Aspects of bioerosion of modern Caribbean reefs

Abstract

Boring organisms are ubiquitous and destructive on modern reefs, and have an extensive fossil record. In modern reefs, representatives of at least eight different phyla are capable of boring into the reef framework. Cellular-grade Monera (bacteria) and tissue-grade Protista (algae and fungí) erode via chemical secretions. Tissue-grade Metazoa (the sponges) use a unique combination of chemical weakening combined with physical removal. Organ-grade Metazoa (polychaetes, bivalves, barnacles, crustaceans, sipunculids) employ a variety of techniques, ranging from the chemicalIy-assisted physical to the purely physical.