At present, palynology seems to be the most efficient tool in providing biostratigraphic data in the Brazilian Upper Paleozoic. Because of their abundance and ubiquity, sporomorphs are of high operational value. The great wealth of palynological information, beginning in 1869, has accumulated principally since 1953. This information is scattered in nearly 100 published and unpublished articles dealing with the Amazonas, Alto Tapajós, Parnaíba, Sergipe/Alagoas, Recôncavo/Tucano/Jatobá and Paraná basins. However, 80% of the literature concerns the Paraná Basin. The present work critically analyzes the available literature from the points of view of dating, zonation and correlation and evaluates the present status of knowledge dealing with various biostratigraphic problems of the different basins. Relevant data are presented in a correlation chart. Suggestions are also made for future academic and applied uses of palynological data.
