Decline in Mesozoic reef-building sponges explained by silicon limitation

Article Abstract:

An experiment indicates that the phenotypic expression of spicules in a sponge is modulated by the concentration of silic acid in seawater. Silicon limitation might have resulted in lighter skeletons in neritic sponges with desmas or the relocation of sponges to deeper waters rich in silicon. A suggestion that sponges might be limited by low silicon concentration in shallow waters has not been considered.

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Sponges out of their depth

Article Abstract:

J. Vacelet and N. Boury-Esnault have discovered that the physiological structure of deep sea sponges of the Cladorhizidae family is influenced by the availability of food. These sponges have adapted to the deep sea conditions and have developed body organs for carnivorous feeding habits. This has resulted in the development of characteristic features that are alien to this phylum.

Adaptation (Biology), Evolutionary adaptation

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Endoscopic exploration of Red Sea coral reefs reveals dense populations of cavity-dwelling sponges

Article Abstract:

Endoscopic techniques have been used to investigate Red Sea framework crevices up to 4 mt into the carbonate rock. It was found that there was a large internal surface containing many encrusting filter-feeders. It was found that water flow is almost always directed into the crevices, exiting the framework through many cracks and holes close to the elevated parts of the reef.

Coral reef ecology, Coral reef ecosystems

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