Phytolith Analysis

Phytolith analysis involves examining tiny silica-based structures, called phytoliths, that plants produce and deposit in their tissues. When plants die and decay, these microscopic silica particles remain in soil sediments. By identifying and counting these phytoliths, scientists can determine what types of plants grew in a specific area and reconstruct past environmental conditions. This method helps researchers understand ancient agriculture, climate change, and human-plant interactions without invasive digging. It’s a valuable tool in archaeology and paleoecology for studying plant populations and ecosystems over thousands of years.