ScienceAugust 30, 2026
bioerosion
BY-oh-eh-ROH-zhun
Definition
The process by which living organisms weaken or break down hard geological materials, such as coral reefs or rock, through activities like boring, scraping, or grazing.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek prefix 'bio-' meaning life, and 'erosion,' which comes from the Latin 'erodere' meaning to gnaw away.
In the news
In this article, bioerosion explains how organisms like parrotfish and boring sea creatures physically break down coral structures, turning them into the fine sediment that eventually forms beach sand.
Science says sand isn’t always made from rocks: Some beaches are built from the remains of living things
Read the full article ↗The Economic Times