What We Do Paleobotany is the study of all aspects of ancient plants, including their anatomy, morphology, evolution, and ecological relationships. Most paleobotanical research involves the study of variously-preserved larger plant fossils, including wood, leaves, cones, flowers, seeds, etc. Palynology is a specialized field within paleobotany, dedicated to the study of microscopic plant remains, including spores and pollen grains. Palynology is an important tool in oil exploration, where both the age of specific rock layers and the environment of deposition can be determined using the palynomorphs preserved in the rocks. Palynology is also valuable for the reconstruction of ancient ecosystems.
Paleoecology involves the reconstruction of various aspects of ancient ecosystems.
Since plants are the defining elements in most terrestrial communities, paleobotanical and palynological research provides a means to reconstruct the major components of terrestrial ecosystems. Reconstruction of the plant components of ancient ecosystems provides a basis for defining the nature of the interactions between plants and the animals present in ancient communities. Who We Are Ralph E. Taggart , Professor, Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Department of Geological Sciences, Curator of Fossil Plants. Paleoecological reconstruction and vegetation dynamics of late Mesozoic, Tertiary, and Quaternary assemblages. Aureal T. Cross , Professor Emeritus, Department of Geological Sciences.