Definition

Aquatic animals that live in the ground or bottom of a body of water, particularly in soft areas like the sea floor.

Example

The infauna of the ocean plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by recycling nutrients.

Conversation

Have you ever heard about infauna in the ocean?

Yeah, I think they are the creatures that live in the sea floor, right?

Exactly! They play such an important role in the ecosystem.

I find it fascinating how much life exists beneath the surface.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Infauna is formed from "in-" (meaning in or within) and "fauna" (from Latin "fauna", meaning animal life). The term refers to the animal life that exists within the substrate of a particular environment, such as the soil or sediment.

Memory Tip

Think of animals that live 'within' ('in-') the ground or sediment, which is what infauna refers to.

Visually Confused Words