Question

Nepenthes (Insectivorous pitcher plant) is
A. Producer
B. Consumer
C. Both A and B
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Insectivorous plants are the plants that eat insects. These are the plants that capture insects and digest them for nutrients.

Complete Answer:
Nepenthes (Insectivorous pitcher plant):
- Nepenthes is a genus of carnivorous plant. It is also called a tropical pitcher plant or monkey cup.
- This genus comprises 170 species. Nepenthes usually contain shallow roots and a prostrate climbing stem.
- Nepenthes are perennial herbaceous plants which grow in very acidic soil. Insectivorous pitcher plants are both producers and consumers.
- Nepenthes is a producer as the green leaves of this plant make their food with the help of a process called as photosynthesis in which plants make their own food with the help of chlorophyll, sunlight, water and carbon dioxide.
- Nepenthes is also considered as Consumer as it traps the insects and digest it.
- The trap of this plant contains a sticky fluid which is secreted by the plant itself that helps in drowning the prey. This fluid contains viscoelastic polymers which help in the retention of insects in the trap.

So, option C is the correct option for this answer.

Note: Insectivorous plants are the plants that colonise the area where there is lack of nitrogen in its soil. That’s why they digest insects and get nutrients from the organic matter of these insectivorous plants. They occupy the area where competition is minimal.