Water level fluctuations in Yilong Lake, China, affect the growth and community of underwater plants. The study found that when water levels rise, the biomass of underwater plants decreases, but they adapt by changing their growth. Some plants cope better with these changes than others. Factors like water depth, oxygen levels, and transparency play a big role in how underwater plants are affected. Rising water levels also shift where plants grow, with emergent plants moving to shallower areas. This can help restore underwater plants in lakes with poor water clarity. Overall, the study shows that water level changes can impact the diversity and distribution of aquatic plants in Yilong Lake.