Benthos refers to the community of organisms that live on or near the bottom of aquatic environments, such as oceans, rivers, and lakes. These organisms, which include crustaceans, mollusks, and benthic plants, play a crucial role in the ecosystem by contributing to nutrient cycling and serving as a food source for various fish and other wildlife. Benthos can be classified into different categories based on their habitat and lifestyle. For example, infauna live buried within the sediment, while epifauna reside on the surface. Understanding benthic communities is essential for assessing the health of aquatic ecosystems and the impacts of human activities, such as pollution and habitat destruction.