What are the differences between littoral and benthic zone?

The littoral zone is the nearshore area of a body of water, where sunlight penetrates to the bottom, allowing aquatic plants to thrive and supporting a diverse range of organisms. In contrast, the benthic zone refers to the lowest layer of a body of water, including the sediment and substrate, where organisms such as benthos (e.g., worms, clams, and bacteria) live. While the littoral zone is characterized by its depth and proximity to the shore, the benthic zone encompasses the deeper areas where light may not reach, affecting the types of life present.