Aquatic Plants

I. Adaptations

A. Aquatic and wetland plants do not belong to any one particular plant family.

B. Individuals plants within families have acquired similar special adaptations allowing survival in aquatic environments.

C. Specific Adaptations1. The most common adaptation

is large spaces or channels running

through the leaves, stems and/or roots.

a. Air channels allow gas exchange between the parts of the plants still submerged. b. Example: roots under water and leaves above the water surface 2. Some species possess floating leaves or leaves

divided into deep, narrow segments.D. Aquatic plants completely adapted for

aquatic life grow only in water or in soil saturated with water. 1. A few aquatic plants can

survive in shallow brackish water

2. Several species of seagrass are found Texas estuaries

and bays.a. Important in the estuarine food

chainb. Decomposing seagrass leaves

provide nutrients for small animals like crabs, fish

and shrimp.c. The leaves protective cover for

small animalsd. A food source for many waterfowl

E. Is seaweed an aquatic plant?1. No. Seaweed is a large multicellular

algae, lacking vascular tissue.2. Giant kelp confuses people because

of it size