Pollen analysis is the study of pollen grains found in sediment layers, which helps scientists understand past environments and climate changes. By examining the types and quantities of pollen, researchers can identify the types of plants that existed in a specific area at different times. This information is valuable for reconstructing ancient ecosystems and understanding how they have evolved. The process involves collecting sediment samples from locations like lakes or bogs, where pollen can accumulate over thousands of years. Scientists then use microscopes to identify and count the pollen grains, linking them to specific plant species. This technique is often used in fields like paleoecology and archaeology.