GS PrelimsScience and TechnologyGeneral Science2010

Some species of plants are insectivorous. Why?

A

Their growth in shady and dark places does not allow them to undertake sufficient photosynthesis and thus they depend on insects for nutrition

B

They are adapted to grow in nitrogen deficient soils and thus depend on insects for sufficient nitrogenous nutrition

C

They cannot synthesize certain vitamins themselves and depend on the insects digested by them

D

They have remained in that particular stage of evolution as living fossils, a link between autotrophs and heterotrophs

Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation

1. The question asks why some species of plants are insectivorous (catch and digest insects). 2. Insectivorous plants often grow in habitats like bogs and marshes where the soil is poor in essential nutrients, particularly nitrogen. 3. These plants are typically capable of photosynthesis (autotrophs) but supplement their nutrient intake by trapping and digesting insects. 4. The primary benefit they derive from insects is a source of nitrogen and other minerals (like phosphorus) which are scarce in their nitrogen deficient soils. 5. Option A is incorrect; while some may grow in shade, their insectivory is primarily linked to nutrient deficiency, not lack of photosynthesis. 6. Option C is unlikely; plants synthesize most vitamins, and nitrogen is the key nutrient obtained. 7. Option D is incorrect; insectivory is an adaptation, not simply a stage of evolution linking autotrophs and heterotrophs. 8. Option B correctly identifies the adaptation to nitrogen deficient soils as the reason for depending on insects for sufficient nitrogenous nutrition.

More Science and Technology PYQs

View all Science and Technology questions →

Master UPSC Revision

Get 10,000+ topic-wise MCQs, spaced repetition, daily CSAT challenges, and detailed performance analytics.

Coming Soon to Play Store
Coming Soon to Play Store