The ocean is a vast and mysterious place, with depths that are still largely unexplored. One of the deepest and most mysterious parts of the ocean is the abyssopelagic zone. This article will explore the definition and meaning of abyssopelagic, as well as its origins, associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
The term abyssopelagic refers to the zone of the ocean that lies between 4,000 and 6,000 meters (13,123 to 19,685 feet) below the surface. This zone is also known as the abyssal zone, and it is characterized by extreme cold, high pressure, and total darkness.
Origin
The word abyssopelagic comes from the Greek words “abyssos” meaning “bottomless” and “pelagos” meaning “sea”. The term was first used in the early 20th century to describe the deepest parts of the ocean.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to Merriam-Webster, abyssopelagic means “of or relating to the depths of the ocean, specifically the zone between approximately 4,000 and 6,000 meters deep”. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “of or relating to the depths of the ocean below 4,000 meters”.
Associations
The abyssopelagic zone is home to a variety of unique and fascinating creatures, including giant squid, anglerfish, and bioluminescent jellyfish. It is also the site of hydrothermal vents, which support communities of bacteria and other organisms that are able to survive in the extreme conditions of the deep sea.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of abyssopelagic include abyssal, bathyal, and hadal. These terms are used to describe different zones of the ocean based on their depth and other characteristics.
Antonyms
Antonyms of abyssopelagic include shallow, surface, and intertidal. These terms describe the zones of the ocean that are closer to the surface and receive more light and warmth from the sun.
The same root words
The root words of abyssopelagic, “abyssos” and “pelagos”, appear in a number of other scientific terms related to the ocean. For example, abyssal plain refers to the flat, featureless areas of the ocean floor that lie in the abyssopelagic zone, and pelagic zone refers to the open ocean waters that are not near the shore or the bottom of the ocean.
Example Sentences
- The abyssopelagic zone is one of the least explored areas of the ocean.
- Many of the creatures that live in the abyssopelagic zone have evolved unique adaptations to survive in the extreme conditions.
- The discovery of hydrothermal vents in the abyssopelagic zone revolutionized our understanding of the diversity of life on Earth.