This study examines microendolithic community patterns in experimental carbonate blocks in shallow waters between 0 m and 30 m adjacent to Eilat, Israel. We set up two different habitats per depth: one in full light and one shaded. After 6 months of exposure we observed 23 species of which five are unknown to science and herein described as forms. Differences in community patterns between open and shaded habitats were clearly visible at 0 m, indistinct between 6 m and 15 m and indiscernible at 30 m. Three modern producers of key ichnotaxa were confirmed in our experiments within their paleobathymetrical range: Hyella balani (Fascichnus acinosus), Conchocelis (Palaeoconchocelis starmachii), and Ostreobium quekettii (Ichnoreticulina elegans). For Fascichnus dactylus we found six possible producers. We dismiss Scolecia filosa, Eurygonum nodosum and Rhopalia catenata as potential key ichnotaxa because of the broad bathymetrical range of their producers.

Padina pavonica is one of the common macro-algae that inhabit coastal inter-tidal zones around the world. It is one of the two brown algae known to science today that calcifies. It precipitates CaCO 3 in the microscopy form of Aragonite needle shape seen macroscopically as a vertical ventral stripes. Here we will summarize the information available since the beginning of the 20 th century, taking into consideration the algal distribution, macro and micro-morphology, cytology, reproduction, CaCO 3 bio-mineralization, and a slight reference to the commercial aspects, i.e., its use in the medical and cosmetic industries. This paper discusses the likely advantages that Padina gains by the calcification and the effect of pH caused by global climate changes on this calcification. We will describe the distribution of Padina, while focusing on the morphology of P. pavonica, as described in the literature, occasionally comparing it to another common species in Tel-Baruch-P. gymnospora. This review is somewhat prolog for the upcoming research.

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