Methodological contributions for the analysis of bryophyte macroremains in peatlands

Abstract

Methodological contributions for the analysis of bryophyte macroremains in peatlands. This contribution describes in detail the methods used in the processing of samples collected in peats for paleobryofloristic studies based on Quaternary plant macrorests. The sample processing methods proposed here ensure that preserved plant remains are recovered with minimal damage, making possible quantitative assessment of different types of remains of each taxon/morphotype for comparative studies of taphonomy and for paleoecological interpretations. Digitalization of sample images is proposed to allow for easy comparisons of macrorests between aliquots, sample sections and peat samples from different regions, and for taxonomic identifications of some of the material. These methods provide for repeatability, which is necessary for comparisons between analyses of different investigators.