The Tiny Reasons This Island Is Shrinking

Hoboro Island is shrinking due to bioerosion caused by crustaceans, not wind or waves. These crustaceans bore into rocks, accelerating natural erosion. Bioerosion affects entire ecosystems, with organisms like plants and microbes contributing. Examples include isopods in Malaysia and their impact on coral reefs. Bioerosion helps form beaches but is exacerbated by climate change, threatening coral balance. Human activities and invasive species also influence bioerosion, highlighting the need for conservation.

What is causing the island to shrink?

• Human activity

• Bioerosion by crustaceans

• Wave erosion

• Wind erosion

Which organisms are known to contribute to bioerosion?

• Animals, plants, and microbes

• Only microbes

• Only plants

• Only animals

How do plant roots contribute to bioerosion?

• By eroding coral

• By dissolving minerals

• By creating microplastics

• By fracturing rocks apart

What role do parrotfish play in coral reef ecosystems?

• They clean the ocean floor

• They increase coral growth

• They erode coral structures

• They protect coral reefs

How does climate change affect bioerosion?

• It reduces bioerosion

• It stabilizes bioerosion

• It has no effect

• It increases bioerosion