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Chapter 20: Problem 9

Describe and compare submerged aquatic vegetation and phytoplankton. Where and how does each get nutrients and light?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Submerged Aquatic Vegetation and Phytoplankton are both aquatic organisms but differ mainly in their methods of obtaining nutrients and light. SAV gets nutrients from the sediment through their roots and requires clear water for light to penetrate while phytoplankton absorbs nutrients from the water around them, residing closer to the water surface to access light. Moreover, SAV are rooted, indicating a fixed habitat, while Phytoplankton are free-floating.

Step by step solution

01

Description of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation

Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV), also called underwater or submerged plants, grow fully submerged in water. They are rooted to the substrate or bottom layer of the water body. They obtain light through the water column, so they are typically found in clearer waters where more light can penetrate to the substrate. Nutrients are gathered by these plants mainly from the sediment via their roots.
02

Description of Phytoplankton

Phytoplankton are microalgae that live in both freshwater and marine ecosystems. Phytoplankton are free-floating and thus, do not rely on the substrate for nutrients but obtain their nutrients from the water that surrounds them. Since they are not rooted, they can stay closer to the water surface where light is abundant.
03

Comparison of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation and Phytoplankton

Both submerged aquatic vegetation and phytoplankton are aquatic organisms, but they significantly differ in their methods of obtaining nutrients and light. While SAV get nutrients through their roots from the sediment and need clearer water for sufficient light, phytoplankton absorbs nutrients from their surrounding water and tend to live closer to the illuminated water's surface. Their living habitation also contrasts; SAV grows in submerged areas, anchored to one location, while phytoplankton are free-floating and can move with water currents.

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