Epifaunal

/ˌɛpɪˈfɔnəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or characteristic of animals that live on the surface of the seafloor or substrate.

Etymology

Derived from epifauna with the adjectival suffix -al, used to describe properties or characteristics associated with surface-dwelling fauna.

Kelly Says

When paleontologists dig up fossils, they use 'epifaunal' to describe the organisms that lived on the ancient seafloor, which tells them about environmental conditions millions of years ago.

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