Vascular Plants in Water
Most Vascular Plants in Water inhabit the shallow water or littoral zone of lakes and streams.
The Littoral Zone refers to the part of a waterbody closest to the shore where light reaches all the way to the bottom.
Aquatic plants help keep the sediment at the bottom of a lake, improving water clarity. Most important, aquatic vegetation influences the oxygen levels within a water body and absorbs pollutants from contaminated water. When aquatic plants grow, they produce oxygen, which is critical for a healthy lake ecosystem.
Aquatic plants benefits include:
Algae control. Plants absorb nutrients in the water from fish waste and reduces nutrient availability slowing algae blooms.
Shade and protection for fish. …
Food for fish and other wildlife. …
Improved water quality. …
Erosion control. …
Aquatic plants in the pond improves its aesthetics.
Vascular Plants in Water are characterized by the possession of conducting tissues (Xylem and Phloem) for transport of materials throughout the plant body.
The ferns, gymnosperms, and flowering plants are all vascular plants. Because they possess vascular tissues, these plants have true stems, leaves, and roots.
Most exhibit structural specialization into true roots, stems, and leaves. The development of these organs is associated ecologically with life in a terrestrial habitat.
These higher aquatic plants normally grow, or at least start their life cycle, in the water. Because they require light, they are mostly limited to shallow water where they grow toward the light. Often they produce floating leaves.
Many grow completely submersed throughout their life and some may have both submerged and exposed leaves that may be quite different in form. Generally, the stems that bear flowers reach to or above the surface of the water.
End of Vascular Plants in Water
More about Vascular Plants in Water…Aquatic Vascular Plant Adaptations
Aquatic Vascular Plant Propagation
Significance of Vascular Plants in Water
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