Question

Insectivorous plants are called as
A. Omnivorous plants
B. Carnivorous plants
C. Parasitic plants
D. Saprophytes

Answer 1

Hint: Insectivores are literally defined as organisms that feed on insects. Insectivorous plants are predators that prey on insects and other small animals for acquisition of nutrients.

Complete answer:
Carnivorous plants, also known as insectivorous plants, are a consequence of convergent evolution. They can manufacture their own energy by the process of photosynthesis. However, they feed on arthropods and minuscule organisms for the demand of nutrients.
The carnivorous nature of such plants is an adaptation to the reduced or inefficient soil composition. Evidently, Carnivorous plants are therefore observed in specific habitats where there are extremely low soil nutrients, especially nitrogen deficient soil, high humidity and temperature and waterlogged areas.
Carnivorous plants can be either self pollinated or insect pollinated or might even use vegetative methods. Nevertheless, insect pollination is much favoured. When the insects are in vicinity for pollination, they are captured and trapped by the leaves and crushed to utilise their nutrients.
These plants have specialised trapping mechanisms like expeditious leaf movements, use of mucilage for prey confinement, use of digestive enzymes and other morphological modifications. It has been noted that these plants exploit their prey for numerous benefits. Insect trapping has been proved to impart effective plant growth with early flower blooming and elevated production of seeds. Venus flytrap and pitcher plant are quintessential insectivorous plants.

The correct answer is B.

Note: Insectivorous plants attract prey on small living organisms that are mostly potential pollinating agents. They do not depend on vegetative forage as they are well equipped with their own photosynthetic apparatus.