Lickspittle & duckweed

This model organism floats on 
the water surface & enables us to 
manipulate diversity. It is edible,
tastes like watercress, & is trad-
itionally used in herbal medicine. 
Removed from the water, however,
it is known for a propensity to kiss
ass. Spends much of its time kow-
towing to those in power, hoping
its basically empty flattery will re-
turn some sort of personal reward.