Morphological Adaptations of Aquatic Plants and Animals - Testbook

Objective

The goal is to study and examine the morphological adaptations of two aquatic plants and two aquatic animals through their images.

Materials Needed

Virtual models or images of two distinct aquatic plants and two different aquatic animals.

Findings

Two Aquatic Plant Specimens

• Water Lily
• Seaweed

Morphological Adaptations:

1. These plants often lack a cuticle as it inhibits water loss.
2. Stomata are present on both sides of the leaves and remain open.
3. They have a less rigid structure compared to terrestrial plants.
4. They possess specialized roots for oxygen intake.
5. Surface leaves are flat to aid floating, and air sacs contribute to buoyancy.
6. The roots are typically small in size.

Two Aquatic Animal Specimens

• Dolphin
• Seahorse

Morphological Adaptations:

1. They breathe oxygen through gills or skin. Some aquatic mammals possess lungs and need to surface to breathe.
2. Their body temperature matches the surrounding water since they are cold-blooded.
3. Collapsible lungs and rib cages allow them to endure high water pressures.
4. Many deep-sea creatures are bioluminescent, emitting light to lure prey or find mates.
5. They have the ability to osmoregulate, maintaining an internal balance of salt and water.

Further Reading: Osmoregulation

Aquatic Ecosystem

For more in-depth information about the morphological adaptations of aquatic plants and animals, as well as other related topics, visit this Biology resource .