The number of benthic species
A) Increases continuously from the continental shelf coral reefs to the abyssal plain
B) Increases continuously from the continental shelf soft sediments to those of the abyssal plain
C) Decreases from continental shelf muddy sediments to the continental slope, then increases again
D) Increases from shelf muds to the depths of the continental rise, then decreases toward the abyssal plain

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The number of benthic species typically increases from shelf muds to the depths of the continental rise due to the variety of habitats and resources available, but then decreases toward the abyssal plain where conditions are more extreme and less hospitable for a wide range of species.

The Number of Benthic Species