A palynologist examines 12 sediment layers, each with an initial pollen count of 250. Due to chemical degradation, 9% of counts in each layer are lost. After correction, she finds that 72% of remaining grains are from grasses. How many grass pollen grains are identified in total?

Wed, 06 May 2026 20:03:48 +0000

**How a Palynologist Unravels Ancient Climate Clues in Sediment Layers** Beneath layers of Earth’s history lie silent stories—each sediment core a time capsule waiting to reveal how environments shifted over centuries. A palynologist, a scientist specialized in microfossils like pollen, studies these strata to reconstruct past climates and ecosystems. With careful analysis of 12 sediment layers—each initially holding 250 pollen grains—this expert uncovers patterns hidden beneath chemical degradation. Recent findings show that despite 9% of counts lost to natural decay, a consistent 72% of remaining pollen grains belong to grasses. This data offers insight into ancient vegetation and environmental resilience—knowledge increasingly relevant amid modern climate discussions in the United States. --- ### Why Sediment Layers and Pollen Count Matter Today