Bathybian

/bæˈθɪbiən/ adjective

Definition

Relating to deep-water or deep-sea life and ecosystems, or describing organisms that live at great depths.

Etymology

Greek bathos 'depth' + -bian (from bios 'life'). This term was used in 19th-century oceanography to classify deep-sea biology.

Kelly Says

Scientists used to think bathybian organisms—like bizarre creatures they pulled up from the deep—might be primitive life forms, but now we know they're just incredibly specialized for extreme conditions!

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