Benthos

Benthos refers to the species of flora and fauna that live at the sea-bottom. The macro-benthic associations of the Southern Patagonia of Chile and the Antarctic Peninsula, harbor a patrimony of very important biodiversity at a global level. Nevertheless, due to climatic change, these benthic ecosystems will be modified by a series of environmental factors

This research line studies the comparative structure of the benthos in Antarctic and Subantarctic environments, their taxonomic and functional composition in relation to diverse environmental variables, and the interactions between these organisms.