Holocene Palynological Study and Vegetation History with reference to Cladistic Evidences in Fayoum Depression, Egypt

Abstract

Fifty cutting samples extracted from a Holocene sediment core F1-08 (where ‘F’ stands for Fayoum) located at the southern margin of Lake Qarun, in Fayoum Depression; have been palynologically investigated. The analysis resulted in the identification of 57 palynomorphs: 51 bryophytes and pteridophtes spores, one gymnosperm pollen and 41 angiosperm pollen. The recorded taxa were then described morphologically. A total of 19 angiosperm pollen types were also reported, identified and described from taxa of current vegetation in the territory of the borehole. Palynological analysis provided important data about the vegetation history in the study area during the Holocene. Palaeoclimatic conditions are inferred by using the available fossil pollen data. Moreover, attempts were made to integrate data and interpretations from extant and fossil plants and using cladistic analysis to extrapolate the phylogenetic relationships among the taxa under study. Keywords: Holocene, Fayoum Depression, Lake Qarun, Palynology, Morphology, Palaeoclimate, Cladistic analysis