Definitions
- Describing organisms that live on the surface of the ocean floor or other substrates. - Referring to animals that attach themselves to rocks, shells, or other hard surfaces. - Talking about creatures that live on the surface of plants or other organisms in aquatic environments.
- Describing organisms that live on or near the bottom of the ocean floor. - Referring to animals that live close to the sediment or substrate of the ocean floor. - Talking about creatures that inhabit the upper layer of the benthic zone.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe organisms that live in aquatic environments.
- 2Both words refer to creatures that live near or on the ocean floor.
- 3Both words are used to describe the location of the organism in relation to the ocean floor.
- 4Both words are used in marine biology and ecology.
What is the difference?
- 1Location: Epifaunal refers to organisms that live on the surface of the ocean floor or other substrates, while epibenthic refers to organisms that live on or near the bottom of the ocean floor.
- 2Attachment: Epifaunal organisms attach themselves to rocks, shells, or other hard surfaces, while epibenthic organisms may not necessarily be attached to anything.
- 3Depth: Epifaunal organisms can be found at various depths in the ocean, while epibenthic organisms are typically found in the upper layer of the benthic zone.
- 4Habitat: Epifaunal organisms are often found in coral reefs or other areas with hard substrates, while epibenthic organisms can be found in a variety of habitats, including soft sediments and rocky areas.
- 5Usage: Epifaunal is a more specific term than epibenthic, which is a broader term that can encompass a wider range of organisms.
Remember this!
Epifaunal and epibenthic are both terms used to describe the location of aquatic organisms in relation to the ocean floor. However, epifaunal refers specifically to organisms that live on the surface of the ocean floor or other substrates and attach themselves to rocks, shells, or other hard surfaces. On the other hand, epibenthic refers to organisms that live on or near the bottom of the ocean floor, but they may not necessarily be attached to anything.
