Applied Biostratigraphy

Spores and pollen are part of the reproductive processes of flowering and non-flowering plants, algae and fungi.

Assorted spores and pollen.

Spores

• the reproductive process of (mainly) algae and fungi – terrestrial and fresh-water origins but very susceptible to offshore transport by river and wind
• geologic range: Precambrian – Recent (fungal spores), Silurian – Recent (plant spores)
• used in thermal maturation studies (spore colour index)

Pollen

• reproductive process of flowering or non-flowering plants – terrestrial and fresh-water origins but very susceptible to offshore transport by river and wind
• geologic range: Late Devonian – Recent (for Gymnosperm pollen); Cretaceous – Recent (for Angiosperm pollen)