Cementation in cold-water bryozoan sand, Tasmania, Australia

Cold-water (<3–11°C) carbonate is the predominant sediment on the Tasmanian shelf. Calcitic skeletal grains (bryozoa, foraminifera, echinoderms, etc.) predominate over aragonitic (gastropods, etc.) ones. Non-skeletal grains are mostly micritic intraclasts with some pellets.

Fibrous spherulitic and rhombohedral calcite submarine cements range up to 90% in the bryozoan sand. X-ray analyses show that the bryozoan sand is characterized by a spectrum of calcites (low to high magnesian) and some aragonite.

A uniform spread of Mg concentrations from 0.06 to 2.48 wt.% indicates <3–10°C ambient water temperatures. The Mn (10–360 ppm) and Fe (176–2499 ppm) concentrations increase with increasing Mg values due to the formation of impure CaCO₃ phases. The Sr content in bryozoan sand (bryozoa = 3200 ppm Sr) decreases with increasing rhombohedral calcite cement, as low Mg-calcite precipitating from 3° C sea water would have 1350 ppm Sr. The bryozoan sand grains with fibrous spherulitic calcite cements have high Sr concentrations (4470–7000 ppm), in the same range as in aragonitic (detected only by X-ray analyses) bryozoan sand grains. The spherulitic calcite cements are either pseudomorphs after original aragonite cements or these calcite cements and aragonite were inverted from fibrous spherulitic vaterite, a predominant CaCO₃ polymorph at temperatures <10°C.     

Studies on Antineoplastic Constituents from Marine Bryozoan Bugula neritina Inhabiting South China Sea (Ⅲ): Isolation and Structural Elucidation of Bryostatins 10, 11 and 18

Six active compounds are isolated from the marine bryozoan Bugula neritina,inhabiting the Nanwan Bay in the South China Sea, using the bioassay-guided method with a combination of extraction and partitionation with suitable solvents as well as multiple column chromatographies ( Sephadex LH-20, ODS and preparative HPLC).Their structures are identified as known bryostatins-bryostatins 4, 5, 6, 10, 11 and 18 through intensive analysis of the data of high resolution 2D NMR (600 MHz, DQF-COSY,TOCSY, HMQC and ROESY) and ESI-MS. Among them, bryostatins 10, 11 and 18 are for the first time obtained from this bryozoan in the South China Sea and they show significant antineoplastic activities in vitro.     

Interactions Between Small Sciaphilous Scleractinians and Epizoans in the Northern Mediterranean, With Particular Reference to Bryozoans

Abstract. Two small sclcractinians, Lepfopsummiu pruvoti (solitary) and Hoplungiu dur-olrix (colonial, aggrcgatcd or not), which arc common pcrcnnial componcnts of Mcditcrrancan submarinc cavcs and dccp vcrtical walls, bcar many cpibionts on thc lowcr part of thcir corallitcs. Samplcs were collectcd ncar Marscillcs (7–58 in) undcr various cnvironmcntal conditions and coral densitics. Frequency of occurrencc of thc major cpizoan groups and of individual bryozoan spccics overgrowing the corallites varies according to habitat charactcristics and to acccssibility of the individual corallitcs for adjaccnt epizoans. Thc most frcqucnt colonizcrs arc: bryozoans (by vcgctative growth and larval settlcrnent), sponges (mainly by vcgctativc growth), and scrpulids. Among the 40 recorded bryozoan species (26 on Leptopsammia, 28 on Hoplangiu), 15 spccics are relatively frequent on each host. Comparisons of data from the corallites with thosc obtained from adjoining samples indicatc the preference for coral substratc of Pucflina radiata. This encrusting bryozoan is highly predominant on both Leptopsammia and Hoplangiu as well as on other scleractinian species. SEM observations show that overgrowth processcs are reversible and that corals may control the invading encruSters by embedding them in their sclerenchyme. The balance and benefits of this epizoan/host system are discussed.     

