What type of aquatic plant grows beneath the water’s surface?

Submergent plants are specifically adapted to grow entirely underwater. These types of aquatic plants are rooted in the sediment at the bottom of water bodies and can thrive in various aquatic environments. Their leaves and stems are typically slender and flexible to allow for the movement of water, which enables them to capture sunlight essential for photosynthesis. Common examples of submergent plants include eelgrass and water milfoil.

Emergent plants, on the other hand, grow partially above the water surface, with their roots submerged in water, while floating plants are those that float on the surface with their roots hanging in the water but not reaching the sediment. Land plants, as the name suggests, grow on dry land and are not adapted to living underwater. This distinct classification of aquatic plants helps in understanding their roles in aquatic ecosystems, such as providing habitat, stabilizing sediment, and contributing to the aquatic food web.