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
• 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