Benthic Zone

Definition

The benthic zone refers to the lowest level of a body of water, such as a lake or ocean, where organisms live on or in the sediment at the bottom.

Related terms

Intertidal Zone: This term refers to the area between high and low tide where organisms are exposed to both air and water.

Abyssal Zone: The abyssal zone is the deepest part of the ocean where sunlight cannot penetrate, and unique deep-sea creatures reside.

Pelagic Zone: The pelagic zone includes all open water areas away from shore, where fish and marine mammals swim freely.