ABSTRACT
The greatest difference between wetland and upland plants is the ability of rooted wetland plants to survive in saturated soil. In addition, submerged plants grow with little or no exposure to the atmosphere, and exhibit adaptations to low light and low carbon dioxide levels in the water column. Free floating plants, able to absorb dissolved nutrients directly from the water, thrive without anchoring roots. While many wetland plant adaptations are unique to the wetland habitat, some are also found in upland plants, such as the enhancement of nutrient uptake through nitrogen fixation, or various defenses against herbivores.
