paleonet Coralline algae and corals

[Michael Rasser <michael.rasser@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dear colleaques,

I hope that some of you can answer some (paleo)ecological questions
concerning coralline algae, corals, and bryozoans.

In the Oligocene of the Northern Alps we found two algal species. Both
of them are abundant in both coral- and bryozoan-dominated facies (i.e.,
they occur together in both facies).

However, species A only encrusts corals and species B only encrusts
bryozoans.

I know that corals can favour the settlement of coralline algae, but
there are some general questions and I hope that you know some
literature on this topic:

1. how do corals prevent encrustation by coralline algae (I guess they
use chemical substances)?
2. is it possible that certain coralline algae are able to overcome the
defence mechanisms of corals and - how do they do this?
3. Is there anything comparable known for bryozoans?

Thank you in advance and please excuse any cross-posting, if you are
subscribed to more than one of the lists. 

Best regards,
Michael

     ---------------------------------------
     Dr. Michael W. Rasser
     michael.rasser@paleoweb.net
     http://www.paleoweb.net/rasser

     Institut für Geologie und Paläontologie
     Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz
     Heinrichstrasse 26,  
     A-8010 Graz, 
     Austria

     Phone:  (++43) 0316-380/8732
     Mobile: (++43) 0676-7953724
     Fax:    (++43) 0316-380/9871
     ---------------------------------------

New book: "Paleogene of the Eastern Alps"
http://www.kfunigraz.ac.at/gepwww/forschung/palaeogen