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Glite Dictionary
benthos

benthos

1 9.9
Plants, animals, and other living things that live on the bottom of a sea, lake, or river
  • noun
  • /ˈbɛnθoʊs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : bentos
  • Many species of benthos serve as a food source for larger fish in the river.

Examples

  • Benthos are relatively sedentary after settlement, often constrained to an area of only a few meters throughout their life, and they can be relatively long-lived, with lifespans of several months to a year for some species.

    Academic text (2002)

  • The benthos provide crucial nutrients to the aquatic ecosystem at the bottom of the lake.

  • Research shows that the health of the benthos is essential for maintaining water quality.

Compounds

marine benthos
  • Specialized
7.9

Plants and animals that live on or near the bottom of the sea

Surface Forms

benthos singular
benthoses plural

Etymology

Benthos comes from the Greek benthos meaning 'depths' or 'sea-bottom'. So benthos names the plants, animals, and environment that live on the 'bottom' of a sea, lake, or river.