Macrophytes: Conclusions
- Evolved a variety of adaptations to life in the water
- Have specialized tissue that transport and store oxygen
- Accessory pigments allow utilization of low light levels
- Rooted plants act as nutrient pumps, w/ moderate net sink
- Food web based on periphyton and detritus (with detritus contributing bulk of organic carbon)
- Macrophytes provide physical refugia and surface area