Benthos

Benthos are life forms that inhabit the ocean floor.

Antarctic benthos live at great depths where no sunlight can reach. With no photosynthesis possible, no plants are amongst them.

Structural features of these benthos are shaped by extreme cold, depth, and stillness. Their forms are typically fragile and slender. Their metabolism is very slow which means that they live long lives.

Antarctic benthos are part of the marine food web. Their lives are endangered by long line fishing.

See the video, Trawl team, at the ABC Catalyst website: http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/2904762.htm

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Posted on Wednesday, June 16th, 2010