Question

Insectivorous plants usually grow in soils which are deficient in
a. Nitrogen/ nitrate
b. Water
c. Organic matter
d. Ca/Mg

Answer 1

Hint: Insectivorous plants are the plants that obtain their nutrients by feeding on insects and other organisms like arthropods. These plants generate energy by photosynthesis but consume insects and other animals for their nutrient requirements.

Complete answer:
Insectivorous plants are also referred to as carnivorous plants that consume insects and animals for the nutrition requirement of their body. These plants have special ability to trap the insects and consume them. These plants grow in humid areas, where moisture and sunlight is present. They also grow optimally in the soil where there is deficiency of the nitrogen element. Due to deficiency of the nitrogen element which is essential for overall growth and development of the plants, insectivorous plants consume insects in order to absorb required nutrients. Some of the insectivorous plants are venus flytrap, cobra lily, and pitcher plant.

The insectivorous plants use attractants in order to attract the insects towards them so that they can trap and consume them. They are colourful and shiny in appearance which helps them to attract the insects. They also contain nectars and pleasing odour that attracts the insects towards them. These plants digest the entrapped insects in order to fulfill their nutrient requirement, especially nitrogen.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A).

Note: Insectivorous plants have special or modified plant parts to trap insects as they contain hair-lined edges that snap or shut as soon as insects come near or touches the hair which traps the insect. Some plants also have mucus like substance which help to stick insects with the plants and get trapped.