Waterlilly

Waterlillies are aquatic plants of the genus Nymphaea that exhibit impressive flowers. Not only because of its beautiful blossom I took this photo but it also graphically demonstrates its changing leave function with increasing age.

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Waterlilies grow their leaves in a centrifugal pattern. In this photo we see the green and small leaves near the center while older and even withered leaves are found at the border. Together waterlily leaves act as a small community. As members of a society, they show a division of function. While the new green leaves' function is photosynthesis the older withered leaves at the border defend the territory by pushing away competitors for space. There is no doubt that such a division of function had an evolutionary advantage.