ABSTRACT
We review published literature focused on bryozoan interactions and discuss overgrowths, “stalemates,” erect bi-laminate growths and fusions. Overgrowths, where one colony grows zooids atop another, have received the most attention in the scientific literature. Stalemates, where two colonies cease growth at the region of contact, have received relatively little research investigating the possibilities for its occurrence. Erect, bi-laminate growth, following inter- and/or intraspecific contact between colonies, has also received little research, but could reflect mutualistic behavior of encrusting species to increase feeding and reproduction. Fusion of self-self-contacts appears common, yet non-self-fusions to form natural chimeras may also occur and could represent cooperative behavior among genetically related individuals to enhance survival, growth and/or reproduction. In-depth analyses of the costs and benefits of these behaviors in bryozoans are needed to further understand the evolution of these alternative behaviors as well as their contribution to the abundance and diversity of bryozoans in marine habitats.
