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carnivorousplant

A carnivorous plant is a plant that derives some of its nutrients by trapping and digesting animals, typically insects and other small arthropods. This carnivory evolved in several plant lineages as an adaptation to nutrient-poor, waterlogged soils where essential minerals are scarce. Most carnivorous plants photosynthesize like other plants but supplement their diet with captured prey.

Trapping mechanisms include pitfall traps used by pitcher plants (Nepenthes, Sarracenia, Darlingtonia, Cephalotus), adhesive traps used

Prey is digested by enzymes such as proteases and esterases, releasing nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus

Habitat is often acidic bogs, fens, swamps, and other nutrient-poor wetlands. They are found in tropical and

Evolutionary studies indicate that carnivory arose independently in several lineages, giving rise to several families: Droseraceae

Some species are cultivated as ornamentals; habitat loss and peat extraction threaten many species, prompting conservation

by
sundews
(Drosera)
and
butterworts
(Pinguicula),
a
snap-trap
used
by
the
Venus
flytrap
(Dionaea),
and
suction
or
bladder
traps
used
by
bladderworts
(Utricularia).
that
are
absorbed
by
the
plant
tissues.
Some
species
also
rely
on
symbiotic
microbes.
Most
carnivorous
plants
still
depend
primarily
on
photosynthesis
for
energy,
with
prey
providing
essential
nutrients
rather
than
energy.
temperate
regions
worldwide,
with
diversity
highest
in
the
Americas
and
Southeast
Asia.
(sundews,
Venus
flytrap,
and
related
genera);
Nepenthaceae
(pitcher
plants
of
genus
Nepenthes);
Sarraceniaceae
(Sarracenia,
Heliamphora,
Darlingtonia);
Cephalotaceae
(Cephalotus);
and
Utriculariaceae
(bladderworts).
These
groups
share
the
common
strategy
of
supplementing
nutrient
intake
from
prey
while
maintaining
photosynthetic
energy.
efforts
in
several
countries.