Carnivorous+plants+-+Diversity+and+Physiology

Overview of Carnivorous Plants: Carnivorous plants, adapted to nutrient-poor environments, trap small invertebrates for nutrients. Found on all continents except Antarctica, they number over 800 species. They thrive in high-light, waterlogged areas with low phosphorus and nitrogen. Human activities threaten their survival. Habitat: These plants prefer acidic, boggy, or sandy areas, exhibiting winter dormancy and specialized trapping mechanisms. Prey Capture: Attractants include sweet smells and bright colors. Capture methods vary (sticky droplets, snap traps, etc.), and digestion occurs via hydrolytic enzymes. Trap Types: Active traps like snap and suction traps, and passive traps such as pitfall and flypaper. Unique Cases: Triantha occidentalis features a flypaper trap on its stem, highlighting the potential for undiscovered species. Example Plants: Pitcher plants (Sarracenia) have complex digestive zones; bladderworts (Utricularia) capture prey underwater. Mechanism of Closure: Snap traps close rapidly upon stimulation, aiding in prey capture.