1. of, relating to, or living on the sea floor or lake bottom
Usage: technical; marine biology

Examples

• Benthal organisms include starfish, crustaceans, and mollusks that live on the ocean floor.
• The benthal zone is home to many species adapted to high pressure and darkness.
• Researchers studied benthal communities to understand deep-sea ecosystems.
• Benthal sediments provide clues about ancient ocean conditions.
• The benthal fauna changes dramatically with water depth and temperature.