Question

The plant which traps and feeds on insects is:
 (a)Cuscuta
 (b)China rose
 (c)Pitcher plant
 (d)Rose

Answer 1

Hint: They are the carnivorous plants that have specialized modified leaves that work as a trap for the insects. It is for its trap mechanism. These modified leaves are called pitfall traps where the insects are drawn into the nectar of the plant.

Complete answer:
-The plant that traps insects is called the pitcher plant.
-The pitcher plant consists of modified leaves that work as a prey-trapping mechanism.
-They trap the insects inside their deep cavity where the digestive fluids are present.
-The insects are first attracted by the plants and then trapped.
-The trapped insects are then drawn in the nectar of the plant.

Additional Information: -The plant secretes anthocyanin pigments or nectar to attract insects.
-The insects that are trapped are generally various types of flies.
-The rim of the pitcher of the plant or the deep cavity is lined by nectar which makes it slippery and attracts insects. As the insects came on it to feed the nectar they slipped inside the pitcher.
-These plants consist of various organs like waxy scales, and hairs that prevent insects from climbing back.
-The insect body after some time is dissolved inside the cavity of the plant and plants absorb their excreta as well to gain nutrition.
So, the correct answer is ‘Pitcher plant’.

Note: The pitcher plant belongs to the family Nepanthaceae and Sarraceniaceae. The pitcher plants have undergone an evolution from the old world pitcher plant to the new world pitcher plant. They are examples of convergent evolution due to its independent evolution.