DAMAGE: shipworm at work
Last Friday we were taking a walk along a beach, when I came across this piece of damaged wood eaten out by shipworms.
In taking this photo I was intrigued by what looked like many teeth marks around the holes.
I researched what might have caused the holes and learned about shipworms (and if you look closely at one of the holes and I think the remains of a worm is still in there.)
I learned that marine shipworms have hundreds of sharp invisible teeth and then store the wood they eat in a special digestive sack, where bacteria degrade it. These unique creatures burrow into wood, using it for food and shelter.
DAMAGE: shipworm at work
Last Friday we were taking a walk along a beach, when I came across this piece of damaged wood eaten out by shipworms.
In taking this photo I was intrigued by what looked like many teeth marks around the holes.
I researched what might have caused the holes and learned about shipworms (and if you look closely at one of the holes and I think the remains of a worm is still in there.)
I learned that marine shipworms have hundreds of sharp invisible teeth and then store the wood they eat in a special digestive sack, where bacteria degrade it. These unique creatures burrow into wood, using it for food and shelter.