Underwater Adaptations

After the presentation you would have a clear view and understanding of underwater adaptations.

Aquatic Plants

Aquatic plants are plants that have adapted to living in aquatic environments (saltwater or freshwater). They are also referred to as hydrophytes or macrophytes. These plants require special adaptations for living submerged in water, or at the water's surface. The most common adaptation is aerenchyma, but floating leaves and finely dissected leaves are also common. Aquatic plants can only grow in water or in soil that is permanently saturated with water. They are therefore a common component of wetlands.

Breathing Underwater

Tiny living organisms in the water can get the oxygen the need through their body surface. But bigger organisms have special adaptations. The best known are gills of fish. As the water flows over the gills, the fish take oxygen into their bloodstream. Many fish have gills flaps which cover their gills so they can pump water into them and 'breathe'. Sharks and rays have open gills and they need to swim to keep the water moving into their gills all the time.

Moving Underwater

To move fast underwater you need to be streamlined. Fish usually have a sleek streamlined shape. They are covered with smooth scales and have strong tails which push them quickly through the water. Their fins help them to balance and steer them. Some living organisms simply keep themselves afloat in the water and allow the ocean current to carry them along. Jellyfish do this and travel thousands of miles, feeding as they go.

Pressure, cold and dark

Deep underwater there are some extreme conditions. It is completely dark, very cold and there is a lot of pressure from the Weight of water. Food is very scarce. Some of the organisms that live in the depths have strange adaptations. The Gulper eel has an enormous mouth to take in as much food as possible. The deep Sea Angler fish looks like prey to other fish and produces light for them to see it by – when they come close, it snaps them up with its large mouth full of teeth. These fish are adapted to living at great pressure. If they are brought to the surface quickly, they explode!

Made by: Asad Ali, M.Shahzaib and Fahd Khan