Definition

The area at the bottom of a sea or lake, where various organisms live.

Example

The benthos includes many species such as crabs, worms, and mollusks.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of benthos?

Yeah, isn't that the term for organisms living at the bottom of the ocean?

Exactly! It's fascinating how much life exists in the benthos that we never see.

I know, right? It makes you appreciate the underwater ecosystem even more.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Benthos → It is derived from the Greek word "benthos" (βένθος), meaning depth or bottom. The term refers to the ecological region at the bottom of a body of water, where organisms live.

Memory Tip

Think of the Greek word for depth ('benthos') to remember that 'benthos' refers to the organisms living at the bottom of water bodies.

Visually Confused Words