A fundamental step of the research is understanding what species contribute to the formation of the bioconstructions. We are consolidating previous knowledges about the role of the different taxa, which are the constructors, the bafflers, the binders, the dwellers and the destroyers, but we are also having knew interesting discoveries!
Densely colonized block of coralligenous.
At the University of Catania we are focusing on serpulids, bryozoans, foraminifers and ostracods, finding a lot of species, of which some were unexpected!
Prof. Sanfilippo (left) and prof. Rosso (right) (University of Catania) observe the samples under the stereomicroscope.Example of a sample obtained from scratching.Serpulid (Serpula vermicularis) covered with an encrusting bryozoan.Coralligenous surface with interaction between different encrusting organisms (bryozoan, which forms the greater cover and pink arborescent foraminifera), perforating sponge (purple points).Tubes of serpulids (Semivermilia crenata) covering a bryozoan (Onychocella marioni).
