Survival through Adaptation
Getting Food
Carnivory
Carnivory
Why would a plant eat a bug?
Some plants in nutrient-poor ecosystems adapt a surprising ability: carnivory! Carnivory means eating meat. When carnivorous plants eat animals, they gain the nitrogen that these animals have eaten. Instead of getting important nutrients from the soil, carnivorous plants get their nutrients from animals, which are usually small bugs.
Carnivorous plants grow in many ecosystems all over the world. These ecosystems all have different characteristics, but they have one thing in common: They all have little nitrogen. In this video, Shawn Lyons shares information on carnivorous plants.
Drosera capensis
Let’s explore a carnivorous plant: the Sundew! What do you notice? How do you think this plant has adapted to survive in its environment?
Dionaea muscipula
Let’s explore one of the most famous carnivorous plants: the Venus Fly Trap! What do you notice? How do you think this plant has adapted to survive in its environment?
Nepenthes truncata
Let’s explore a carnivorous plant: the Tropical Pitcher Plant! What do you notice? How do you think this plant has adapted to survive in its environment?