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.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1999
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1995
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2001
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Peptide oligomers for holographic data storage. Bacteria and silica cycling. Ultrafast holographic nanopatterning of biocatalytically formed silica
- Abstracts: Climate instability during the last interglacial period recorded in the GRIP ice core. Evidence against dust-mediated control of glacial-interglacial changes in atmospheric CO2
- Abstracts: Social and ecological factors influencing vigilance by northwestern crows, Corvus caurinus. Effects of ecology and prey characteristics on the use of alternative social foraging tactics in crows, Corvus caurinus
- Abstracts: FDA resists regulatory role in gene tests. Hyping results 'could damage' gene therapy. Testing time for gene patent as Europe rebels
- Abstracts: A magnet made from carbon. Magnetic carbon. A dual-action material