ClimateAugust 23, 2026

palynomorphs

PAL-ih-no-morfs

Definition

Microscopic, organic-walled structures produced by plants or algae, such as pollen grains and spores, commonly found in sedimentary rocks.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'palyno' (to scatter or sprinkle) and 'morph' (form or shape), specifically referring to fossilized, scattered particles like pollen.

In the news

In this article, palynomorphs are mentioned as part of the fossil evidence used alongside leaf data to reconstruct changes in ancient forest composition.

Earth’s forests took 100,000 years to recover from the last climate shock — this one is moving 10 times faster

Read the full article ↗

Fortune

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