Glossary of pollen and spore terminology
Section snippets
INTRODUCTION
The terminology used in palynology has long been recognised as a deterrent to those who are not specialists in the subject. We hope that this glossary will make the subject more widely accessible at the same time as simplifying the application of palynological terms without losing any precision. We recognise that the Glossary is not perfect, and anticipate that revisions will be needed in the future.
This introduction sets out the objectives of the glossary, explains the format that has been
OBJECTIVES
The objective of the project has been to provide a concise manual of terminology that can be used to clarify the communication of information concerning pollen grains and spores.
It is hoped that this will help to make palynological literature more accessible to non-specialists and to beginners in the field. In this way it should encourage an increasingly standardised approach to the description of pollen grains and spores.
We have tried to keep the glossary as simple as possible so that it can
THE FORMAT OF THE GLOSSARY
The entries are arranged alphabetically. The form that appears first (the singular, plural or adjectival form of the term) is generally the most commonly used form, although if all forms are widely used the singular is given first. A number of terms are mainly, or exclusively, used as adjectives.
Where the term is printed in bold typeface this indicates that the term is in current usage and is recommended for continued use. Where the head word is printed in normal text this indicates that an
ILLUSTRATIONS
Simple schematic illustrations have been provided where appropriate. These contain the minimum amount of information needed to explain the feature. Some conventions have been used:
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Where both equatorial view and polar view are shown, the equatorial view (e) is generally given to the left of the polar view (p).
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Drawings of pollen grains or spores seen in equatorial view are always shown with the distal pole uppermost.
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Features of ornamentation are generally illustrated by a surface view on the left
THE HISTORY OF THE GLOSSARY
This glossary is the outcome of a initiative that began with the establishment, under the auspices of the International Commission for Palynology (now, the International Federation of Palynological Societies) of a Working Group on Palynological Terminology. With Jan Muller as Secretary, the Working Group communicated by means of circulars and questionnaires distributed among its members. Siwert Nilsson took on the role of Secretary of the Working Group between the 4th International
The glossary
In all drawings, the distal pole is on top, the proximal pole at the bottom, unless otherwise specified. e = equatorial view, p = polar view; H = high level, L = low level. The terms printed in bold are preferred.A-, an- A prefix indicating the absence of a feature, as for example in alete. A-type tetrad (Moar, 1993) A tetrad in which the aborted cells (1–3 in number) are clearly associated with the fertile grain(s). Example: Cyathodes juniperina (Epacridaceae). See also: S-type tetrad, T-type
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
As in its first edition, the second of the Glossary has much benefited greatly from the advise and expertise of a number of palynologists. We are in particular grateful for the remarks and critical comment of Dr. J. Jansonius and Dr. M. Harley.
We thank the technical staff of the Elsevier Geoscience Journals Department for their help and continuous encouraging support in making the Glossary project a success.
Last but not least we would like to thank Prof. Dr. A. Lotter and the members of the
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