Freshwater aquatic plants exhibit various structural and behavioral adaptations to maximize their access to light for photosynthesis. These plants, depending on their habitat within a pond, have evolved distinct features to thrive.
Upper Surface has a thick, waxy cuticle to repel water and to help keep the stomata open and clear
Hydrilla
Structural/ behavioral adaptation
Elongates rapidly to reach water surface and branches out at water surface; more light can be obtained at water surface
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Aquatic Plants have structural adaptations to obtain sufficient light energy to carry out photosynthesis. Plants that live at different parts of the pond have different adaptations.
Paritally submerged Plants - although rooted to the ground, have leaves above the water surface so that it can receive enough sunlight, eg. Water lily
Totally submerged plants - have adaptatons to help them float near the water surface in order to receive enough sunlight eg. Hydrilla
Floating Plants - have adaptations to keep them afloat in order to carry out photosynthesis eg, Water Hyacinth, duckweed
Their leaves tend to be broader without major lobing, to remain flat on water surface, to enlarge their surface area, and to make use of as much sunlight as possible. Their chloroplasts are found on the tops of their leaves.
