Aquatic Plants: Types and Characteristics

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Questions and Answers

What percentage of the Earth's surface is covered by water?

71%

What are the two types of water bodies where aquatic plants can grow?

saltwater and freshwater

What is the characteristic of floating plants that allows them to float on the surface of water?

They have lots of empty spaces filled with air, making them very light.

What adaptation do fixed plants have to prevent water from entering their leaves?

A waxy coating on their leaves Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the stomata on the upper surface of fixed plants' leaves?

For gas exchange Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the stems of fixed plants that helps them to bend with the flow of water?

They are thin, hollow, flexible, and light Signup and view all the answers

How do underwater plants grow?

Fixed to the bottom of the water body and remaining fully underwater Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between floating plants and fixed plants?

The presence of roots fixed to the bottom of the water body Signup and view all the answers

How do underwater plants like Hydrilla prepare their food?

Using sunlight that filters through the water Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the thin, narrow leaves of underwater plants like Hydrilla?

To let water pass between them and prevent tearing due to water movement Signup and view all the answers

What type of trees lose all their leaves at once during autumn to survive harsh weather conditions?

Deciduous trees Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of the soil in deserts?

It is sandy and unable to hold much water Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of underwater plants in supporting aquatic life?

They provide oxygen during photosynthesis, keeping aquatic animals alive Signup and view all the answers

What kind of leaves do terrestrial plants in plains have?

Flat leaves Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the waxy coating on stems and leaves of desert plants?

To reduce water loss Signup and view all the answers

Why do desert plants have long root systems?

To absorb water deep into the ground Signup and view all the answers

Why do plants in plains have several branches?

To spread out and make the most of available space Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the spines in cactus plants?

To discourage animals from eating plants for water Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of stomata in plants?

Not applicable, as stomata are absent in leaves of underwater plants like Hydrilla Signup and view all the answers

What part of the cactus plant carries out photosynthesis?

The stem Signup and view all the answers

What type of plants grow in the plains?

Terrestrial plants Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of flat leaves in plants growing in plains?

To help water evaporate and trap sunlight Signup and view all the answers

Why do most desert plants have few or no leaves?

To reduce water loss Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for trees that do not lose their leaves at once?

Evergreen trees Signup and view all the answers

What is one way desert plants adapted to conserve water?

Their leaves are modified into spines. Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape of plants on mountains and hills?

Cone-shaped. Signup and view all the answers

What type of plants are found in areas with heavy rainfall?

Evergreen trees Signup and view all the answers

Why do mountain plants have needle-like leaves?

To prevent too much water loss and to shed snow easily. Signup and view all the answers

What is the adaptation of plants in coastal areas that helps them withstand strong winds?

Strong stems Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of breathing roots in marshy areas?

To breathe from the air Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the waxy coating on mountain plant leaves?

To prevent evaporation and loss of water. Signup and view all the answers

Why do some mountain trees have branches that droop downward?

To help shed excess snow and prevent branches from breaking. Signup and view all the answers

What type of leaves do plants have in dry areas to conserve water?

Needle-like leaves or leaves modified into spines Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of trees growing in marshy areas?

Breathing roots Signup and view all the answers

What type of trees do not bear flowers but have seeds in cones?

Coniferous trees. Signup and view all the answers

What is the adaptation of plants in areas with heavy rainfall that helps them capture sunlight?

Broad and abundant leaves Signup and view all the answers

Why do plants in hilly areas have to adapt to high-speed winds?

To prevent damage from strong winds. Signup and view all the answers

What is one way plants in cold climates adapt to conserve heat?

Having dark-colored leaves to absorb more solar heat. Signup and view all the answers

What type of soil do plants in coastal areas grow in?

Sandy soil Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of having deep roots for plants in coastal areas?

Firmly anchor the plant Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Aquatic Plants

Aquatic plants cover a greater area than terrestrial plants, occupying about 71% of the Earth's surface.
There are three types of aquatic plants: floating, fixed, and underwater.
Floating plants are light and spongy, with lots of empty spaces filled with air, allowing them to float on the surface of water.
Examples of floating plants include duckweed, Wolffia, Pistia, and water hyacinth.
Fixed plants have roots fixed to the bottom of the water body and have long stems to reach the surface of the water.
Examples of fixed plants include lotus and water lily.
Underwater plants are fixed to the bottom of the water body and remain fully underwater.
Underwater plants prepare food using sunlight that filters through the water and support animal life by releasing oxygen during photosynthesis.
Examples of underwater plants include Hydrilla, pondweed, eelgrass, and water star grass.

Terrestrial Plants

Terrestrial plants grow on land and need to adapt to different kinds of weather, rainfall, soil, and other factors.
Plants in plains have more space to spread out and have several branches, flat leaves, and a waxy coating to help reduce water loss.
Examples of plants in plains include mango, banyan, neem, peepal, mulberry, poplar, and Sheesham.
Deciduous trees lose all their leaves at once, while evergreen trees do not lose their leaves.
Examples of deciduous trees include cherry, maple, teak, and beech, while examples of evergreen trees include jack fruit, eucalyptus, and pine.

Plants in Deserts

Desert plants store water in their stems or leaves, have long root systems to absorb water, and are often leafless to reduce water loss.
Examples of desert plants include cactus and saguaro.
Adaptations in desert plants include reducing water loss, storing water, and having a waxy coating to prevent water loss.

Plants in Mountains

Plants in mountains are adapted to grow in cold temperatures, have tall and straight trunks, and needle-like leaves to prevent water loss.
Examples of plants in mountains include pine, fir, deodar, and spruce.
Conifers or coniferous trees have seeds in cones and do not bear flowers.

Plants in Heavy-Rainfall Areas

Plants in heavy-rainfall areas have plenty of sunlight and water throughout the year, broad and abundant leaves, and are often evergreen.
Examples of plants in heavy-rainfall areas include lychee, cashew, pineapple, sugar cane, cotton, rubber, and teak.

Plants along the Sea Coast

Plants along the sea coast are adapted to grow in sandy soil, salty water, and high rainfall, and have strong stems that can withstand strong winds.
Examples of plants along the sea coast include coconut and palm trees.

Plants in Marshy or Swampy Areas

Plants in marshy areas have roots that grow out of the soil to breathe from the air, known as breathing roots.
Examples of plants in marshy areas include mangroves, such as Rhizophora and Avicennia.

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Description

This quiz covers the types of aquatic plants, including floating, fixed, and underwater plants, and their characteristics.