Plant reproductive palaeobiology: a window into long-term reproductive dynamics

Reproductive dynamics strongly influence genetic diversity and population structure, with important implications for ecological interactions and evolutionary trajectories. However, our understanding of plant reproductive dynamics remains limited due to the scarcity of long-term studies. Here, we propose a conceptual and methodological framework for tracking plant reproductive dynamics over long timescales using pollen, plant spore, and seed records preserved in sedimentary archives. The analysis of counts, morphology, and DNA from fossil propagules enables reconstruction of reproductive patterns over centennial to million-year timescales. When integrated with other palaeoproxies, these records provide insights into environmental drivers and eco-evolutionary consequences of reproductive dynamics. The proposed framework opens new avenues for optimising conservation strategies, safeguarding key ecological functions, and improving predictions of future biotic responses.