The Biotic Component uses broad phylogenetic and taxonomic groups to describe living biota. In this context, biota are defined as the living organisms that are attached to or closely associated with the seafloor. This can be any benthic plant, alga, or animal.
Benthic biota are classified based on the dominant taxonomic group (biomass, number of individuals or percentage cover).
Detailed descriptions and images of each class can be found in the Biotic Component Visual Classification Guide below.
Individual morpho-type and/or species classification
Individual morphotypes and/or species can be recorded using the (non-hierarchical) Species and Co-Occurring Species elements. This allows sparse or rare species of importance to be captured without affecting the dominance-based Biotic Component.
Unknown, Not Assessed, or Co-Occurring Element
An Unknown, Not Assessed, or Co-Occurring Element classification can be applied at any level within the hierarchy.
Other Seamap Australia Classifications​
Biotic Component Visual Classification Guide
Ascidians
Primary domain: Biotic Component
Classification level: Level 4
Parent classification: Non-Molluscan Filter Feeders
Bacterial Mat
Primary domain: Biotic Component
Classification level: Level 3
Parent classification: Microbes
Bioturbators
Primary domain: Biotic Component
Classification level: Level 3
Parent classification: Invertebrates
Bryozoans
Primary domain: Biotic Component
Classification level: Level 4
Parent classification: Non-Molluscan Filter Feeders
Coral Biota
Primary domain: Biotic Component
Classification level: Level 4
Parent classification: Non-Molluscan Filter Feeders
Invertebrates
Primary domain: Biotic Component
Classification level: Level 2
Parent classification: Biota Present
Macroalgae
Primary domain: Biotic Component
Classification level: Level 4
Parent classification: Macrophytes (Non-Wetland)
Macrophytes (Non-Wetland)
Primary domain: Biotic Component
Classification level: Level 3
Parent classification: Vegetation
Mangrove
Primary domain: Biotic Component
Classification level: Level 4
Parent classification: Wetland Vegetation
Microbes
Primary domain: Biotic Component
Classification level: Level 2
Parent classification: Biota Present
Microphytobenthos
Primary domain: Biotic Component
Classification level: Level 3
Parent classification: Microbes
Mixed Biota
Primary domain: Biotic Component
Classification level: Level 2
Parent classification: Biota Present
Mixed Filter Feeder Community
Primary domain: Biotic Component
Classification level: Level 4
Parent classification: Non-Molluscan Filter Feeders
Mixed Invertebrate Community
Primary domain: Biotic Component
Classification level: Level 3
Parent classification: Invertebrates
Mixed Macrophytes
Primary domain: Biotic Component
Classification level: Level 4
Parent classification: Macrophytes (Non-Wetland)
Mixed Microbes
Primary domain: Biotic Component
Classification level: Level 3
Parent classification: Microbes
Mixed Shelled Biota
Primary domain: Biotic Component
Classification level: Level 4
Parent classification: Shelled Biota
Mixed Vegetation
Primary domain: Biotic Component
Classification level: Level 3
Parent classification: Vegetation
Mixed Wetland Vegetation
Primary domain: Biotic Component
Classification level: Level 4
Parent classification: Wetland Vegetation
Mussel
Primary domain: Biotic Component
Classification level: Level 4
Parent classification: Shelled Biota
Non-Coral Cnidaria
Primary domain: Biotic Component
Classification level: Level 4
Parent classification: Non-Molluscan Filter Feeders
Non-Molluscan Filter Feeders
Primary domain: Biotic Component
Classification level: Level 3
Parent classification: Invertebrates
Other Shelled Biota
Primary domain: Biotic Component
Classification level: Level 4
Parent classification: Shelled Biota
Oyster
Primary domain: Biotic Component
Classification level: Level 4
Parent classification: Shelled Biota
Saltmarsh
Primary domain: Biotic Component
Classification level: Level 4
Parent classification: Wetland Vegetation
Screw Shell Biota
Primary domain: Biotic Component
Classification level: Level 4
Parent classification: Shelled Biota
Seagrass
Primary domain: Biotic Component
Classification level: Level 4
Parent classification: Macrophytes (Non-Wetland)
Shelled Biota
Primary domain: Biotic Component
Classification level: Level 3
Parent classification: Invertebrates
Sponges
Primary domain: Biotic Component
Classification level: Level 4
Parent classification: Non-Molluscan Filter Feeders
Stromatolite
Primary domain: Biotic Component
Classification level: Level 3
Parent classification: Microbes
Urchin Barren
Primary domain: Biotic Component
Classification level: Level 2
Parent classification: Biota Present
Vegetation
Primary domain: Biotic Component
Classification level: Level 2
Parent classification: Biota Present
Wetland Vegetation
Primary domain: Biotic Component
Classification level: Level 3
Parent classification: Vegetation
Worm Biota
Primary domain: Biotic Component
Classification level: Level 4
Parent classification: Non-Molluscan Filter Feeders
