What is a common characteristic of free-floating aquatic plants?

Free-floating aquatic plants are characterized by their ability to float on or just below the surface of the water without being anchored to the substrate. This floating nature allows them to access sunlight for photosynthesis and facilitates their spread across the water body. Examples of such plants include duckweed and water hyacinth, which typically do not have roots that reach the bottom of the water body.

Being unanchored to the bottom distinguishes them from rooted plants that have a fixed position and require specific substrate conditions to thrive. This unique characteristic also enables free-floating plants to thrive in various environments, as they can adapt to changing water levels and conditions more easily than rooted plants.