To better facilitate energy production, chloroplasts, which are used in plants' photosynthetic process, are centered in the upper leaf area, to maximize potential light exposure. Compared to non-aquatic plants, aquatic macrophytes possess a relatively thin cuticle (a protective, wax-like coating that minimizes plant water loss), which aids in the diffusion of carbon dioxide (CO 2) and the dissolved oxygen (O 2) that can sometimes be limited in an aquatic environment.
To live in such a challenging environment, freshwater aquatic macrophytes have developed adaptations that facilitate their existence in a water rich environment. Furthermore, the level of dissolved oxygen in the water can vary, leading to difficulties in respiration.
In shallow freshwater environments, water temperatures can vary, affecting the level of photosynthetic activity for organisms that rely on that process for energy. Additionally, aquatic plants have adapted to live in an environment that is subject to substantial changes in conditions. Where other plants would not survive due to an excess of water, aquatic plants have special structures that allow them to thrive in a water rich environment. Freshwater plants, also known as aquatic macrophytes, have adapted to survive in locations where water is the dominant feature of the landscape. While not a prominent aspect of the landscape at Point Reyes, freshwater aquatic plants play an important role in maintaining biodiversity and the health of riparian ecosystems.