Palynology

Palynology is the study of pollen, spores, and other tiny particles from plants and microorganisms found in sediment layers. In Quaternary Science, which focuses on the last 2.6 million years of Earth's history, palynology helps scientists understand past climate conditions, vegetation changes, and ecological shifts. By analyzing fossilized pollen from lakebeds and soils, researchers can reconstruct ancient environments and how they responded to natural events and human activities, providing insights into how our planet’s climate and ecosystems have evolved over time.