Q. Consider the following statements regarding marine ecological zones:

1. The benthic zone represents the deepest and lowest ecological region of the ocean, directly interacting with the seafloor.
2. The abyssal zone contains almost no life due to extreme environmental conditions.

Which of the above statements is / are correct?
Answer: Only 1
Notes: The benthic zone is indeed the lowest ecological region of oceans, hosting diverse life forms adapted to its harsh conditions. However, the abyssal zone, despite extreme pressure and low temperatures, supports a range of specially adapted organisms, thereby statement 2 is incorrect. Therefore, only statement 1 is correct with respect to oceanic ecological zones.