Benthos refers to the organisms that live on or in the bottom sediments of aquatic environments, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and estuaries. These organisms can include a wide variety of life forms, such as crustaceans, mollusks, worms, and various types of microorganisms. Benthos play crucial roles in aquatic ecosystems, contributing to nutrient cycling, sediment turnover, and serving as a food source for a variety of animals higher up the food chain.
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