Importance of the Benthic Zone
Importance of the benthic zone includes the following:
- In the shallow water, the benthic zone provides spawning grounds for fish, amphibians, and other organisms.
- In well-lit depths, benthic zones are places where aquatic plants become rooted and sedentary organisms, like coral, anchor to the seafloor.
- Benthic habitats remove contaminants from the water, such as pollutants, organic matter, and sediments.
- Benthos are also important as they breakdown organic matter which is used by other species as their food. It make them a key player in nutrient cycling process.
- The organisms living in this zone known as benthos are good indicators of the water quality of the marine ecosystem.
Benthic Zone – Definition & Characteristics
The Benthic zone is the ecological region at the lowest level of a body of water such as a lake, ocean, and some sub-surface. The zone is characterized by low temperature, high pressure, and limited sunlight. The organisms that live in the benthic zone include bacteria, sea stars, and sea urchins. They play a significant role in nutrient cycling and act as a source of food for other aquatic organisms. In this article, we will learn about the benthic zone, its examples, animals, plants, and importance.
Table of Content
- Benthic Zone Definition
- Benthic Zone
- Benthic Zone Diagram
- Characteristics of Benthic Zone
- What are Benthos?
- Types of Benthic Zone
- Benthic Zone Examples
- Benthic Zone Animals
- Benthic Zone Depth
- Nutrient Flow
- Difference Between Pelagic and Benthic zone
- Importance of the Benthic Zone