Question

Hydrophytes are adapted to their environment. Explain with the help of examples and diagrams.

Hint:

Hydrophytes are key to aquatic ecosystems, providing oxygen, shelter, and food for aquatic organisms.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understand Hydrophytes.
Hydrophytes are plants that grow in aquatic environments, either in water or on waterlogged soil. These plants have special adaptations that help them survive in these environments, including adaptations for oxygen and nutrient uptake, as well as structural modifications to deal with buoyancy and water stress.
Step 2: Adaptations of Hydrophytes.
1. Floating plants (e.g., Water lilies): These plants have broad, flat leaves that allow them to float on the water's surface, maximizing exposure to sunlight for photosynthesis. They also have air-filled cavities in their tissues (aerenchyma), helping with buoyancy. 2. Submerged plants (e.g., Water weeds): These plants have thin, feathery leaves that allow them to absorb nutrients directly from the water. Their roots are often reduced or absent, as they do not need to anchor in soil but instead obtain nutrients and oxygen directly from the water. 3. Emergent plants (e.g., Cattails): These plants have long stems that keep their leaves above the water's surface, allowing them to access atmospheric carbon dioxide for photosynthesis while remaining submerged in water.
Step 3: Diagrams.
[Include a diagram of floating and submerged hydrophytes for better understanding.]
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{Hydrophytes exhibit various adaptations like buoyant leaves, reduced roots, and aerenchyma for life in aquatic environments.}} \]