bioturbation

[bahy-oh-tur-bey-shuhn]

noun

1. the alteration and disturbance of a site by living organisms; the turning and mixing of sediments by organisms, as rodents.

bioturbation

1. The stirring or mixing of sediment or soil by organisms, especially by burrowing, boring, or ingestion.

Example Sentences

Scientists have long debated the role of "bioturbation" -- the excavation and stirring up of seafloor sediments caused by these species.

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Instead, the velocity of surface ocean currents and the enrichment of seafloor sediments by organic matter play key roles in shaping deep-sea bioturbation.

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"Our analysis suggests that the present global network of marine protected areas does not sufficiently protect important seafloor processes like bioturbation, indicating that protection measures need to be better catered to promote ecosystem health," Tarhan said.

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Part of the challenge has come from trying to understand how the interactions between these animals and their surroundings influence bioturbation patterns and marine ecosystems worldwide.

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"Through our analysis, we discovered that not just one, but multiple environmental factors jointly influence seafloor bioturbation and the ecosystem services these animals provide," said co-author Lidya Tarhan, assistant professor of Earth and planetary sciences in Yale's Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

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