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Glite Dictionary
epifauna

epifauna

9.8
Animals that live on the surface of the sea floor, not buried in it
  • noun
  • /ˌɛpɪˈfɔːnə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : epifauna
  • Marine biologists study epifauna to understand the health of coastal ecosystems.

Examples

  • The epifauna of the coral reef is diverse.

  • Starfish and sea urchins are common types of epifauna found on rocky ocean floors.

  • The diversity of epifauna can indicate changes in water quality and habitat conditions.

  • Many species of epifauna thrive in shallow waters.

  • The diversity of epifauna on shipwrecks attracts researchers interested in underwater life.

  • In marine ecosystems, epifauna play an essential role by providing habitat for other animals.

  • Epifauna include oysters, sponges, sea squirts, sea stars, and barnacles.

Surface Forms

epifauna singular
epifaunas plural
epifaunae plural

Morphology

epifauna = fauna (semi-transparent) = epi + fauna

Formed from 'epi-' (upon) + 'fauna' (animals); the composition is literal but 'epi-' is a scientific combining form that may be unfamiliar to general learners.

Etymology

Epifauna comes from epi- meaning 'on' and fauna meaning 'animals', the same fauna in the phrase 'flora and fauna'. So, epifauna are animals that live 'on' the sea floor or on other surfaces, not buried in them.