Darwin's Darlings: Meat-Eating Plants

What is another name for insectivorous plants?

• Herbivorous plants

• Carnivorous plants

• Photosynthetic plants

• Aquatic plants

What two main characteristics define a carnivorous plant?

• They grow very tall and have colorful flowers.

• They absorb nutrients from dead animals and have adaptations to attract, capture, kill, and digest prey.

• They only grow in deserts and have long roots.

• They produce their own food through photosynthesis and have large leaves.

Why do carnivorous plants eat animals?

• To get energy from the sun.

• To get extra water in dry environments.

• To obtain nitrogen and other nutrients missing from their soil.

• To help pollinate their flowers.

How does a Venus Flytrap avoid wasting energy on small, low-nutrient prey?

• It only opens its trap for large insects.

• It has a sticky substance that only traps large insects.

• It initially closes partially, allowing smaller prey to escape.

• It uses a strong scent to repel small insects.