What type of aquatic plant can be found resting on the water's surface?

Floating plants are specifically adapted to live on the water's surface, which allows them to thrive in aquatic environments. These plants, such as water lilies or duckweed, have specialized structures that keep them buoyant and enable them to capture sunlight efficiently for photosynthesis. Their leaves often float on the surface, providing shade and habitat for aquatic life below.

In contrast, emersed plants grow above the water's surface, typically rooted in the soil beneath the water. Submersed plants are entirely underwater and rely on the water column for support, while algae are simple organisms that can float or exist as a mat on the water surface but do not have the structural adaptations that define true aquatic plants. Understanding the distinct characteristics of these plant types is crucial for anyone involved in aquatic management and environmental science.