Different Diatom species have hard shells with many different shapes and patterns. The shells stay even after they die, and are useful in palynology.

Palynology is the study of very small natural particles. The word literally means the "study of dust". A palynologist is someone whose job is to identify what the particles are. Samples of particles can come from the air or water or soil or rocks. They could be organic and inorganic. Micropaleontology is a related area of study; it involves very small fossils. view more...