phytoliths

Phytoliths are tiny, durable mineral particles formed inside plants from silica, a natural compound found in soil. When plants absorb silica through their roots, it deposits in their tissues, creating microscopic structures that can be preserved long after the plant decays. These microscopic silica bodies help scientists identify ancient plant species and understand past environments because different plants produce distinctive phytolith shapes and sizes. Essentially, phytoliths are like natural fingerprints that provide valuable information about historical vegetation, climate conditions, and human activity in archaeological and environmental studies.