Objective of palynology
The objective of palynology is to enumerate and identify important palynological features of angiosperms and to relate these features to plant systematics. We demonstrate taxonomic evidence in palynology. Palynology is utilised in plant identification like in extant plants, fossil plants.
Polynomorphs
- It is an organic-walled microfossil 5 to 800 micrometres in size.
- It consists of very resistant organic molecules, usually sporopollenin, chitin, and pseudochitin.
- Nanofossils are not palynomorphs.
- Diatoms aren’t palynomorphs because they are siliceous and destroyed by HF solution.
Categories of palynomorphs
Acritarchs
It means of undecided doubtful origin. However, a term now includes a very large range of algal bodies, mostly marine, ranging from less than 10 micrometres well within the palynomorph size range.
Chitinozoans
These are pseudochitinous palynomorphs. They are found only in marine rocks, unless reworked.
Scolecodonts
These are the chitinous mouthparts of polychitious, mostly marine annelid worms. They mostly occur in the range of up to 102 micrometres.
Cryptospores
These are spore-like bodies in the normal spore size range. They represent an intermediate stage between aquatic algae and land plants.
Embryospores
These are microscopic, unicellular reproductive cells of certain vascular plants. They are extremely resistant and easily transported by wind.
Palynodebris
It is the organic junk or organic matter found in palynological preparation along with palynomorphs. It consists of charcoal and cellulosic tissue fragments, like wood fragments.
Palynology – Definition, Description & Applications
Palynology is an important branch of botanical science. It is derived from the word palynos-dust. We study the palynology in paleobotany. In palynology, we study and research the different types of pollen grains, spores, and other palynomorphs of the many plant species found in different parts of the world. We also study the shape, structure, functions, chemical structure, and components of pollens in plants.
Palynology also helps in studying and identifying dust particles. It is mainly responsible for the extraction of fossils. In pollens, we have two types of layers one is intine (the inner part) and another is exine (the outer part). The exine is made up of the material sporopollenin. Sporopollenin is a ubiquitous and extremely chemically inert biopolymer that constitutes the outer wall of all land-plant spores and pollen grains.
Table of Content
- What is Palynology?
- Palynological features used in plant systematic
- Significance of Palynology
- Objective of palynology
- Description of Palynology
- Scope of Palynology
- Application and Branches of Palynology
- Role of Palynology in Taxonomy
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