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In a recently-published paper, Galasso et al. (2022) interpreted relatively high levels of unseparated spore tetrads and some darkened miospores which occur immediately below the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event (~ 183 Ma) in southwest Germany as resulting from enhanced levels of UV-B radiation due to high levels of volcanism at this time. The present authors consider that this teratological interpretation is unlikely, and more plausible explanations of these phenomena are rapid sedimentation and short transport durations, and reworking respectively. • Aspects of a recently-published paper are critiqued. • Teratological interpretations are rejected. • Sedimentological phenomena and reworking are advocated instead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]