Which option best describes the neritic zone ecosystem in marine aquatic biomes?

• A. The deep-sea benthic environment below the photic zone, where sunlight does not penetrate
• B. The estuarine zone where freshwater from rivers mixes with seawater, creating brackish conditions
• C. The shallow coastal ocean over the continental shelf, extending from the low-tide line to the shelf break
• D. The open ocean beyond the continental shelf, characterized by deeper water and lower nutrient availability near the surface

Answer: (C)