Benthic

adj. of the sea floor

The benthic zone is the lowest level of a body of water, such as an ocean or a lake. It is inhabited by organisms that live in close relationship with (if not physically attached to) the ground, called benthos or benthic organisms. Generally, these include life forms that tolerate cool temperatures and low oxygen levels, but this depends on the depth of the water. For information on animals that live in the deepest areas of the oceans see aphotic zone. The superficial layer of the soil lining the given body of water is an integral part of the benthic zone, as it influences greatly the biological activity which takes place there. Examples of contact soil layers include sand bottoms, rock outcrops, coral, and bay mud.
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Adjective
1. of or relating to or happening on the bottom under a body of water
(synonym) benthal, benthonic
(pertainym) benthos, benthic division, benthonic zone

An organism that feeds on the sediment at the bottom of a water body such as an ocean, lake, or river.

BENTONICO