1. of, relating to, or living on the bottom of a sea, ocean, or other body of water
Usage: scientific/technical term; often used in marine biology and ecology

Examples

• Benthonic organisms include starfish, crabs, and sea cucumbers that live on the ocean floor.
• The research team studied benthonic communities in the deep sea.
• Benthonic habitats are home to many species adapted to extreme pressure and darkness.
• Scientists collected benthonic samples to assess the health of the marine ecosystem.
• The benthonic zone supports a diverse array of life forms.