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J Paleolimnol (2008) 40:751753 DOI 10.1007/s10933-007-9191-1
BOOK REVIEW
S. J. Brooks, P. G. Langdon and O. Heiri, The Identication and Use of Palaearctic Chironomidae Larvaein Palaeoecology. QRA Technical Guide No. 10
Quaternary Research Association, London, 2007, 276 pp, Paperback, 20.00, ISBN 0907 780 717
Klaus Peter Brodersen
Published online: 17 January 2008 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2008
Chironomid paleoecology has developed rapidly over the last two decades. The chironomids (non-biting midges) are sensitive ecological indicators that closely reect the climate and environment of the freshwater habitat in which they live during their four aquatic larval stages. The paleoecologist uses the well preserved chitinized larval head capsules (subfossils) from lake sediments to reconstruct past community structure (Walker 2001; Porinchu and MacDonald 2003).
One of the great advances in chironomid palaeo-ecology over the last 20 years has been the implementation of multivariate numerical analyses and development of so-called transfer functions for quantitative reconstruction of environmental variables from subfossil assemblages. A prerequisite for meaningful paleoenvironmental interpretation and for robust and reliable models, however, is sound, unambiguous, and consistent data input i.e., competent identication of the subfossil head capsules.
This new technical guide to identication and use of chironomid remains in paleoecology is the rst printed identication key based only on morphological characters commonly present in subfossil material. Up until now, paleoecologists have struggled with identication keys to living chironomid
larvae based on morphological features and details that are rarely present in subfossil material. A substantial part of identication tools used have therefore been photocopies of personal notes, pictures and drawings of subfossil head capsules presented and exchanged in more than seven international Dead-heads workshops since 1997. This manual is therefore a result of many years of good international collaboration with involvement of many people mentioned...