Algae as hosts for epifaunal bryozoans: Role of functional groups and taxonomic relatedness

Macroalgae build biogenic habitats which give shelter and provide a suitable physical environment for a great variety of organisms. Structural complexity of algal substrates may influence the composition of their attached epifauna. The aim of this study is to test whether the taxonomic relatedness of the algal hosts and the functional groups to which they belong influence the species richness and composition of their epifaunal bryozoans. We analysed 36 algal genera from the Atlantic coast of South America between 42°S and Cape Horn. Changes in bryozoan species richness (number of species) among different algal functional groups (filamentous algae, foliose algae, corticated foliose algae, corticated macrophytes) were non-significant. The composition of the epifaunal assemblages differed significantly only between filamentous and foliose algae. Sheet-like bryozoans (i.e. encrusting, pluriserial colonies) were more frequent on foliose than on filamentous algae, while runner-like species (i.e. uniserial stolons) were characteristic epibionts on filamentous thallii. Similarity of bryozoan assemblages increased with increasing taxonomic relatedness of their hosts. As most filamentous seaweeds analysed in this study are members of the Order Ceramiales, the influence of algal taxonomic relatedness and functional groups on the composition of their bryozoan assemblages can be viewed as two different aspects of the same phenomenon.     

Diversity and Distribution of the Bryozoa along Underwater Cliffs in the Adriatic Sea with Special Reference to Thermal Regime

Abstract.  The diversity and distribution of bryozoans have been surveyed at two localities, Cape Struga on Lastovo Island (South Adriatic) and Cape Šilo on Prvić Island near Senj (North Adriatic), with similar characteristics of topography and exposure but markedly different sea temperature conditions. Continuous measurements over one year have shown that temperature conditions differ in two aspects. First, the annual range of temperature is much larger in the North. Second, in the South during summer, marine life within the thermocline layer is exposed to large high-frequency temperature oscillations, partly due to an internal diurnal tide, a phenomenon recorded for the first time in the Adriatic. Altogether, 78 species have been recorded, 57 in Lastovo and 50 in Prvić, and 29 in both localities. The comparison of mean zooid lengths of 14 bryozoan species occurring at both localities indicates no consistent difference in zooid size between northern and southern sites. Seventeen bryozoan species have been recorded in the Eastern Adriatic Sea for the first time.     

Victims of Avicularia

Abstract. .The function of the sessile "trap-door" avicularia of cheilostome bryozoans has been the subject of much speculation but relatively little observation. During studies of reef dwelling cheilostomes, avicularia of this type were seen to capture syllid polychaetes. This diverse group of small predatory worms, commonly found in the same habitats as bryozoan colonies, may be important factors in bryozoan ecology and evolution.     

The rate of feeding of the bryozoan,Zoobotryon verticillatum

The ctenostome bryozoan Zoobotryon verticillatum was found to clear suspensions of four species of algae, at rates ranging from 0.152–1.05 ml per zooid per hour, or 13.9–96.2 ml per mg dry weight per hour, when the algal suspensions were below the satiation concentrations and thus maximum clearance rates would be expected. Suspensions of Monochrysis lutheri, a small flagellate on which the bryozoan grew well and with which most experiments were made, was cleared below the satiation concentration of 7,900 cells per ml, at the mean rate of 0.368 ml per zooid per hour or 33.7 ml per mg dry weight per hour.

Satiation concentrations of the four species of algae were of the same order as the highest concentrations of nannoplankton to be expected in the bryozoan's natural habitat.

The bryozoan colony fed fairly constantly over a 48 hour period.

Assuming oxygen consumption was similar to that of other bryozoans, Zoobotryon verticillatum cleared about 11.6 litres per ml of oxygen consumed.     

