Question

Explain the insectivorous mode of nutrition in angiosperms?

Answer 1

Plants which are growing in nitrogen deficient areas develop an insectivorous habit to resolve nitrogen deficiency.

1. Nepenthes (Pitcher plant):
   A pitcher is a modified leaf and contains digestive enzymes. Rim of the pitcher is provided with nectar glands and acts as an attractive lid. When an insect is trapped, proteolytic enzymes will digest the insect.
   
   Nepenthes (Pitcher plant)
2. Drosera (Sundew):
   It consists of long club-shaped tentacles which secrete a sticky digestive fluid which looks like a sundew.
   
   Drosera (Sundew)
3. Utricularia (Bladder wort):
   Submerged plant in which leaf is modified into a bladder to collect insect in water.
   
   Utricularia (Bladder wort)
4. Dionaea (Venus fly trap):
   Leaf of this plant modified into a colourful trap. Two folds of lamina consist of sensitive trigger hairs and when insects touch the hairs it will close.
   
   Dionaea (Venus fly trap)