[Campbell Biology P.868] Carnivorous plants are typically found in environments like acid bo... | Practice Question

Carnivorous plants are typically found in environments like acid bogs. What is the most significant reason for their adaptation to capture insects and small animals in such habitats?

  • A: The high acidity of the bogs limits the availability of sunlight, requiring an alternative energy source.
  • B: Insects are abundant in these environments, providing an easy and constant food supply.
  • C: The soils in these habitats are poor in essential minerals, especially nitrogen, which is supplemented by digesting prey.
  • D: Capturing animals helps them to spread their seeds more effectively in dense bog vegetation.

Explanation

The text explicitly states that carnivorous plants live in 'acid bogs and other habitats where soils are poor in nitrogen and other minerals.' Their adaptation to capture animals is a way to 'supplement their mineral diet,' addressing this deficiency, particularly for nitrogen.