Question

Why are insectivorous plants called heterotrophs? Explain in detail and don't link to any other question.

Answer 1

Insectivorous plants like pitcher plant contains chlorophyll; hence it is capable of preparing its own food like green plants. But insectivorous plants grow in swamps or bog areas where the soil is deficient in nitrogen mineral. So, just to fulfill its nitrogen requirement, they trap the insects and utilize their proteins. For this reason they are called partial heterotrophs.