Marine Biology

Benthos

저서생물

Definition

Organisms living on or in the bottom sediments of aquatic environments, from shallow shores to the deep ocean.

Detailed Explanation

Benthic organisms include filter feeders (mussels, sponges), deposit feeders (worms, sea cucumbers), and predators (starfish, flatfish). Deep-sea benthos receive energy almost exclusively as marine snow — particulate organic matter raining from above. Benthic invertebrates are important ecological indicators: their community composition reflects sediment quality, oxygen levels, and pollution history in monitoring programs worldwide.

More in Marine Biology