Abstract Here we introduce the volume Applications of Non-Pollen Palynomorphs: from Palaeoenvironmental Reconstructions to Biostratigraphy . The study of non-pollen palynomorphs (NPPs) has a long and rich history that is interwoven with that of pollen-based studies. NPPs are among the oldest fossils on record and are instrumental in determining the origin and evolution of life, as well as studying origination and extinction events prior to the origin of pollen-producing angiosperms. This new volume on NPPs provides an up-to-date and seminal overview of the subject, linking deep-time and Quaternary study of the subject for the first time.

Abstract Non-pollen palynomorphs (NPPs) are ‘extra’ microfossils often found in palynology slides. These include remains of organisms within the size range of pollen grains ( c. 10–250 µm), resistant to laboratory treatments used for the preparation of palynological samples. NPPs are a large and taxonomically heterogeneous group of remains of organisms living in diverse environments. Taxonomically, they belong to a wide variety of groups such as cyanobacteria, algae, vascular plants, invertebrates and fungi. The aim of this chapter is to provide a general overview of NPP groups observed in palynology slides. It includes more than 40 of the most common groups starting with acritarcha, cyanobacteria and algae, moving through transitional groups to animals and fungi and finishing with human-made objects such as textile fibres. Although far from complete, it provides an updated overview of taxonomical diversity of NPPs and their indicator values. Further works on NPP identifications are of great importance to improve our current knowledge. Since NPPs occur in all kinds of sediments, their analysis is a powerful tool for reconstructing environmental changes over time. Further detailed studies of specific NPP groups and their indicator values will open the way for new fields of study.

Abstract This chapter synthesizes the most common processing techniques applied to palynomorphs and their known issues. We primarily focus on non-pollen palynomorphs (NPPs), but include studies on pollen grains where the information might be relevant. An overview of recent (2017–19) NPP publications is used to connect the most common techniques to known taphonomic issues. Finally, general recommendations are made to minimize processing bias and maximize NPP recovery.

Abstract Identification and naming of fossil and subfossil organisms are not easy tasks. We are in the midst of a paradigm shift in how NPP taxa are named, driven in large part by (1) molecular clock taxonomic efforts in the past 25 years and (2) greater connectivity among scientific communities. Concurrent with this is the understanding that sometimes a name is not necessary, and identifying acronyms, pending further taxonomic work, or where fragmentary or synapomorphic remains cannot be assigned to their original taxon, are sufficient. The overarching goal of the paradigm shift is to maintain stability of the code and avoid increasing the number of names that refer to single taxa. The history and current state of nomenclature for non-pollen palynomorphs groups, highlighting recent developments with dinoflagellates and fungi, is given, and recommendations for a unified approach to NPP nomenclature through geological time are made.