Waulsortian-like mounds of the Mississippian Pekisko Formation, Northwestern Alberta: Petrographic and chemical attributes

The Tournasian age Pekisko carbonates in the Normandville Field (northwestern Alberta) form waulsortian-like, bryozoan/crinoid mounds that developed in fairly deep, low energy, cool water systems, close to the ramp margin. Three main depositional environments occur: (1) crinoidal apron with wackestone, grainstone and floatstone facies; (2) mound flank with grainstone, wackestone, packstone and floatstone facies dipping 35°; and (3) bryozoan mound core, composed of rudstone and floatstone facies with fenestrate bryozoa, minor crinoids and carbonate mud. Local highs due to fault-bounded blocks, created from the collapse of the Devonian Peace River High, may have controlled the location of mound nucleation.Diagenesis of the bryozoan/crinoid mounds included calcite cementation, compaction, dolomitization, silicification, and hydrocarbon emplacement events. The mound core facies contains submarine fascicular optic calcite and bladed/prismatic calcite cements, and later ferroan, brightly luminescent, pore-filling blocky spar cement. The crinoid apron facies contains syntaxial cement associated with crinoids, and the ferroan blocky spar cement. The mounds are dominantly limestone; however, in one well, dolomite dominates the lower section. Four types of dolomite have been identified: partial replacive; chemical-compaction-related, pervasive dolomite and saddle dolomite cement. All dolomites are non-stoichiometric (CaCO₃ mole% 56.6–62.6). The partial, zoned replacive dolomite replaces micrite and syntaxial rim calcite in mound flank and crinoid apron facies. The chemical compaction-related dolomite is found along dissolution seams and stylolites and has similar CL characteristics to the replacive dolomite. The pervasive dolomite is fabric destructive and has dull cores and bright rims in CL. Saddle dolomite (0.15 mm) has brightly-luminescent, concentric zoning and occurs in vugs and fossil pore spaces.Chemical and isotopic analysis of the bryozoan/crinoid mounds indicate that the original marine signatures in micrite, early cements, some crinoids and brachiopods have been preserved. However, carbon isotopic values for some crinoids, matrix and dolomite show more positive values compared to known Mississippian carbonate values. Recrystallization during shallow burial has reset the oxygen isotopic composition of some crinoids and micrite. Oxygen and carbon isotopic compositions of most dolomites overlap with altered crinoids and early calcite cements. However, saddle dolomites have lighter δ¹⁸O values, similar to saddle dolomites from the Devonian Wabamun Group in this area. The isotopic variations in later ferroan calcite cements show an inverted-J trend, possibly due to variable amounts of water-rock interaction. While the Sr-isotopic ratio of submarine calcite cement coincides with that of Mississippian seawater, the later ferroan calcite cement is more radiogenic, indicating a different source of fluids.     

Regional and temporal changes in epizoobiontic bryozoan-communities of Flustra foliacea (Linnaeus, 1758) and implications for North Sea ecology

Until recently, bryozoans have not been used as indicators for changes in bottom communities or climate control in the North Sea Basin, despite a 200-year history of bryozoan collecting. The epizoobiontic bryozoan fauna of Flustra foliacea (Linnaeus, 1758) was analysed on 51 sample stations kept in four German museums. The samples cover the entire North Sea and different time periods (1776–2008, mainly the period of 1904/1905 compared to 1980–87). Cluster analysis shows a differentiation into a northern and a southern North Sea assemblage. The northern assemblage is characterized by Amphiblestrum flemingii (Busk, 1854), Callopora dumerilii (Audouin, 1826) and Tricellaria ternata (Ellis & Solander, 1786), while the southern North Sea is characterized by Electra pilosa (Linnaeus, 1767), Crisia eburnea (Linnaeus, 1758) and Plagioecia patina (Lamarck, 1816). Spatial separation approximately follows the 50 m depth contour. The temporal distribution patterns of bryozoans are discussed in terms of NAO (North Atlantic Oscillation) and temperature variations.     

Stable isotope composition of modern bryozoan skeletal carbonate from the Otago Shelf,New Zealand

