What is Palynology?
The study of micro-organic materials such as spores, pollen, dinoflagellates, and microfossils is called palynology. In other words, palynology aims at studying microscopic particles produced by plants such as pollen and spores, as well as fresh water and marine algal cysts (a closed sac that develops abnormally in somebody structure). Cyst formation takes place in unfavourable conditions. All the material used in palynology is referred to as palynomorphs.
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