Non-Pollen Palynomorphs

Abstract

Non-pollen palynomorphs (NPP) in pollen slides form a large, inhomogeneous group of remains of organisms that represents a memory of former, often strictly local environmental conditions. A systematic approach of NPP documentation led to a strong development of the field in the last 40 years, and the total amount of NPP exceeds 1300. A large number of NPP remains unknown and identified NPP belong to a wide variety of taxonomic groups such as Ascomycetes, Basidiomycetes, Hyphomycetes, Zygomycetes, Cyanobacteria, green algae, cysts of dinoflagellates, roundworms, flatworms, testate amoebae, rotifers, and tardigrades. We give an overview, illustrate and discuss the palaeoenvironmental indicator value of a selection of NPP important for environmental reconstructions at, or close to, archaeological sites in connection with human impact.