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Phytolith, or plant microfossil, as viewed through a scanning electron microscope (SEM), showing the distinctive three-dimensional structure identifying it as prickly pear (Opuntia). The image shown is from Hinds Cave in the Lower Pecos area. The predominant, and most useful, phytoliths from the Varga site were from grasses. These provided insights into grass communities not reflected in the pollen samples. Image courtesy Texas A&M University Anthropology Archives.
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