170 Productivity and Benthic Organisms
Fig. 6.11. Dense epifaunal growth. 1 Edge of coral patch reef, Lizard Island, Great Barner Reef
(14°45'N, 2 m). [Photo E. S.]. 2 Epifauna on a mound of the Ross Sea shelf (Antarctic, 76°59'S,
167°36'E). No algae are present at this depth (110 m) so that the dense growth here is all from
animals: large fingery sponges, small bushy bryozoans , finely branched horny corals. A sea lily
(echinoderm) is seen in the upper left. [Photo J. S. Bullivant, 1967, N. Z. Dep. Sci. Ind. Res. Geol.
Surv. Paleontol. Bull. 176]
entrances to the burrows are usually quite small. However, in reality, the outer rind of
the rock may resemble Swiss cheese in its structure. Storm surf can then destroy this
outer layer. Thus the rock wears away, largely through bio-erosion. Limestone is
especially susceptible to this type of attack. Debris from boring sponges grinding
Fig. 6.11. Dense epifaunal growth. 1 Edge of coral patch reef, Lizard Island, Great Barner Reef
(14°45'N, 2 m). [Photo E. S.]. 2 Epifauna on a mound of the Ross Sea shelf (Antarctic, 76°59'S,
167°36'E). No algae are present at this depth (110 m) so that the dense growth here is all from
animals: large fingery sponges, small bushy bryozoans , finely branched horny corals. A sea lily
(echinoderm) is seen in the upper left. [Photo J. S. Bullivant, 1967, N. Z. Dep. Sci. Ind. Res. Geol.
Surv. Paleontol. Bull. 176]
entrances to the burrows are usually quite small. However, in reality, the outer rind of
the rock may resemble Swiss cheese in its structure. Storm surf can then destroy this
outer layer. Thus the rock wears away, largely through bio-erosion. Limestone is
especially susceptible to this type of attack. Debris from boring sponges grinding