Marine Benthic Zone
by Caroline Bridges
Location
Temp.
Availability of Light
Pressure
Physical and Chemical
Organic materials come from higher up zones and come from dead or decaying organisms. Nutrients are very limited so organisms have adapted by conserving energy by moving slowly and and patiently.
Food Web
5 Characteristics of Animals
2. Reproduction- It is hard to find mates in the dark. Ex. Deep-sea Anglarfish- May use light patterns or scents, but the males have adapted to acting like parasites by attaching their hooked teeth to the females blood vessel. The males gain nourishment and the females are provided with a sperm source.
3. Gigantism- grow in size. Ex. The giant squid
4. Long Lives- reproduce and mature slowly. Ex. Rattails
5. Nourishment-organic matter from higher up that drift down to the seafloor. Ex. Demersal fish
5 Characteristics of Plants
2. turtle grass- requires water of high salinity in areas sheltered from wave action. Can be located deeper depending on the clarity of the water.
3. red seaweed- anchored with holdfast
4. kelp-takes in nutrients and mineral surrounding it.
5. Gulfweed-washes ashore
Not many plants are able to grow in the benthic zone since there is not much light to perform photosynthesis. These plants are located in the shallower areas that light is still able to come through.
Human Impact
Submerged structures- such as shipwrecks that can disturb species by providing a substrate for colonization of species.