Referring to a form of life found within or near the surface of the ground: Endogean bacteria and archaea exist in the soil just under the top layer of the ground.

An organism that lives on or near the surface of the ground: Epigeans are organisms that creep or crawl, like worm lizards, or grow, like a vine, on top of the soil.

Termites, for example, dwell in an epigeal mound or nest which is above ground.