Marine Benthos Flashcards
1
Q
Define ‘benthos’.
A
Organisms living in or on the seabed.
2
Q
What are the two main categories of benthos?
A
- Phytobenthos (plant benthos)
- Zoobenthos (animal benthos).
3
Q
Define epifauna.
A
Lives on seabed.
4
Q
Define infauna.
A
Lives within sediment.
5
Q
What are the two forms of organic input for benthos?
A
– Detritus and living plankton from overlying water
- Detritus and living benthos in sediment;
6
Q
What are the main feeding categories of benthos?
A
- Suspension feeders
– Deposit (detritus) feeders
– Carnivores & Scavengers.
