Hemibenthonic

/ˌhɛmiˌbɛnˈθɑnɪk/ adjective

Definition

An alternative term for hemibenthic; describing organisms or ecological relationships involving both the seafloor environment and the open water environment.

Etymology

From 'hemi-' plus 'benthonic' (variant of benthic, from Greek 'benthos'). This is a less common variant that appeared in early 20th-century marine science literature.

Kelly Says

The distinction between hemibenthic and hemibenthonic is mostly preference—scientists use both terms, but it shows how ecology adapts its language as researchers discover animals that refuse to stay put in one zone.

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