1. disturbed or mixed by the burrowing, feeding, or movement of living organisms, especially in sediment or soil
Usage: geology and paleontology term; often used in scientific contexts to describe sedimentary layers

Examples

• The bioturbated layers of the seafloor showed evidence of extensive burrowing by marine organisms.
• Paleontologists examined the bioturbated sediment to understand ancient animal behavior.
• The bioturbated soil contained traces of root systems and invertebrate tunnels.
• These bioturbated deposits made it difficult to establish a clear chronological sequence.
• The bioturbated zone extended several centimeters below the surface of the mudstone.