What does the term "benthos" refer to in aquatic ecosystems?

In aquatic ecosystems, the term "benthos" specifically refers to organisms that inhabit the bottom of water bodies, such as lakes, ponds, rivers, and oceans. These organisms include a variety of life forms, such as mollusks, crustaceans, and various types of plant life, that live on or in the sediment at the bottom. Benthos plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by participating in nutrient cycling and providing food for other organisms.

The classification of benthos is essential in understanding the biodiversity within aquatic habitats and how these organisms interact with their environment. The term comes from the Greek word "benthos," which means depth, highlighting that these organisms thrive in the lower layers of the water column as opposed to those found at the surface or floating in the water.