Question

Hydrophytic plants are adapted to their environment. Explain it with the help of examples and diagrams.

Hint:

Hydrophytes show buoyancy (aerenchyma), reduced xylem, and floating leaves. Example: Lotus, Eichhornia.

Answer 1

Definition: Hydrophytes are plants that grow in water or in very wet conditions. They show special morphological and anatomical adaptations to survive in such environments. Adaptations of Hydrophytic Plants: \begin{enumerate} \item Morphological Adaptations: - Leaves are thin, large, and broad for floating (e.g., Lotus). - Some plants have dissected leaves to resist water currents (e.g., Hydrilla). - Stomata are found only on the upper surface of floating leaves (e.g., Water lily). \item Anatomical Adaptations: - Presence of large aerenchyma (air spaces) for buoyancy. - Reduced xylem (since water transport is not required much). - Poorly developed mechanical tissues due to absence of mechanical stress. \item Reproductive Adaptations: - Flowers are often large and attractive for pollination (e.g., Lotus). - In submerged plants, pollen may be transferred by water (hydrophily). \end{enumerate} Examples: - Lotus, Eichhornia, Hydrilla, Vallisneria. Diagram (Structure of Hydrophytic Leaf with Aerenchyma): \begin{center} \begin{tikzpicture}[scale=1] \draw[thick] (0,0) rectangle (4,2); \draw[thick,fill=gray!20] (0,1) rectangle (4,1.2); % epidermis \node at (2,1.5) {Large Air Cavities (Aerenchyma)}; \node at (2,0.6) {Reduced Xylem + Phloem}; \node at (2,-0.3) {Leaf Section of Hydrophyte}; \end{tikzpicture} \end{center} Conclusion: Hydrophytes possess structural and physiological adaptations like aerenchyma, reduced mechanical tissues, and modified leaves that help them survive and reproduce successfully in aquatic environments.