What marine zone is characterized by little to no light?

The abyssal zone is the marine zone characterized by little to no light. This deep-sea environment lies typically between 2,000 to 6,000 meters below the surface of the ocean, where sunlight does not penetrate. The absence of light in this zone means that photosynthesis cannot occur, leading to a unique ecosystem that relies on organic material that descends from upper layers of the ocean, such as dead plants and animals.

In the abyssal zone, organisms have adapted to extreme conditions, including high pressure and cold temperatures. Many species found here, such as certain types of fish, invertebrates, and deep-sea creatures, have specialized adaptations that allow them to thrive in this dark and nutrient-scarce environment.

In contrast, the benthic zone refers to the ecological region at the lowest level of a body of water—namely, the bottom of the ocean or other water bodies. Although it includes areas with little light, it is not exclusive to the abyssal depth. The neritic zone, situated over the continental shelf, is well-lit and supports a highly productive ecosystem due to sunlight, making it an essential area for many marine life forms. The euphotic zone, on the other hand, is the upper layer