Bentónico

Bentónico refers to organisms that live on, in, or near the bottom of a body of water. This includes oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers. The benthic zone, or benthos, is the ecological region at the lowest level of a water body, including the sediment surface and some sub-surface layers. Organisms living in this zone are called benthos. These organisms can range in size from microscopic bacteria and protozoa to larger animals like worms, crustaceans, mollusks, and fish.

Benthic environments are diverse, varying greatly in factors such as light penetration, temperature, pressure, and substrate type. For example, the deep sea benthos is characterized by extreme pressure, darkness, and cold, while shallow coastal areas may have abundant sunlight and a substrate of sand, mud, or rock.

Benthic organisms play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems. They are important components of the food web, serving as both predators and prey. Many benthic invertebrates, such as filter feeders, help to clarify water by consuming suspended particles. Others, like burrowing worms, contribute to nutrient cycling and sediment turnover. The health of benthic communities can be an indicator of the overall health of the aquatic environment. Studying the benthos helps scientists understand ecological processes, biodiversity, and the impact of human activities on aquatic habitats.