Pollen Analysis

Pollen analysis, or palynology, is the study of pollen grains and spores to gather information about past environments and climates. By examining sediment layers, scientists can identify which plants were present in an area at different times. This helps reconstruct ancient ecosystems, track climate changes, and understand human impacts on the environment. Pollen is remarkably durable, allowing it to remain preserved for thousands of years, making it a valuable tool in archaeology, ecology, and paleontology for understanding biological history and changes over time.