Question

Pitcher plant traps insects because it

• A. is a heterotroph
• B. grows in soils that lack in nitrogen
• C. does not have chlorophyll
• D. has a digestive system like human beings

Answer 1

The correct option is B

grows in soils that lack in nitrogen

The correct option is B.

Explanation of the correct option:

1. Pitcher plants are small, carnivorous plants that attract insects and digest them.
2. They use nectar to lure insects.
3. The insects are trapped and retained to fulfill their nutrition demands.
4. They can trap insects because they do not grow in nitrogen-rich soils.
5. Soil lacking nitrogen causes pitcher plants to get nitrogen from the trapped insects.

Explanation of the incorrect options:

Option A:

1. Pitcher plants are both autotrophs and heterotrophs.
2. They perform photosynthesis to produce most of the nutrition required by them, and for nitrogen consumption, they trap insects like a heterotroph.

Option C:

1. Pitcher plants are insectivorous plants and belong to the class of Saprophytes.
2. They are non-green plants lacking chlorophyll.

Option D:

1. Pitcher plants have modified leaves called pitfall traps.
2. The trapped insects are stored in those pitfalls, which are filled with digestive fluids that help in the digestion of insects.

Final answer: Pitcher plant traps insects because it grows in soils that lack nitrogen.