Water Lily, Essay Example

The Water Lilies are described as representing an important stage in the evolution of plants. Scientists have discovered that that the water lilies (an angiosperm), has two copies in the genetic composition. Hence it has evolved from gymnosperm to that of angiosperm. As such this represents the intermediary stage between that of flowering and non flowering species. The Water Lily may therefore be considered as a possible missing link in the plant species.  (CBC News, 2002). ” The angiosperms, or flowering plants, are one of the major groups of extant seed plants and arguably the most diverse major extant plant group on the planet, with at least 260,000 living species classified in 453 families”  (Edwards, 2005).

These water plants easily adapt to cold climates as they die back in the winter months and just leave the tubers in the pond or lake bad.  Parts of the plant also break off and subsequently reproduce in order to form a new plant.  The old plant re-emerges in the Spring to build a new plant.  The tubers survive and multiply in the mud from where they derive nutrients.  ” Their roots are firmly anchored at the bottom and their stems are unusually long and flexible. This protects them from possible injury from water currents. Water lilies face other survival problems as they float on the surface of the water or are held high on their long stems. The top surface of their leaves is waxy and repels water. Their broad leaves are also supported by thick long stalks. These are full of air chambers that supply oxygen for respiration.”  (Irum Sarfaraz, 2010)

Bibliography

CBC News. (2002, 2 4). Water lily is ‘missing link’ of plants. Retrieved 4 17, 2010, from CBC News: http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2002/01/30/waterlily020130.html

Edwards, P. S. (2005, 6 3). Angiosperms. Retrieved 4 17, 2010, from The Tree of Life Web Project: http://tolweb.org/angiosperms

Irum Sarfaraz. (2010). How Do Water Lilies Protect Themselves From Injury? Retrieved 4 17, 2010, from ehow: http://www.ehow.com/way_5835967_do-lilies-protect-themselves-injury_.html