Question

Which one of the following is a partial heterotroph?
(a)Rafflesia
(b)Eucalyptus
(c)Drosera
(d)Hydrilla

Answer 1

Hint: Organisms that do not prepare their food and take nutrition from other sources of organic carbon which includes plant or animal matter are known as heterotrophs. Some insectivorous plants require nitrogen which they take from the insects they eat and are known as partial heterotrophs.

Complete answer:
Drosera is a partial heterotroph that obtains nitrogen from the insects by consuming them and it consists of chlorophyll in its leaves which perform photosynthesis for their food. Therefore it performs photosynthesis and consumes insects for its food hence it is known as a partial heterotroph. Drosera constitutes 194 species which are commonly known as sundews and have mucilaginous glands on their leaf surfaces. Some species are self-fertile and often self pollinate upon closing. germination takes place in response to moisture and light and the seeds required cold and damp conditions to germinate. It is used as a medicinal herb and it is commonly used for cough preparations. It was recommended by the herbalists for dry cough, whooping cough, and bronchitis. The root, flower, and fruit like capsules are used for medicinal preparations and some species are protected for the preparation of fast-growing sundews. The beauty of its listening traps is used as an ornament and is difficult to meet in cultivation. It requires high moisture content and the water to be pure as the nutrients and minerals in the soil can stunt their growth or can kill them.

Additional Information: Rafflesia: It constitutes parasitic flowering plants that have enormous flowers and birds arising from the ground or directly from the lowest terms of their host plants. It constitutes 28 species and has no stem, roots, and leaves. The flowers smell like rotting flesh and these odors attract the insects which help in transferring pollen from male to female flowers.
Eucalyptus: They constitute 700 species of flowering trees that are adapted to fire and can survive in a fire. They vary from small shrubs to tall trees and are multi-stemmed from ground level with no distinction between mallee and a shrub. They add a layer of bark every year and the outer layer dies which exposes a new layer of fresh, living bark.
Hydrilla: They consist of aquatic plants that contain stems that can grow up to 1-2 m long. They are known for their digestive and health benefits as they consist of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which are useful for fighting indigestion.

So, the correct answer is 'Drosera'.

Note: Rafflesia found in Indonesia near Taman rangers 80 cm in diameter. Hydrilla grows 2.5 centimeters a day and is known as a problematic water plant. The rate of reproduction in hydra is very fast. The leaves and bark of eucalyptus consist of a high concentration of cineole which is used for making eucalyptus which is an essential oil.