Question

Insectivorous plants usually grow in soil, which is deficient in
A. Nitrogen
B. Water
C. Organic matter
D. Ca or Mg

Answer 1

Hint: Insectivorous plants are those types of plants that derive their nutrients by trapping and digesting insects and other organisms. But these plants derive their energy by the process of photosynthesis. They grow in soil lacking certain nutrients, which they obtain by animal feeding.

Complete answer:
Insectivorous plants or carnivorous plants are the plants that obtain some or most of the nutrients by trapping the insects and then consuming them. Their source of energy is through photosynthesis. These plants are adapted to grow in areas where the soil is deficient or poor in nutrients. The most common deficiency is nitrogen. They grow in humid areas where there is a sufficient supply of sunlight and moisture such as swamps, wetlands, bogs and coastal plains, etc. They trap the insects and digest them to obtain nitrogen. Many of the insectivorous plants have modified or special plant parts to catch the insects. Some plants release digestive enzymes or chemicals that break down the insects for absorption. The plants are shiny and colorful in appearance and they also release nectars or pleasant odors to attract the insects. Some of the examples of insectivorous plants are Drosera, Venus flytrap, Nepenthes, Genlisea, etc.
Hence, the correct answer is option( A ) i.e., Nitrogen.

Note: Insectivorous plants are the plants that grow in areas where the soil is poor in nutrients (mainly nitrogen). In order to obtain their nutrients, they have modified plant parts through which the plant entraps the insects and digests it with the help of chemicals or enzymes, thus obtaining nitrogen and other nutrients.