In a pond, plants need to be a mix of emergent, submerging, and floating species. Emergent plants, those that have their roots in the water but their shoots above water, can be added to the edges of pools. These include cattails, arrowhead, and water lilies and are homes to many species of animals. Submerging species, or those that remain under water such as elodea, are often used as oxygenators. These are plants that remove carbon dioxide from the water and add oxygen. These plants are essential in most ponds to keep the water clear. Floating species or those that are not anchored at all in the pond include plants such as duckweed, water lettuce, and water hyacinth. While not as effective as oxygenators, these plants help keep the water clear by limiting the amount of sunlight that algae receive. The algae can not survive without a lot of sunlight.
1. According to this passage, what is the niche of “submerging” plants in a pond?
A. help keep the water clear
B. add oxygen to the water
C. provides food for the fish
D. reduce the amount of algae
2. Consider the relationships between the birds, frogs, fish and plants. What level of organization in ecology is this passage describing?
A. biosphere
B. biome
C. community
D. population
3. What is the main idea of this passage?
A. Emergent plants provide homes to many animals.
B. Oxygenators are essential to life in a pond.
C. Algae can cause water to be contaminated.
D. Plants provide many resources to life in a pond.