Marine ecologists have been leaders in a trend to break down the traditional compartmentalization of the life sciences. This is evident from a large volume of research on plant-animal interactions within the marine environment, which has contributed greatly to our understanding of coastal ecosystems and to general ecological concepts. In this book, leading experts consider the current state of our knowledge of plant-animal interactions as they influence the
distribution, community structure, and abundance of benthic marine organisms. Interactions in different habitats are authoritatively reviewed from both regional and global perspectives, emphasis being placed on the relationship between herbivorous animals and their food plants. Special consideration is given
to bioerosion caused by interactions and to endosymbiosis involving algae and cnidarians.