Some problems of representivity in pollen analysis

Abstract

Three problems of representativity are discussed: A. The classicial "statistical" problem to what extent one may conclude from the composition of a pollen spectrum to that of the actual pollen rain. Statistical treatment of this problem chiefly serves as a warning not to draw too definite conclusions from individual spectra. B. To what extent it is possible to conclude from the composition of the pollen rain to that of the vegetation. Doubt is raised about the validity of Davis's negative conclusions which are statistically not well founded. Pollen productivity alone does not give the answer: transport effectivity is equally important. C. To what extent does the actual vegetation represent the potentialities of the area and to what extent are successions dependent on non-climatic factors.