a living thing that has (or can develop) the ability to act or function independently

of or relating to or happening on the bottom under a body of water

Periphyton is a complex mixture of algae, cyanobacteria, heterotrophic microbes, and detritus that is attached to submerged surfaces in most aquatic ecosystems.

Meiobenthos, also called meiofauna, are small benthic invertebrates that live in both marine and fresh water environments.

Macrobenthos consists of the organisms that live at the bottom of a water column and are visible to the naked eye.

organisms (plants and animals) that live specifically at or near the bottom of a sea.

organisms (plants and animals) that live at or near the bottom of lakes, streams and other freshwater bodies of water.