Abstract
Abstract Shallow-water Sporolithon rhodoliths from New Zealand are described here on the basis of shape, size, composition, internal structure, and major taphonomic attributes, with the aim of discussing their significance in the framework of current ecological and paleoecological models of rhodolith formation and accumulation. The very shallow water environment (<2 m) of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula undergoes daily tidal currents and seasonal storm conditions. These factors, along with the availability of cobbles and pebbles as suitable substrate, lead to the accumulation of spherical, fruticose, monospecific, nucleated, and internally compact rhodoliths. The observed taphonomic features include apical abrasion, intercalary growth of protuberances after mechanical breakage, and multiple growth stages with distinctive bioerosion (by bivalves, annelids, and cyanobacteria), which are identified by internal abrasion surfaces and dark layers. A review of the pattern of global distribution of the coralline gener...
Published Version
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