Latin America pioneers in phytolith studies share their journey and guidance for aspiring scientists

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• August 6, 2024
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The efforts of Latin America’s pioneers in phytolith studies have led to groundbreaking discoveries and inspired a growing community of scientists. Their research has yielded profound insights into various environmental dynamics and human societies from the region. Today, they share their experience and advice for the next generation of researchers.

Margarita Osterrieth

PhD in Natural Sciences, Osterrieth’s journey with phytoliths began in 1980, after learning about this proxy while conducting studies of mineralogy and genesis of Cenozoic soils and paleosols in the Pampean plain of Argentina. She learned the techniques of phytolith extraction and identification though the literature available at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and at the Museum of the National University of La Plata.

Since then, her work became a reference in Latin America, leading numerous researchers seeking her expertise and training. Osterrieth’s studies focus on phytoliths in soil, paleosols and cenozoic sediments, with an emphasis on taphonomy and soil biogeochemistry related processes. Margarita encourages students to combine different proxies and delve into the vast potential of phytoliths across various scientific fields.

 

Alejandra Korstanje

Korstanje, PhD in Archaeology, works with phytoliths since 1998. She improved her skills during internships in Uruguay and at the University of California, Berkeley, driven by her interest in pre- Hispanic societies and agriculture. Her innovative work led the way to the Multiple Analysis of Microfossils, contributing to the distinction of the first phytolith maize in Argentina.

 

For students starting to learn about this proxy, Alejandra recommends building a strong foundation: “First you must learn about the scope and limitations of the technique, the sampling system and laboratory protocols. After that, they should start researching.”

Laura del Puerto García

Laura became aware of phytolith studies through the pioneering work of Anthropology students Sara Campos and Juana Olivero who were working in archaeological sites in eastern Uruguay in the late 1990s. This sparked Laura’s interest in human-plant relationships and the preservation conditions of organic remains in the archaeological sites of the country. She engaged in internships at the Center for Environmental Sciences (CCMA) of CSIC in Madrid with Ascensión Pinilla and at the Laboratory of Paleobotany, CICYTTP-Diamante (CONICET) with Alejandro Zucol.

Having earned her PhD in Biological Sciences (Ecology), Garcia highlights that advances made in phytolith science have allowed the generation of detailed models of the human-environmental dynamics during the Holocene in Uruguay. Additionally, they have found applications on other fields, such as agricultural and functional ecology and paleontology.
“These studies require dedication, patience and perseverance. They are not suitable for those seeking quick and easy results, but for those who like to challenge themselves and extend the limits of what we can know. Multi-proxy studies greatly expand the potential of phytolith analysis, promoting learning environments for personal and collective development”.

Pilar Babot

Pilar began her phytolith studies in 1998 when enrolled in a postgraduate course with Dr. Juan-Tresserras the following year. The engagement in scientific conferences and research groups played a big role in her journey allowing the exchange of knowledge about different types of microfossils and methodologies.

 

Among many advances, Babot, who holds a PhD in Archaeology, emphasizes the characterizations of phytoliths and starches from the Southern Hemishphere, integrated studies combining different markers with technological and contextual analysis of objects in use residues, as well as the study of taphonomic modifications in microfossils related to plant processing.

Reflecting on her journey, Babot advises young scientists to seek out collaboration and internships in different laboratories to learn specific protocols and approaches to phytolith research, and to work with FAIR criteria.

Gaspar Morcote-Ríos

The archaeologist and archaeobotanist Morcote-Ríos was inspired by the works of Dolores Piperno and Debora Pearsall, recognizing the immense potential of phytolith research for the Amazon region.

He mastered the techniques in the Archaeology Laboratory of the Institute of Natural Sciences at the National University of Colombia around 2002 and soon began his work in archaeological sites in the Amazon jungle.

His pioneer studies focused on phytoliths in neotropical palms providing valuable insights on past use, distribution, and domestication of palms. Morcote-Ríos motivates students and points to the field’s allure, stating: “There is a universe to discover about ancient environments and the human species.”

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