Biopitting is a geologic phenomenon that occurs when small pits are created in rock as a result of the bioerosion induced by different organisms and/or microorganisms (for example, fungi, bacteria, algae, lichens).
[1] The terms have since been adopted by other authors to describe similar occurrences.
[2] Following the initial invasive attachment and growth, biomass increase and turgor pressure from the expanding hyphae can promote the loosening of rock crystals, which will eventually fall off of the main rock formation.
These events occur in a progressive fashion, creating continuous cycles of penetration-decohesion-material loss and eventually leading to the appearance of multiple pits in the rock surface.
[3] Since different organisms grow at varied rates, and in an assortment of growth patterns, the type and shape of the resulting biopits often corresponds to the fungal taxa present in the rock.