Benthos or Benthic Zone ranges from deepest parts of ocean up to areas affected by tides.The most productive region is over continental margin which is unaffected by tides. This bottom world includes all the burrowing creatures and scavengers. Some are limited to certain latitudes of ocean by food supply, temperature or disposition.
Worms, crustaceans, tiny starfish & protozoa live here as well as
larger animals like clams, and exotic featherdusters.
Infaunal forms feed by extending filters into current or straining muddy sediment, taking whatever food they can find.
Bottom dwellers depend on dead & decaying organisms dropping from the waters above.
When water is shallow, life is more plentiful.