adjective
- relating to or occurring at the bottom of a body of water
Usage: marine biology; ecology
Examples
- Benthic organisms live on or near the ocean floor.
- The research team studied benthic communities in the deep sea.
- Benthic habitats include coral reefs and muddy sea bottoms.
- Many benthic species have adapted to low-light conditions.
- The benthic zone extends from the shoreline to the deepest ocean trenches.
- Scientists collected benthic samples using specialized equipment.