Rosalie Hermans, Caroline A E Strömberg, Tessi Löffelmann, Luc Vrydaghs, Lien Speleers, Alexandre Chevalier, Karin Nys, Christophe Snoeck
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background and aims: The absence of a modern plant-based 'dicotyledon' phytolith reference baseline impedes the accurate interpretation of fossil phytolith records in archaeological and palaeoecological research within North-western Europe. This study aims to fill this gap by documenting and analysing the phytolith record from modern dicotyledon taxa occurring in this region.
Methods: Phytoliths were extracted from several plant parts of 117 plant specimens representing 74 species (1-2 specimens/species). The study employed light microscopy to examine phytolith production (non-producer, trace, common, or abundant) and phytolith assemblage composition. The data were analysed statistically to (a) determine the influence of taxonomy and plant part on phytolith presence (absent/present) using a Mixed Model, (b) assess phytolith assemblage variation using a Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance (PerMANOVA), and (c) identify patterns among sample groups including segregation for plant part, life form (forbs vs shrubs/trees), and order using a Linear Discriminant Analyses (LDA).
Key results: Morphotype analysis reveals diagnostic morphotypes and features for specific plant families, genera, and plant parts. LDA effectively segregated plant parts and life forms, though taxonomic groupings showed limited segregation. Phytolith presence (absent/present) was found to vary, influenced by both plant part and taxonomy. For species examined through two specimens, although phytolith production varied considerably, phytolith assemblage composition was consistent.
Conclusions: This study establishes a 'dicotyledon' phytolith baseline for North-western Europe, showing that the phytolith record can be informative in terms of plant part and life form and that several phytolith morphotypes and/or features are taxonomically diagnostic below 'dicotyledon' level. The findings constitute a foundation upon which future research can build, refining and expanding our knowledge of the North-western European region.
期刊介绍：
Annals of Botany is an international plant science journal publishing novel and rigorous research in all areas of plant science. It is published monthly in both electronic and printed forms with at least two extra issues each year that focus on a particular theme in plant biology. The Journal is managed by the Annals of Botany Company, a not-for-profit educational charity established to promote plant science worldwide.
The Journal publishes original research papers, invited and submitted review articles, ''Research in Context'' expanding on original work, ''Botanical Briefings'' as short overviews of important topics, and ''Viewpoints'' giving opinions. All papers in each issue are summarized briefly in Content Snapshots , there are topical news items in the Plant Cuttings section and Book Reviews . A rigorous review process ensures that readers are exposed to genuine and novel advances across a wide spectrum of botanical knowledge. All papers aim to advance knowledge and make a difference to our understanding of plant science.
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