noun
- the collection of organisms living on or in the bottom of a sea, lake, or other body of water
Usage: biology; ecology
Examples
- Marine biologists studied the benthos of the coral reef to understand the ecosystem.
- The benthos includes creatures like sea stars, crabs, and bottom-dwelling fish.
- Pollution can severely damage the benthos of freshwater lakes.
- Scientists collected samples of the benthos from the ocean floor.
- The diversity of benthos varies greatly between shallow and deep waters.
- Benthic surveys help researchers monitor the health of aquatic environments.