Microborings from the deep Atlantic (Bermuda Pedestal ; Blake Plateau) and Gulf of Mexico (Florida Escarpment) : borers and the ecological and diagenetic fate of the microborings
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Abstract
Interest in deep sea microbiota was stimulated by recent discoveries of productive
redox communities associated with hydrothermal vents and brine seeps, and based on
bacterial chemolithotrophy. This study investigates microbial destruction of mussel
shells from a redox community at the base of the Florida Escarpment (3360 m), in
comparison with microbial boring in shells of typical, low productivity areas of the ocean
floor.
An assemblage of eukaryotic and prokaryotic periostracum borers and their
boring traces were discovered in shells of Bathymodiolus mussels from the base of the
Florida Escarpment, and characterized. Microbial destruction of this protective layer
results in colonization of secondary microbial inhabitants inside boreholes, and exposes
the underlying mineralized shell to colonization and destruction by microbial endoliths.
Microbial consumption of periostracum often proceeds in successive waves. These
organisms show different "foraging" behaviors and leave accordingly varied boring
patterns. These activities create a labyrinth of pits, holes and tunnels which, in tum,
provide sheltered microenvironments for secondary microbial settlers, including primary
producers, which all constitute an abundant food source for numerous ciliates and
gastropods observed on the shells. This concerted attack on the periostracum eventually
leads to the exposure of the mineralized shell. Such exposed areas are characterized by [TRUNCATED]
Description
Thesis (Ph. D.)--Boston University, 1991.
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