Subrecent pollen spectra and plant macro-remain complexes of the Malozemelskaya tundra vegetation as the basis for the interpretation of fossil data in paleo-ecological studies

In modern paleoecological research, subrecent (modern or near-modern) data are the basis for constructing calibration models that allow us to interpret the fossil records. Therefore, it is important to understand how accurately subrecent data reflect the composition and structure of modern plant communities, especially in areas where vegetation distribution is highly dependent on topography, local microclimate, and regional climatic parameters. The article presents the results of a comprehensive study into the composition of 17 surface samples collected in plant communities of the Malozemelskaya tundra within the vicinity of Lake Golodnaya Guba. Surface samples were collected from both typical zonal shrub/dwarf-shrub moss tundra and extra-zonal spruce and birch forest areas that are atypical for tundra. The samples were studied using pollen and plant macrofossil analyses. Our data show that the subrecent pollen spectra and macro-remain complexes as a whole reliably reflect the composition of shrub tundra plant communities, characterizing the zonal and local components. However, the degree of participation of individual plant species does not always correspond to their role in communities. The subrecent pollen spectra and macro-remain complexes of the extrazonal forest stands are similar to those of the forest-tundra, reflecting the forest type of vegetation. Spruce and birch pollen does not show a significant deformation on zonal subrecent pollen spectra. Macrofossils of these tree species were found only sporadically outside extrazonal forest areas. The presence of pine pollen, as a long-distance component, does not have a significant effect on the subrecent spectra. Macro-remains of pine were not found in subrecent complexes. The adequacy of subrecent pollen spectra and macro-remain complexes to plant communities is confirmed by cluster analysis, according to which the most statistically similar spectra and complexes are formed in phytocenoses with similar floral composition. The revealed patterns and features of plant communities composition as reflected in subrecent spectra and complexes will enable more accurate paleo-ecological reconstructions within the Malozemelskaya tundra based on pollen and plant macrofossil analyses.

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