The oxygen (δ¹⁸O) and carbon (δ¹³C) isotope ratios of 10 species of living Bryozoa collected from the Otago Shelf, New Zealand were analysed to assess the extent to which isotopic equilibrium (relative to inorganic equilibrium isotope fractionation) is attained during the precipitation of skeletal calcium carbonate. The data reveal that whereas eight species of Bryozoa synthesise skeletal carbonate in apparent oxygen isotope equilibrium with respect to environmental conditions, two species (Celleporina grandis and Hippomonavella flexuosa) yield δ¹⁸O_calcite values which indicate significant disequilibrium oxygen isotope fractionation during calcification. Sufficient data are available from one species (C. grandis) to demonstrate that disequilibrium is probably related to kinetic factors associated with diffusion‐controlled transport of HCO₃‐ to the site of calcite precipitation. Carbon isotope signatures indicate significant departures from inorganic isotope equilibrium in all but one bryozoan species (Hippomenella vellicata). Although greater uncertainties are associated with estimates of the isotopic composition of total dissolved inorganic carbon (δ¹³C_SDIC), the data suggest that two factors—kinetic fractionation and incorporation of respiratory CO₂—are important in controlling carbon isotope disequilibrium. Where bryozoan species exhibit evidence for disequilibrium in both oxygen and carbon isotope systems (C. grandis, H. flexuosa), it is likely that kinetic factors are primarily responsible for observed departures from carbon isotope equilibrium. In contrast, the probable explanation for those species which display evidence for carbon isotope disequilibrium only, is that skeletal carbonate is precipitated from a DIC pool modified by the incorporation of respiratory CO₂. Differences between the carbon isotope composition of skeletal elements from the same species and co‐existing species living in the same community suggests that significant variations may occur in the extent to which marine DIC and respiratory CO₂ are utilised during calcification. Additional studies of carbon pathways associated with calcification are required to assess the relative effects of kinetic, metabolic, and environmental factors on the carbon isotopic composition of bryozoan skeletal carbonate.     

Effects of temporal dynamics and vertical structure of the seagrass Zostera caulescens on distribution and recruitment of the epifaunal encrusting bryozoa Microporella trigonellata

Seagrass is an ephemeral habitat for epifaunal sessile invertebrates attaching on seagrass leaves, and spatial and temporal dynamics of seagrasses strongly affect the distribution of epifauna. Zostera caulescens Miki, a seagrass species endemic to Japan, provides a complex habitat for epifauna with two types of shoots: vegetative, less than 1 m tall, and flowering, 5–7 m tall. We conducted monthly field observations and a manipulative field experiment to investigate the effects of the seagrass vertical structure and its temporal variation on the distribution and recruitment of the encrusting bryozoan Microporella trigonellata. The density of M. trigonellata on the leaves of flowering shoots, located at the seagrass canopy, varied temporally, reaching maximum in summer and minimum in winter. In contrast, M. trigonellata density on the leaves of vegetative shoots near the sea floor was consistently low throughout the study period. Early recruit bryozoans also showed this temporal and vertical variation in density; thus spatial and temporal variation in recruitment determined the distribution of the whole colonies. The field experiment revealed that the recruitment rate of M. trigonellata was significantly higher at the higher position of the water column (3 m above the sea floor) than at the lower position (0.5 m) in June. However, the recruitment rate was higher at the lower position in October when most of the flowering shoots started falling down. The temporal change in bryozoan habitat selection is considered to be adaptive to maintain their population on the seagrass leaves that show complex temporal dynamics.     

Marine biofouling in Hong Kong:a review

From 1980 to 1998, biofouling communities in Hong Kong waters, the Zhujiang RiverEstuary and the Mirs Bay were studied and a total of 610 samples. The samples were collected from ves-sels, buoys, piers and cages. Totally, 340 species (see Appendix Ⅰ ) have been recorded and identified,six of which are new. At the same time, research on the biology of the cirripede, bryozoan, polychaeteand mollusc communities were also conducted. Twenty-three related papers have been published. Thisreview summarizes works in Hong Kong over past twenty years, and some unpublished data are also re-ported.     

