Benthic Zone Animals
The benthic zone has low temperature and low oxygen level. Animals present in this zone are mostly invertebrates that feed on the waste of other animals that live above this zone. Some examples of benthic zone animals are:
- Sea anemones
- Sponges
- Corals
- Sea stars
- Sea urchins
- Worms
- Bivalves
- Crabs
- Shrimp
- Oysters.
Benthic Plants Include
There are very few plants present at the bottom of the ocean that includes:
- Macrophytic algae: For example: green, red, and brown seaweeds, and the long-stemmed kelps
- Macrophytic angiosperms: For example: marshgrasses, mangrove trees, and seagrasses
- Microphytic algae: For example: benthic species of diatoms, Cyanobacteria, and dinoflagellates
Benthic Zone – Definition & Characteristics
The Benthic zone is the ecological region at the lowest level of a body of water such as a lake, ocean, and some sub-surface. The zone is characterized by low temperature, high pressure, and limited sunlight. The organisms that live in the benthic zone include bacteria, sea stars, and sea urchins. They play a significant role in nutrient cycling and act as a source of food for other aquatic organisms. In this article, we will learn about the benthic zone, its examples, animals, plants, and importance.
Table of Content
- Benthic Zone Definition
- Benthic Zone
- Benthic Zone Diagram
- Characteristics of Benthic Zone
- What are Benthos?
- Types of Benthic Zone
- Benthic Zone Examples
- Benthic Zone Animals
- Benthic Zone Depth
- Nutrient Flow
- Difference Between Pelagic and Benthic zone
- Importance of the Benthic Zone
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