Pollen grain diversity and application in taxonomy and evolution
Wafaa Taia
Abstract
Background and aims: Pollen grains, the male gametes within the higher plants, have great diversity in morphological characters. In this review, the history of the pollen morphological studies, the applications and importance in plant taxonomy discussed. Methods. Literature concerning the importance of studying pollen morphological characters in various ways viz., identification, classification and grouping of plants. Key Results. The survey of the recent literature revealed that pollen grain characters and composition have essential role in plant taxonomy, identification and evolution. Conclusion. Pollen morphological studies considered an important tool in taxonomical studies and solve many obscure problems in taxonomical confusions when used in precise way.