Step 1: Understanding hydrophytes.
Hydrophytes are plants that grow in aquatic or waterlogged environments. These environments are typically deficient in oxygen due to saturation of water, which reduces air spaces in soil and surrounding medium.
Step 2: Understanding aerenchyma tissue.
Aerenchyma is a specialized parenchymatous tissue containing large air-filled spaces. It facilitates internal gaseous exchange and helps plants survive in low oxygen conditions by transporting oxygen from aerial parts to submerged parts.
Step 3: Evaluation of Statement 1.
Statement 1 is correct because aerenchyma is one of the most important anatomical adaptations in hydrophytes. It provides buoyancy and ensures efficient internal oxygen transport, which is essential for survival in aquatic habitats.
Step 4: Evaluation of Statement 2.
Statement 2 is incorrect because hydrophytes do not live in well-aerated environments. Instead, they inhabit waterlogged or submerged conditions where oxygen availability is very low.
Step 5: Logical reasoning.
Since hydrophytes face oxygen deficiency, they develop specialized tissues like aerenchyma rather than relying on external oxygen availability. This directly contradicts Statement 2.
Step 6: Final conclusion.
Thus, Statement 1 is true and Statement 2 is false.