The study of fossil fruits and seeds (Paleocarpology) developed in Europe and has seen increased international application in recent years. Dispersed fruits and seeds accumulate in both active and quiet sedimentary environments. Collection involves developing a search image for beds of finely to coarsely divided plant material, collecting appropriate samples, and separating the plant material and matrix in the field or in the laboratory. The greatest physical difficulty is encountered in disaggregating the matrix; indurated sands and muds may be broken up by a variety of mild to drastic chemical means

Paleocarpology is a field of study focused on the collection and study of fossil angiosperm fruits and seeds, which accumulate in sedimentary environments.

The collection and study of dispersed angiosperm fruits and seeds

Key Takeaway: Paleocarpology is a field of study focused on the collection and study of fossil angiosperm fruits and seeds, which accumulate in sedimentary environments.