黄海两种典型硅藻的磷胁迫生理研究

在实验室批次培养条件下,研究黄海两种浮游植物优势种玛氏骨条藻(Skeletonema marinoi)和旋链角毛藻(Chaetoceros curvisetus)在低磷条件下的生长特性、环境中不同形态磷浓度的变化以及磷饥饿状态下浮游植物的营养吸收动力学和碱性磷酸酶动力学。结果表明,玛氏骨条藻在磷胁迫情况下可利用自身较高的吸收速率和较小的细胞体积有效摄取环境中的无机磷快速生长并取得优势,而旋链角毛藻在无机磷的利用上并无优势,其比玛氏骨条藻需要更多的细胞颗粒磷去维持细胞活性,而且更容易诱导碱性磷酸酶分解利用有机磷,推测在有机磷丰富的环境下旋链角毛藻会在二者竞争中取得优势。这些生理特性有可能是二者在黄海季节性水华发生过程中大量存在的原因。     

海洋初始状态对预报2002/03年中太平洋型厄尔尼诺事件的作用

2002/03年厄尔尼诺事件,是暖海温中心出现在赤道中太平洋区域的一种新型厄尔尼诺,即中太平洋型厄尔尼诺。本文基于一个厄尔尼诺预测系统,利用三组回报试验来详细区分海洋表层和次表层初始状态对预报2002/03年中太平洋型厄尔尼诺事件的作用,并由此来探寻对预报厄尔尼诺演变过程最有利的初始条件。回报试验分为三组:(1)仅同化海表温度观测(sea surface temperature;简称SST)来优化海洋表层初始状态(Assim_SST);(2)仅同化海表高度观测(sea level;简称SL)来更新海洋次表层初始状态(Assim_SL);(3)同时同化SST和SL观测来一起更新海洋表层和次表层初始状态(Assim_SST+SL)。回报试验结果表明,三种不同的初始条件都可以使模式提前一年成功地预报2002/03年厄尔尼诺事件,并且"Assim_SST+SL"回报试验的效果最好。三组回报试验结果间的对比表明:海洋表层和次表层初始状态均对成功地预报该事件有重要作用,但其作用分别集中在事件发展的不同阶段。精确的海洋表层初始状态更容易激发模式预报出一次厄尔尼诺事件,而更合理的海洋次表层初始状态则能有效地提高厄尔尼诺事件预报的强度。     

Phylogenetic diversity of Type I polyketide synthase genes from sediments of Ardley Island in Antarctica

The diversity of modular polyketide synthase (PKS) genes in sediments of Ardley Island in Antarctica, was studied by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. Phylogenetic analysis of 14 amino acid (AA) sequences indicates that the identified ketosynthase (KS) domains were clustered with those from diverse bacterial groups, including Cyanobacteria, γ-Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and some unidentified microorganisms from marine sponge, bryozoan and other environmental samples. The obtained KS domains showed 43%-81% similarity at the AA level to reference sequences in GenBank. Six identified KS domains showed diverse sequences of the motif (VQTACSTS) that was used to identify the hybrid PKS/nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) enzyme complex, and formed a new branch. These results reveal a high diversity and novelty of PKS genes in antarctic sediments.     

Effects of ocean acidification and high temperatures on the bryozoan Myriapora truncata at natural CO2 vents

There are serious concerns that ocean acidification will combine with the effects of global warming to cause major shifts in marine ecosystems, but there is a lack of field data on the combined ecological effects of these changes due to the difficulty of creating large‐scale, long‐term exposures to elevated CO₂ and temperature. Here we report the first coastal transplant experiment designed to investigate the effects of naturally acidified seawater on the rates of net calcification and dissolution of the branched calcitic bryozoan Myriapora truncata (Pallas, 1766). Colonies were transplanted to normal (pH 8.1), high (mean pH 7.66, minimum value 7.33) and extremely high CO₂ conditions (mean pH 7.43, minimum value 6.83) at gas vents off Ischia Island (Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy). The net calcification rates of live colonies and the dissolution rates of dead colonies were estimated by weighing after 45 days (May–June 2008) and after 128 days (July–October) to examine the hypothesis that high CO₂ levels affect bryozoan growth and survival differently during moderate and warm water conditions. In the first observation period, seawater temperatures ranged from 19 to 24 °C; dead M. truncata colonies dissolved at high CO₂ levels (pH 7.66), whereas live specimens maintained the same net calcification rate as those growing at normal pH. In extremely high CO₂ conditions (mean pH 7.43), the live bryozoans calcified significantly less than those at normal pH. Therefore, established colonies of M. truncata seem well able to withstand the levels of ocean acidification predicted in the next 200 years, possibly because the soft tissues protect the skeleton from an external decrease in pH. However, during the second period of observation a prolonged period of high seawater temperatures (25–28 °C) halted calcification both in controls and at high CO₂, and all transplants died when high temperatures were combined with extremely high CO₂ levels. Clearly, attempts to predict the future response of organisms to ocean acidification need to consider the effects of concurrent changes such as the Mediterranean trend for increased summer temperatures in surface waters. Although M. truncata was resilient to short‐term exposure to high levels of ocean acidification at normal temperatures, our field transplants showed that its ability to calcify at higher temperatures was compromised, adding it to the growing list of species now potentially threatened by global warming.     

