A confocal laser scanning and conventional wide field light microscopy study of Classopollis from the Toarcian-Aalenian of the Fuentelsaz section (Spain)

Abstract

A morphological study of three different types of dispersed Circumpolles pollen grains from the Toarcian-Aalenian of the Fuentelsaz section (Spain) was performed using conventional wide field and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CSLM). The CSLM data allowed scanning electron microscope-like three-dimensional reconstructions to be made and showed that the most part of the studied pollen have taxonomic features characteristic of the Mesozoic genus Classopollis. At the species level, Classopollis torosus and Classopollis classoides were identified. The third form studied is characterized by the presence of Ubisch bodies adhering to the pollen wall. © 2007 Taylor & Francis.