benthic zone The lowermost region of a freshwater or marine profile in which the benthos resides. In bodies of deep water where little light penetrates to the bottom the zone is referred to as the benthic abyssal region and productivity is relatively low. In shallower (e.g. coastal) regions, where the benthic zone is well lit, the zone is referred to as the benthic littoral region and it supports some of the world's most productive ecosystems.

benthic zone The lowermost region of a freshwater or marine profile in which the benthos resides. In bodies of deep water where little light penetrates to the bottom the zone is referred to as the benthic abyssal region and productivity is relatively low. In shallower (e.g. coastal) regions, where the benthic zone is well lit, the zone is referred to as the benthic littoral region and it supports some of the world's most productive ecosystems.