Notes Marine biofouling in Hong Kong: a review

From 1980 to 1998, biofouling communities in Hong Kong waters, the Zhujiang RiverEstuary and the Mirs Bay were studied and a total of 610 samples. The samples were collected from vessels, buoys, piers and cages. Totally, 340 species (see Appendix I ) have been recorded and identified, six of which are new. At the same time, research on the biology of the cirripede, bryozoan, polychaete and mollusc communities were also conducted. Twenty-three related papers have been published. This review summarizes works in Hong Kong over past twenty years, and some unpublished data are also reported.     

Seasonality of foraminiferal flux in sediment traps at Chatham Rise,SW Pacific: implications for paleotemperature estimates

Analysis of sediment traps located either side of the Subtropical Front east of New Zealand reveals a strong association between water masses and foraminiferal assemblages. The composition and timing of foraminiferal productivity is distinct between waters north and south of the front, and these differences are also reflected in the assemblages of nearby core-tops. The sediment trap data indicate highly seasonal flux patterns in this region, so sedimentary records may represent flux during a particular season, rather than throughout the annual cycle. This pronounced seasonality has implications for our estimates of the annual temperature range based on faunal assemblages. This study shows that despite strong flux seasonality the annual sea-surface temperature (SST) range is reliably estimated from the sediment trap foraminiferal assemblages by the modern analog technique. The successful estimation of the annual SST range also indicates that the annual flux obtained from these sediment traps is representative of the longer term flux preserved in surface sediments. Core-top assemblages from this region can therefore be directly related to modern sea-surface conditions, providing an analogue for interpreting past environmental change from fossil assemblages.     

Polymorphic Zooids in Deitaic Species Populations of Conopeum seurati (CANU, 1928) (Bryozoa, Cheilostomata)

Abstract. Deltaic populations of Conopeum seurati from diverse environmental settings have variable phenotypes related to strong competitive regimes and to dissolved oxygen minima. Under extremely stressful conditions, the poorly canalized phenotype of C. seurati displays new additional features such as kleistozooids ( kleistós = closed) and chaotic celleporoid layers. Kleistozooids are clearly distinguishable polymorphs characterized by the presence of a compact, imperforate frontal membrane and by a strongly reduced lumen of the "opesium". They commonly aggregate in clusters of regularly-arranged individuals that store a large quantity of proteic material. The inferred function of these cell-like structures is to supply nutrients for basic colony activities. Celleporoid layers are, possibly, a developmental relaxation of the colony of C. seurati for a more efficient use of space in competitive interactions.
Both celleporoid layers and kleistozooids reveal the magnitude of intracolony variability of a widespread opportunistic bryozoan species.     

The effect of encrusting bryozoans on the photosynthetic activity of Fucus serratus L.

A photosynthetic gradient along the fronds of the serrated wrack, Fucus serratus L. is described. Within the epifaunal communities associated with the fronds of F. serratus certain species are known to settle preferentially in the distal, less heavily encrusted, regions of the plant; thus a gradient in photosynthetic activity could provide an important mechanism by which the prospecting larvae of such species are able to discriminate between different regions along individual fronds. Photosynthesis is significantly depressed in F. serratus fronds which are heavily fouled by the fleshy encrusting bryozoans, Alcyonidium hirsutum (Fleming) and Flustrellidra hispida (Fabricius). Electra pilosa (L.), a calcareous opportunistic bryozoan, has a less marked effect on photosynthetic activity. The selective costs of dense epifaunal assemblages on their algal hosts are briefly discussed.