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

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