The distribution of the n-alkanes in the Hongyuan peat core of the northeastern Qinghai-Tibeten Plateau was systematically analyzed based on the GC-MS analysis. The organism records during the Holocene were reconstructed in this region. The results are compared with pollen records in the same region. The discrepancy between the n-alkanes and pollen records was analyzed. One of reason is the n-alkanes mainly record the composition of plant debris deposited locally, the pollen assemblage is more an average signal of the flora over a wider area. The results give a new proof for the biology information of the Holocene in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. The author also proposes lipid biomarkers (such as n-alkanes) can be viewed as the effective tool of vegetation reconstruction, together with the pollen, and will gain the detailed vegetation evolution history.oft-com:office:office" />