What is Palynology, and Why is it Important?
For people with hay fever and allergies, pollen is something to be avoided whenever possible, but to palynologists, pollen is a treasure chest full of information. This powdery dust, which plants exchange in their reproduction cycle, is actually a collection of tiny individual grains. Each type of plant produces pollen grains that are different from those of other plants and can often be identified by careful study under a microscope. Palynology (the study of pollen) provides information that helps us understand allergies, monitor pollution, identify oil-bearing deposits, and much more. Illinois State Museum Pollen Studies Scientists at the Illinois State Museum study fossil pollen to learn about vegetation (plants) and climates of the past. Most of the pollen they examine comes from sediment at the bottom of lakes or from deposits of peat (a very thick, moist material formed from partially decomposed plants). What are some of the Museum’s projects? How Do We Study Fossil Pollen? Polle
