Carnivorous Plants

Carnivorous PlantsWhy be carnivorous?

Carnivorous PlantsWhy be carnivorous?Obtain nutrients inpoor environments

Carnivorous PlantsWhy be carnivorous?Obtain nutrients inpoor environmentsOften N

Carnivorous PlantsWhy be carnivorous?Obtain nutrients inpoor environmentsOften N> 600 spp in 6 different orders

Carnivorous PlantsWhy be carnivorous?Obtain nutrients inpoor environmentsOften N> 600 spp in 6 different orders> 12 genera

Carnivorous PlantsWhy be carnivorous?Obtain nutrients inpoor environmentsOften N> 600 spp in 6 different orders> 12 generaEvolved 6 timesindependently

Carnivorous PlantsWhy be carnivorous?Obtain nutrients inpoor environmentsOften N> 600 spp in 6 different orders> 12 generaEvolved 6 timesindependentlyAlso have >300paracarnivorous spp

Carnivorous PlantsWhy be carnivorous?Obtain nutrients inpoor environmentsOften N> 600 spp in 6 different orders> 12 generaEvolved 6 timesindependentlyAlso have >300paracarnivorous sppDescribed byDarwin (1875)Insectivorous Plants

Carnivorous PlantsWhy be carnivorous?Obtain nutrients in poor environmentsOften N> 600 spp in 5 different orders> 12 generaEvolved 6 timesindependentlyAlso have >300paracarnivorous sppDescribed byDarwin (1875)Insectivorous PlantsAdaptation to nutrient

Carnivorous PlantsObtain nutrients in poor environmentsOften N> 600 spp in 5 different orders> 12 generaEvolved 6 timesindependentlyAlso have >300paracarnivorous sppDescribed byDarwin (1875)Insectivorous PlantsAdaptation to nutrient\Only if lots of light & water = bogs

Carnivorous PlantsWhy be carnivorous?Obtain nutrients inpoor environmentsHow to becomecarnivorous?

Carnivorous PlantsHow to become carnivorous?1: catch prey

Carnivorous PlantsHow to become carnivorous?1: catch prey• mainly insects

Carnivorous PlantsHow to become carnivorous?1: catch prey• mainly insects2: digest prey

Carnivorous PlantsHow to become carnivorous?1: catch prey• mainly insects2: digest prey3: absorb nutrients

Carnivorous PlantsHow to become carnivorous?1: catch prey• mainly insects2: digest prey3: absorb nutrients4: kill competingBacteria & fungi

Carnivorous PlantsHow to become carnivorous?1: catch prey• mainly insects2: digest prey3: absorb nutrients4: kill competingBacteria & fungi

How to avoid eatingPollinators?

Catching Prey5 basic trapping mechanisms5 basic trapping mechanisms1: Pitfall traps (e.g.1: Pitfall traps (e.g.pitcher plants))trap prey in a rolled leaf.trap prey in a rolled leaf.

Catching Prey5 basic trapping mechanisms5 basic trapping mechanisms1: Pitfall traps (e.g.1: Pitfall traps (e.g.pitcher plants))trap prey in a rolled leaf.trap prey in a rolled leaf.• evolved independently evolved independently ≥ 4 x≥ 4 x

Catching Prey5 basic trapping mechanisms5 basic trapping mechanisms1: Pitfall traps (e.g.1: Pitfall traps (e.g.pitcher plants))trap prey in a rolled leaf.trap prey in a rolled leaf.• evolved independently evolved independently ≥ 4 x≥ 4 x• recently discovered a 2 literrecently discovered a 2 literPitcher in PhillipinesPitcher in Phillipines

Catching Prey5 basic trapping mechanisms5 basic trapping mechanisms1: Pitfall traps (e.g.1: Pitfall traps (e.g.pitcher plants))trap prey in a rolled leaf.trap prey in a rolled leaf.• evolved independently evolved independently ≥ 4 x≥ 4 x• recently discovered a 2 literrecently discovered a 2 literPitcher in PhillipinesPitcher in Phillipines• Similar spp live in IndonesiaSimilar spp live in Indonesia• http://www.youtube.com/watch?http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=NJCaG4tOaAU&feature=relatedv=NJCaG4tOaAU&feature=related• http://www.youtube.com/watch?http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=trWzDlRvv1M&feature=player_embedded#!v=trWzDlRvv1M&feature=player_embedded#!

