Question

What are Benthos?

Answer 1

Benthos:

1. The name Benthos comes from a Greek term that means "depth of the sea."
2. It refers to creatures that dwell on, in, or near the water's bottom.
3. The benthic zone is the area around a water body such as a river, lake, stream, or sea.
4. Because light cannot reach thus far into the water, the organic stuff that goes down to the seabed is their primary source of sustenance.
5. Sea Stars, Snails, Clams, Sea Anemones, and Starfish are examples of benthos organisms.

Benthos are of two types:

Macrobenthos:

It consists of creatures visible to the naked eye that reside at the bottom of a water column. E.g. Sponges, Crabs, Corals, Lobsters, etc.

Meiobenthos:

Small benthic invertebrates known as meiobenthos, may be found in both marine and freshwater habitats. E.g. Nematodes, Copepods, etc.