Which of the following is NOT a type of aquatic plant growth habit?

The answer highlights that "surface-level" is not recognized as a distinct type of aquatic plant growth habit in the context of aquatic vegetation classifications. The major categories for aquatic plant growth habits typically include floating, submersed, and emersed plants.

Floating plants are those that rest on the water’s surface and can freely drift, often having roots that hang into the water. Submersed plants grow entirely underwater, anchoring themselves to the substrate and contributing significantly to aquatic ecosystems. Emersed plants grow partially above the water, with roots and stems in the water but flowering parts extending into the air.

In contrast, the concept of "surface-level" does not adequately define a specific growth habit recognized in aquatic plant classifications. It may be seen as a vague or non-standard category that does not align with the established terminology used to describe how aquatic plants interact with their environment.