benthos

noun

Meaning

The collection of organisms living on or in the bottom sediments of a sea, lake, or other body of water.

Examples

  • The survey team collected samples from the benthos to assess the health of the deep-sea ecosystem.
  • Many species of benthos are highly sensitive to changes in water temperature and pollution levels.

Synonyms: bottom-dwellers, benthic zone, seabed life, benthon