Floating hydrophytes, such as Water Hyacinth (*Eichhornia crassipes*), thrive in aquatic environments where support from water and efficient gaseous exchange are essential. Which of the following morphological adaptations enables these plants to maintain buoyancy and exchange gases in stagnant water?
- AExtensively developed, heavily lignified xylem vessels throughout the root and stem system
- Abundant aerenchyma tissue containing spacious intercellular air cavitiesCevap
- CSuberized waterproof cuticles surrounding all submerged root epidermal cells
- DFeathery stigmas and light smooth pollen grains adapted for wind-assisted underwater fertilization
Cevap
The presence of abundant aerenchyma tissue with large intercellular air spaces allows floating hydrophytes to remain buoyant and efficiently store and transport gases within their tissues.
The correct answer highlights abundant aerenchyma tissue containing spacious intercellular air cavities. In floating hydrophytes like water hyacinth, aerenchyma reduces overall plant density to keep the plant afloat at the water surface for light absorption and provides internal channels for oxygen diffusion.
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Anahtar Kavram
Morphological Adaptations of Hydrophytes
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