Palynology finds applications in various fields. Some of them are taxonomy, plant evolution, plant breeding programmes, biotechnology, microbiology of water, soil and air, the pharmaceutical industry, cosmetic industry, energy food industry, forensic science, aerobiology, allergy, epidemiology, meteorology, fossil fuel exploration and biodiversity.

This book provides an important reference guide to pollen and spore identification for Chinese Quaternary palynological studies. Presenting and describing more than 400 color photomicrographs of pollen grains and spores retrieved from sediments in China, it offers a unique asset for researchers, graduate students, and newcomers to the field of Quaternary palynology, which constitutes a major aspect of Quaternary paleoecology, paleoclimatology, and paleogeography.

Over 30 papers, from internationally recognized palynologists, are brought together in Pollen and Spores: Morphology and Biology, covering topical and current research from a wide range of pollen related disciplines. These include development and ontogeny, pollen variability within populations, theoretical modelling, pollen morphology and ultrastructure, pollen evolution, fossil pollen and Quaternary palynology. Published in association with The Linnaean Society, The Natural History Museum and the Systematics Association.

This volume brings together novel approaches from such diverse fields as palaeobotany, ontogeny, molecular biology, and systematics. Three main issues are discussed: the evidence provided by the fossil record, the contribution of ontogenetic data, and methods of systematic analysis.