The Benthos

One of the ecosystems discussed is utterly unlike any other we have discussed. Which one, and why?

• What is the benthos?

• Why live on the benthos?

• No drifting

• Easier to search/hunt (be hunted?)

• 3D vrs. 2D searching.

• Food lands on benthos!

• Different types of benthos

• Intertidal zonation

• Zonation

• Substrate hard

• Substrate soft

• epifauna

• Soft substrate

• infauna

• Where do they get energy?– Sun!– What depths?– How much biomass?

• Detritus– Bring out your dead!– Where?

• Whales are a big win!

• Chemosynthesis– Not light based

• Note entire food chain…

• Cold Seeps: similar, but hydrocarbon fueled

• Cold seeps