n. pl. morÂ·pholÂ·oÂ·gies. 1. a. The branch of biology that deals with the form and structure of organisms without consideration of function. b. The form and structure of an organism or one of its parts: the morphology of a cell; the morphology of vertebrates. 2. Linguistics The study of the structure and form of words in language or a language, including inflection, derivation, and the formation of compounds.
Like algae, aquatic plants play a vital role in lake ecology because they provide cover, habitat, and food. However, too many plants can limit swimming, fishing, water skiing, boating, and aesthetic appreciation.
White water lilies are a typical marsh plant in European areas of deeper water. Many kinds of birds nest in marshes; this one is a yellow-headed blackbird. Marshes provide a habitat for many species of plants, animals, and insects that have adapted to living in flooded conditions.