Bioerosion by polydora (Polychaeta, sedentaria, vermes) off Helgoland, Germany

Abstract

The boring activities of Polydora BOSC. 1802, are an important agent in bioerosion. Trace fossils attributed to this worm are very common. From data collected on Recent representatives of Polydora ciliata JOHNSTON 1838, it is evident that the boring mechanism of this worm is to be interpreted as a combination of mechanical and chemical processes. Dodecaceria, another genus of polychaete worms, is considered to be able to bore chemically in lime-rich substrata.