Source: Extra Practice
Pitcher plants are unique plants that trap and digest insects. What is the primary reason for this specialized mode of nutrition?
Options
Option A
To obtain water in dry environments.
Option B is correct
To fulfill their requirement for nitrogen.
Option C
To absorb excess sunlight.
Option D
To protect themselves from herbivores.
Explanation
Pitcher plants grow in marshy areas where the soil is often deficient in nitrogen. While they perform photosynthesis to make their own carbohydrates, they cannot synthesize proteins without sufficient nitrogen. Therefore, they have evolved a specialized mechanism to trap insects, digesting them to obtain the essential nitrogen compounds needed for their growth and survival. The other options do not accurately represent the primary purpose of insectivory in these plants.