Why are living organisms more common in the littoral zone than in the benthic zone?

The littoral zone is the shallow area near the shore, where sunlight can reach the water and support many kinds of plants. Those plants and the zone’s other resources provide food and habitat for many organisms. The deeper benthic zone generally receives less light, so all three statements support the conclusion that organisms are more common in the littoral zone.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.