The stable conditions of deep benthic environments seem to favor ________________ infaunal organisms.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Deposit-feeding organisms, such as polychaetes, are adapted to extract nutrients from the sediment and are common in deep benthic environments where there is a constant supply of organic matter from surface waters but less disturbance from waves and currents. Carnivorous organisms would have a harder time finding prey in these sediments and surface-dwelling organisms would be exposed to more physical stress. While symbiotic relationships can occur in deep benthic environments, they are not necessarily favored over deposit-feeders.

The Stable Conditions of Deep Benthic Environments Seem to Favor