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Carnivorous Plants

Carnivorous Plants. Not Quite as Bad as Audrey II from “The Little Shop of Horrors”. Carnivorous Plants. Approximately 400 species of angiosperms are known to be “carnivorous” or “meat-eaters” A more appropriate name would be insectivorous since insects are normal prey.

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Carnivorous Plants

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  1. Carnivorous Plants Not Quite as Bad as Audrey II from “The Little Shop of Horrors”

  2. Carnivorous Plants • Approximately 400 species of angiosperms are known to be “carnivorous” or “meat-eaters” • A more appropriate name would be insectivorous since insects are normal prey. • Most exist in nutrient-poor soils such as fresh water bogs • Insects may provide the missing nutrients

  3. Adaptations • Carnivorous plants have evolved elaborate traps to lure prey • Traps are all modified leaves with various incentives to attract insects such as elaborate colors or nectar • Once insects are trapped digestive enzymes are released • Only the empty insect shell will be left

  4. Pitcher Plant

  5. Pitcher Plant • Leaf has evolved into a vase (or pitcher) shape • At the bottom of the “vase” rainwater will collect along with digestive enzymes • Insects lured into the vase and sharp hairs prevent their exit

  6. Venus-Flytrap

  7. Venus Flytrap • Each leaf is a two-sided trap with trigger hairs on each side • If trigger hairs are touched, trap snaps shut • Insects are trapped and digested in place

  8. Sundew

  9. Sundew • Glandular hairs on the leaf surface produce an adhesive like “superglue” • Insects get “stuck” and are digested away

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