Ever wondered why some plants resort to eating animals despite being capable of making their own food through photosynthesis? Parents, did you know that this fascinating world of plant adaptation is an actual exam question from a top school?

Venus fly trap, pitcher plants and sundews are carnivorous plants (murderous plants) that digest and consume animals as part of their diet. These plants are often found in areas with poor soil conditions; hence they consume animals to obtain the nutrients they cannot get from the soil.

However, we know that plants cannot move from places to places, so how can they kill other animals? These sneaky plants have unique structural adaptations that help them to attract and trap the animals. Let’s take a look at this question to understand more!

Plant Adaptation question – adapted from Tao Nan Primary School P6 SA2 (2022)

Organism A grows in soil that is poor in nutrients in the forest. It is adapted to digest insects. Organism B only feeds on fruits.

• Organism A has a slippery substance at the rim of its tube-like structure. Explain how the slippery substance helps organism A to catch insects. [2]
• Organism B goes into the tube-like structure of organism A to rest in the day, instead of hanging from a tree in the forest. Explain how this behavioural adaptation helps organism B to survive in the forest. [1]
• Organism B produces droppings when it is resting inside organism A. Explain how this helps organism A to survive better. [1]

Let’s start with part A of this Plant Adaptation Question! Remember to highlight the key words!

• Organism A has a slippery substance at the rim of its tube-like structure. Explain how the slippery substance helps organism A to catch insects.

Let’s analyse the question. If the rim is slippery, insects that land on the plant will fall into it easily. Why?

That is because there is less friction between the insect’s leg and the rim. How is this helpful for Organism A? Well, this sneaky adaptation helps it catch insects! The slippery surface reduces friction, causing unsuspecting insects to slip and fall into the structure where they become a tasty snack for Organism A’s digestive fluids. The tube-like structure contains digestive fluids that breaks down the insects, just like a human’s stomach. Talk about a clever trap!

Ans: The slippery substance reduces friction between the insect’s leg and the rim, causing the insect to slip and fall into the tube-like structure.

Moving on to part B!

• Organism B goes into the tube-like structure of organism A to rest in the day, instead of hanging from a tree in the forest. Explain how this behavioural adaptation helps organism B to survive in the forest. [1]

In this question, we have to compare the difference between resting in the tube-like structure and hanging from a tree. Why this peculiar behavior?

Simply put, it’s a survival strategy! Let’s think about the difference between resting in an enclosed area compared to an exposed area. By sheltering inside the enclosed area of Organism A, Organism B can evade predators lurking in the forest, ensuring its safety and well-being.

What in the environment poses danger for organism B? Predators!

Ans: Organism B can hide better from its predators when it is resting in organism A.

Lastly, part C!

• Organism B produces droppings when it is resting inside organism A. Explain how this helps organism A to survive better. [1]

Organism B has one last trick up its sleeve—it leaves behind droppings while resting inside Organism A. Sounds gross, right? Surprisingly, these droppings serve as a natural fertilizer, providing valuable nutrients to Organism A and aiding in its growth and vitality.

Ans: Organism A is able to obtain nutrients from the droppings to grow more healthily.

Did you know?

Human waste, just like animal waste, can be used as valuable fertilizers for plants., enriching the soil with essential nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. However, not all human waste can be used for this purpose! Untreated human waste contains harmful bacteria, hence human waste needs to be processed before adding to the soil.

Read Also: Photosynthesis Application Question: Why do green bananas curve upwards? (PSLE 2018 Question 29)

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Read Also: What’s the difference between gravitational force and gravitational potential energy?