Morphological Adaptations of Two Aquatic Plants and Animals

Aim

To observe the images of two plants and two animals on the basis of their morphological adaptations.

Requirements

Models or virtual images of two plants and two animals found in aquatic conditions.

Observations

Two Aquatic Plants

• Lotus
• Water Hyacinth

Morphological Adaptations:

1. Aquatic plants have very thin cuticle or no cuticle at all because the cuticle prevents water loss.
2. There are a number of stomata on either side of the leaves. The stomata are always open.
3. They are less rigid in structure.
4. They have specialized roots to take in oxygen.
5. The leaves on the surface are flat to facilitate floating. Also, the presence of air sacs helps them to float.
6. The roots are very small.

Two Aquatic Animals

• Fish
• Turtle

Morphological Adaptations:

1. They inhale oxygen through their gills or skin. Marine mammals have lungs and have to come to the surface to breathe.
2. They are cold-blooded, i.e., their body temperature is the same as the surrounding environment.
3. The collapsible lungs and rib cages help them to withstand very high water pressures.
4. The aquatic animals at great depths are bioluminescent, i.e., they emit light to attract preys and mates.
5. They have the property of osmoregulation, i.e., the fish can maintain an internal environment of salt and water.

Also Read: Osmoregulation

Aquatic Ecosystem

Learn more in detail about the morphological adaptations of plants and animals in aquatic conditions and other related topics at BYJU’S Biology.