![]() The simplest pitcher plants are probably those of Heliamphora, the marsh pitcher plant. This type of 'water body' is called a Phytotelma. Water can become trapped within the pitcher, making a habitat for other flora and fauna. Once within the pitcher structure, digestive enzymes or mutualistic species break down the prey into an absorbable form for the plant. The linings of most pitcher plants are covered in a loose coating of waxy flakes which are slippery for insects, causing them to fall into the pitcher. Because these families do not share a common ancestor who also had pitfall trap morphology, carnivorous pitchers are an example of convergent evolution.Ī passive trap, pitfall traps attract prey with nectar bribes secreted by the peristome and bright flower-like anthocyanin patterning within the pitcher. Within the family Bromeliaceae, pitcher morphology and carnivory evolved twice ( Brocchinia and Catopsis). This particular adaptation is found within the families Sarraceniaceae (Darlingtonia, Heliamphora, Sarracenia), Nepenthaceae ( Nepenthes), and Cephalotaceae ( Cephalotus). Pitfall traps Ĭharacterised by an internal chamber, pitfall traps are thought to have evolved independently at least six times. The rapid acid growth allows the sundews' tentacles to bend, aiding in the retention and digestion of prey. Meanwhile, sundews are active flypaper traps whose leaves undergo rapid acid growth, which is an expansion of individual cells as opposed to cell division. For example, Triphyophyllum is a passive flypaper that secretes mucilage, but whose leaves do not grow or move in response to prey capture. These traps may be active or passive, depending on whether movement aids the capture of prey.
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