Catching Prey5 basic trapping mechanisms5 basic trapping mechanisms1: Pitfall traps (e.g.1: Pitfall traps (e.g.pitcher plants))trap prey in a rolled leaf.trap prey in a rolled leaf.• evolved independently evolved independently ≥ 4 x≥ 4 x• fuse leaves & alter shape to formfuse leaves & alter shape to formcup trapping rain and preycup trapping rain and prey

Catching Prey5 basic trapping mechanisms5 basic trapping mechanisms1: Pitfall traps (e.g.1: Pitfall traps (e.g.pitcher plants))trap prey in a rolled leaf.trap prey in a rolled leaf.• evolved independently evolved independently ≥ 4 x≥ 4 x• fuse leaves & alter shape to formfuse leaves & alter shape to formcup trapping rain and preycup trapping rain and prey• rely on bacteria for digestionrely on bacteria for digestion

Catching Prey• fuse leaves & alter shape to formfuse leaves & alter shape to formcup trapping rain and preycup trapping rain and prey• rely on bacteria for digestionrely on bacteria for digestion• Others protect openingOthers protect opening

Catching Prey• fuse leaves & alter shape to formfuse leaves & alter shape to formcup trapping rain and preycup trapping rain and prey• rely on bacteria for digestionrely on bacteria for digestion• Others protect openingOthers protect opening• Add enzymes to cup solutionAdd enzymes to cup solution

Catching Prey• fuse leaves & alter shape to formfuse leaves & alter shape to formcup trapping rain and preycup trapping rain and prey• rely on bacteria for digestionrely on bacteria for digestion• Others protect openingOthers protect opening• Add enzymes to cup solutionAdd enzymes to cup solution• Absorb nutrients @ cup surfaceAbsorb nutrients @ cup surface

Catching Prey5 basic trapping mechanisms5 basic trapping mechanisms1: Pitfall traps (pitcher plants1: Pitfall traps (pitcher plantstrap prey in a rolled leaf.trap prey in a rolled leaf.2:Flypaper traps (sundews)2:Flypaper traps (sundews)use a sticky use a sticky mucilage

http://www.flickr.com/photos/http://www.flickr.com/photos/12289718@N00/368555529612289718@N00/3685555296

Catching Prey5 basic trapping mechanisms5 basic trapping mechanisms1: Pitfall traps (pitcher plants)1: Pitfall traps (pitcher plants) trap prey in a rolled leaf.trap prey in a rolled leaf.2:Flypaper traps (sundews)2:Flypaper traps (sundews)use a sticky use a sticky mucilageEvolved independently ≥ 5 xEvolved independently ≥ 5 x

Catching PreyStalked glands secrete mucilage & enzymesSessile glands absorb nutrients

Catching PreyStalked glands secrete mucilage & enzymesSessile glands absorb nutrientsHave flowers on long stalks to avoid trapping pollinators

Catching Prey5 basic trapping mechanisms5 basic trapping mechanisms1: Pitfall traps (pitcher plants) trap prey in a rolled leaf.1: Pitfall traps (pitcher plants) trap prey in a rolled leaf.2:Flypaper traps (sundews) use a sticky 2:Flypaper traps (sundews) use a sticky mucilage3: 3: Bladder traps vacuum in prey: Bladder traps vacuum in prey: only only Utricularia, Utricularia, but 214 sppbut 214 spp

Catching Prey5 basic trapping mechanisms5 basic trapping mechanisms1: Pitfall traps (pitcher plants) trap prey in a rolled leaf.1: Pitfall traps (pitcher plants) trap prey in a rolled leaf.2:Flypaper traps (sundews) use a sticky 2:Flypaper traps (sundews) use a sticky mucilage3: 3: Bladder traps vacuum in prey: only Bladder traps vacuum in prey: only UtriculariaUtricularia• bladders sealed w hinged doors expel ionsbladders sealed w hinged doors expel ions

5 basic trapping mechanisms5 basic trapping mechanisms1: Pitfall traps (pitcher plants) trap prey in a rolled leaf.1: Pitfall traps (pitcher plants) trap prey in a rolled leaf.2:Flypaper traps (sundews) use a sticky 2:Flypaper traps (sundews) use a sticky mucilage3: 3: Bladder traps vacuum in prey: only Bladder traps vacuum in prey: only UtriculariaUtricularia• bladders sealed w hinged doors expel waterbladders sealed w hinged doors expel water• Osmosis creates vacuumOsmosis creates vacuum

5 basic trapping mechanisms5 basic trapping mechanisms1: Pitfall traps (pitcher plants) trap prey in a rolled leaf.1: Pitfall traps (pitcher plants) trap prey in a rolled leaf.2:Flypaper traps (sundews) use a sticky 2:Flypaper traps (sundews) use a sticky mucilage3: 3: Bladder traps vacuum in prey: only Bladder traps vacuum in prey: only UtriculariaUtricularia• bladders sealed w hinged doors expel waterbladders sealed w hinged doors expel water• Osmosis creates vacuumOsmosis creates vacuum• Trigger hairs @ door release vacuum when touchedTrigger hairs @ door release vacuum when touched

Bladder traps vacuum in prey: only Bladder traps vacuum in prey: only UtriculariaUtricularia• bladders sealed w hinged doors expel waterbladders sealed w hinged doors expel water•Osmosis creates vacuumOsmosis creates vacuum•Trigger hairs @ door release vac when touchedTrigger hairs @ door release vac when touched•Sucks prey into digestive bladderSucks prey into digestive bladder

Bladder traps vacuum in prey: only Bladder traps vacuum in prey: only UtriculariaUtricularia• bladders sealed w hinged doors expel waterbladders sealed w hinged doors expel water•Osmosis creates vacuumOsmosis creates vacuum•Trigger hairs @ door release vac when touchedTrigger hairs @ door release vac when touched•Sucks prey into digestive bladderSucks prey into digestive bladder•Flowers on long stalksFlowers on long stalks

