Question

Explain the following term:

Insectivorous plants

Answer 1

Insectivorous plants:

1. Plants that depend on trapping and digesting insects for the requirement of nutrients are called insectivorous plants.
2. Insectivorous plants grow in the nutrient-deficient soil and hence they need the additional nutrients from insects.
3. Leaves of the insectivorous plants are modified to form traps that catch the insects.
4. Examples: pitcher plant, Venus flytrap, bladderwort.
5. Pitcher plant: The leaves are modified to form a pitcher while the leaf apex forms the lid of the pitcher which closes as the insect enters the pitcher.
6. Venus flytrap: The midrib acts as the hinge while the lamina forms the two parts of the trap containing hair-like structures at the margin to trap the insect.
7. Bladderwort: The leaves are segmented to form bladders with a trap door-like structure at the mouth to trap as the insect enters.