How does coontail grow in its aquatic environment?

Coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum) is characterized by its unique growth form in aquatic environments. It is a submersed aquatic plant that does not have true roots, which distinguishes it from many other aquatic plants. Instead, coontail grows entirely underwater, anchoring itself by means of its stems, which can become entangled with debris or sediment but do not actually root into the substrate.

This plant typically features whorled leaves that are arranged around the stem, with groups of three to seven leaves per node. This leaf structure not only aids in maximizing light capture underwater but also plays a role in nutrient uptake from the water column. Since coontail is a submersed plant, it relies on water for support and dispersal.

Understanding these growth characteristics helps clarify why the other options do not accurately depict coontail. For instance, rooted plants with long leaves suggest a different form of adaptation, while free-floating plants with rounded leaves indicate a completely different growth strategy. Emergent plants suggest that the plant grows above the water surface, which is also not the case for coontail.