The effect of preparation methods on dung fungal spores: Implications for recognition of megafaunal populations

Abstract

Spores from coprophilous fungi are emerging as an important palaeoecological indicator of the presence of large herbivores, but the methods by which they are recovered may have a significant impact on their preservation and recognition. Here, we test a number of chemical and mechanical techniques used in palynology. Spore occurrence, size and shape is affected by preparation technique and is particularly affected by acetolysis. This has important implications for recognition of past megafaunal populations