word

Benthic zone

BEN-thik ZOHN

/ˈbɛnθɪk zoʊn/

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Syllable breakdown

benthiczone

Dictionary meaning

The ecological region at the lowest level of a body of water, including the sediment surface and sub-surface layers, inhabited by organisms known as benthos such as worms, crustaceans, and molluscs that live on or in the seafloor.

Examples

Benthic zone sampling revealed an unexpectedly rich community of invertebrates.
Pollution settling on the seabed threatens the entire benthic zone ecosystem.

Synonyms: seafloor zone, bottom zone

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