Liquidambar, Fraxinus, Salix, Symplocos, Urtica, Typha, Cyathea, Lygodium, Ceratopteris under light microscope. Some palynomorphs were identified up to their family level such as Anacardiaceae, Apocynaceae, Bombacaceae, Leguminosae, Malvaceae, Arecaceae, Liliaceae, and Poaceae. The palynomorphs from this section revealed diversity in vegetation with tropical-subtropical to lower temperate humid and warm climatical condition with plenty of precipitation throughout the time of deposition of the Upper Siwalik. Additionally, the Coexistence Approach (CoA) further highlighted this section experienced at the MAT 16.8-21.7°C, WMT 23.6-26.1°C, CMT 10.6-14.6°C, and MAP 1122-1682 mm, HMP 115-349 mm, LMP 19-73 mm, WMP 82-172 mm.