How can you differentiate floating plants from rooted ones?

Rooted plants are typically submerged but anchored, meaning that they have parts of their structure, such as stems or leaves, that are underwater while the roots anchor them to the substrate on the bottom. This attachment to the soil allows rooted plants to draw nutrients and support themselves. While only a portion of the plant may be underwater, they generally require a substrate for stability and access to nutrients, distinguishing them from floating plants.

On the other hand, floating plants do not have their roots anchored in the soil, allowing them to freely float on the water's surface. This defines their growth mode and habitat preference compared to rooted plants. The characteristics of both types are essential for understanding aquatic ecosystems, including their roles in providing habitat, oxygen, and nutrient cycling.