Marine Vocabulary Essentials

Organisms that live on or near the bottom of a water body.

"The benthos include various species of worms, crustaceans, and bacteria that thrive on the ocean floor."

The production and emission of light by a living organism.

"Many marine creatures, such as jellyfish, exhibit bioluminescence to attract prey or deter predators."

Water that has more salinity than freshwater but less than seawater.

"The river estuary contains brackish water, where the freshwater mixes with seawater."

Areas on the ocean floor where hydrogen sulfide, methane, and other hydrocarbon-rich fluid seepage occurs, creating unique ecosystems.

"Cold seeps are home to specially adapted species that rely on chemosynthesis rather than photosynthesis."

A coastal water body where freshwater from rivers and streams meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean.

"Estuaries are crucial habitats for many species of fish and birds due to their rich nutrient content."