Bioerosion is a process of removing hard substances by animals or other organisms slowly through actions such as drilling, burrowing or grazing. Bioerosion occurs naturally in nature but can damage the surrounding environment if it is excessive. This natural occurrence is important for geologists and paleontologists as it allows them to determine prehistoric water levels, climatic conditions, and evolutionary patterns.

An example of Bioerosion can be seen in the case of coral reefs. Corals create limestone (or calcium carbonate) to form their skeleton, which serves as a source of food and shelter for reef organisms. Microborers and organisms that graze on the surface of the limestone slowly break down the reef skeleton.

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Other Sources

It’s Not Boring. “Bioerosion.” It’s Not Boring.com. https://isnotboring.wordpress.com/science/bioerosion. Accessed September 12, 2016.