👉 Benthonic is a term used in the study of marine animals to describe individuals that live on or near the seafloor. These animals are often referred to as "benthic" because they are primarily found in the ocean floor, where they can access nutrients and other resources that may not be available to more superficial organisms. Benthonic animals play a crucial role in the marine food web by eating plankton and other small organisms that form part of their diet.