He’d pointing out that this mechanism evolved because the plants lived somewhere where the soil didn’t have enough nutrients.
They’re not native to people’s homes, you know.
Tomatos also utilise bugs as nutrients indirectly.
Did you know that the sticky hairs found on the stems of tomato plants are designed to trap small insects? Or that these die and fall to the ground where they are absorbed by the roots of the plant after their decomposition? That is why scientists have recently described the tomato as being a carnivorous plant
Just like you can definitely survive on IV-nutrients and thus don’t “need” to eat, technically, but I think most people understand why that sentence is a bit questionable.
Think of a human being who does not take vitamins. As long as the person eats and drinks, he will stay alive. But without vitamins he will be weak and susceptible to ailments. That person will have a hard time recovering from sickness.
In reality, Venus flytraps require occasional insects in order to flourish. They’re unable to absorb the nutrients insects provide any other way, because they evolved in nutrient-poor soil and their roots cannot tolerate soil nutrients. Similar systems of insect nutrient absorption have evolved independently many times, e.g. multiple pitcher plants, sundews, and bromeliads
But I thought that they can’t survive on soil nutrients alone where they live which is why they eat other stuff
They’re hella picky. If there’s much of any nutrients or minerals in the soil, they die. Tap water is like poison to 'em.
I’ve tried to keep them several times and they always die on me quickly.
They are a very particular plant and are only native to a small area. They take a lot of care to keep alive.
https://www.carnivorousplantsguide.com/can-venus-flytraps-survive-without-bugs/
He’d pointing out that this mechanism evolved because the plants lived somewhere where the soil didn’t have enough nutrients.
They’re not native to people’s homes, you know.
Tomatos also utilise bugs as nutrients indirectly.
https://laidbackgardener.blog/2016/07/22/tomatoes-are-carnivorous/
Just like you can definitely survive on IV-nutrients and thus don’t “need” to eat, technically, but I think most people understand why that sentence is a bit questionable.
Attack of the Killer Tomatoes!
That source is awful lmao
In reality, Venus flytraps require occasional insects in order to flourish. They’re unable to absorb the nutrients insects provide any other way, because they evolved in nutrient-poor soil and their roots cannot tolerate soil nutrients. Similar systems of insect nutrient absorption have evolved independently many times, e.g. multiple pitcher plants, sundews, and bromeliads