Explain why aquatic plants have very short and small roots.

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Solution

Adaptation:
Adaptation is the development of particular features or habits which enables a living organism to survive better in their habitat.
Adaptive features of roots in aquatic plants:
The water bodies are home to a large number of flora and fauna. The aquatic ecosystems consist of the largest mammal alive, the blue whale, shark and rays as aquatic fauna and water hyacinth, lotus, and Vallisneria as aquatic flora.
The plants growing in water bodies are characterized with very short roots which plays the only role of holding the plant in its position over the surface of the water or submerged in the water.
It is because the surroundings is filled with plenty of water, so an aquatic plant can absorb water and dissolved minerals directly from the surface by means of their stems, branches, and leaves.

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The essential functions of roots are anchorage and absorption of water and minerals in the terrestrial plant. What functions are associated with the roots of aquatic plants. How are roots of aquatic plants and terrestrial plants different?

Identify error in the given statements:

Roots have air chambers that allow aquatic plants to float on water.

Aquatic plants have small roots that keep them fixed to the soil.

Why are the roots of aquatic plants short and fibrous?

Q. The roots of terrestrial and aquatic plants are very similar.
Is the above statement true or false?

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