Question

Define heterotrophic nutrition. Discuss the different types of heterotrophic nutrition in plants. Give two examples of each type.

Answer 1

Heterotrophic nutrition is a mode of nutrition in which an organism is unable to prepare its own food and depends on other organisms for food. The types of heterotrophic plants include:

• Parasitic plants partially or completely depend on another host plant for their nutrition. E.g. Cuscuta and Mistletoe.

• Saprophytic plants obtain their nutrition from dead and decaying animal or plant matter. E.g. - Indian Pipe and Coral root.

• Insectivorous plants mostly obtain their nutrition by trapping and consuming animals, particularly insects. E.g. - Drosera, Venus flytrap and sun dew plant.

• Symbiotic plants live in association with other organisms to share food and other resources. E.g. - Lichens and leguminous plants.