Question

Plants in the phylum Anthophyta are rare in marine environments. What are the types of plants found in and very close marine habitats? What are the major adaptations for these plants to marine environments?

Answer 1

Wide array of plants are found in and very close to marine habitats. Marine plants form an important part of ecosystem in the ocean. Microscopic algae are widespread. There are diverse forms of algae found in marine habitats - from microscopic algae to large seaweed species. The commonly found macroscopic algae are kelp and Sargassum, commonly forming kelp forests. Kelp is found on surface of ocean water and is adapted to stay afloat with the aid of small flotation bulbs.

Ocean plants require sunlight therefore they grow in shallow water. They have roots and live on the ocean floor. Some types of such plants are turtle grass, manatee grass and eel grass. These plants provide habitat for small fish and other marine life forms. They are have adapted to the high salinity of the ocean environment in order to survive.