5 basic trapping mechanisms5 basic trapping mechanisms1: Pitfall traps (pitcher plants) trap prey in a rolled leaf.1: Pitfall traps (pitcher plants) trap prey in a rolled leaf.2:Flypaper traps (sundews) use a sticky 2:Flypaper traps (sundews) use a sticky mucilage3: Bladder traps vacuum in prey3: Bladder traps vacuum in prey4: Lobster-pot traps trap prey4: Lobster-pot traps trap prey• chamber is easy to enter, hard to exitchamber is easy to enter, hard to exit

5 basic trapping mechanisms5 basic trapping mechanisms4: Lobster-pot traps trap prey4: Lobster-pot traps trap prey• chamber is easy to enter, hard to exitchamber is easy to enter, hard to exit• inward-pointing hairs inward-pointing hairs

prevent escapeprevent escape

5 basic trapping mechanisms5 basic trapping mechanisms1: Pitfall traps (pitcher plants) trap prey in a rolled leaf.1: Pitfall traps (pitcher plants) trap prey in a rolled leaf.2:Flypaper traps (sundews) use a sticky 2:Flypaper traps (sundews) use a sticky mucilage3: Bladder traps vacuum in prey3: Bladder traps vacuum in prey4: Lobster-pot traps trap prey4: Lobster-pot traps trap prey5: Snap traps use 5: Snap traps use rapid leaf Movementshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=ktIGVtKdgwo&feature=channelv=ktIGVtKdgwo&feature=channel

5 basic trapping mechanisms5 basic trapping mechanismsSnap traps use Snap traps use rapid leaf Movementstwo two stimuli are required, 0.5 to 30 seconds apart are required, 0.5 to 30 seconds apart

5 basic trapping mechanisms5 basic trapping mechanismsSnap traps use Snap traps use rapid leaf Movementstwo stimuli are required, 0.5 to 30 seconds aparttwo stimuli are required, 0.5 to 30 seconds apartTouched trigger hair cells open channels, generating an Touched trigger hair cells open channels, generating an

action potential that propagates to midrib cellsaction potential that propagates to midrib cells

5 basic trapping mechanisms5 basic trapping mechanismsSnap traps use rapid leaf MovementsSnap traps use rapid leaf Movementstwo stimuli are required, 0.5 to 30 seconds aparttwo stimuli are required, 0.5 to 30 seconds apartTouched trigger hair cellsTouched trigger hair cellsopen channels, generating open channels, generating an action potential that an action potential that propagates to midrib cellspropagates to midrib cellsThese respond by pumpingThese respond by pumpingout ions, resulting in rapidout ions, resulting in rapidgrowthgrowth

5 basic trapping mechanisms5 basic trapping mechanismsTouched trigger hair cells open channels, generating an Touched trigger hair cells open channels, generating an

action potential that propagates to midrib cellsaction potential that propagates to midrib cellsThese respond by pumpingThese respond by pumpingout ions, resulting in rapidout ions, resulting in rapidgrowthgrowthOpen lobes are convex,Open lobes are convex,Closed are concaveClosed are concave

5 basic trapping mechanisms5 basic trapping mechanismsTouched trigger hair cells open channels, generating an Touched trigger hair cells open channels, generating an

action potential that propagates to midrib cellsaction potential that propagates to midrib cellsThese respond by pumpingThese respond by pumpingout ions, resulting in rapidout ions, resulting in rapidgrowthgrowthOpen lobes are convex,Open lobes are convex,Closed are concaveClosed are concaveAP triggers switchAP triggers switch

5 basic trapping mechanisms5 basic trapping mechanismsTouched trigger hair cells open channels, generating an Touched trigger hair cells open channels, generating an

action potential that propagates to midrib cellsaction potential that propagates to midrib cellsThese respond by pumping out ions, resulting in rapidThese respond by pumping out ions, resulting in rapidgrowthgrowthOpen lobes are convex, Closed are concaveOpen lobes are convex, Closed are concaveAP triggers switchAP triggers switchSeal to form stomach, fill w enzymes that digest preySeal to form stomach, fill w enzymes that digest prey(& leaf) w/in 1-2 weeks(& leaf) w/in 1-2 weeks

5 basic trapping mechanisms5 basic trapping mechanismsTouched trigger hair cells open channels, generating an Touched trigger hair cells open channels, generating an

action potential that propagates to midrib cellsaction potential that propagates to midrib cellsThese respond by pumping out ions, resulting in rapidThese respond by pumping out ions, resulting in rapidgrowthgrowthOpen lobes are convex, Closed are concaveOpen lobes are convex, Closed are concaveAP triggers switchAP triggers switchSeal to form stomach, fill w enzymes that digest preySeal to form stomach, fill w enzymes that digest prey(& leaf) w/in 1-2 weeks(& leaf) w/in 1-2 weeksAlso digest leaf, resorb Also digest leaf, resorb bothboth

5 basic trapping mechanisms5 basic trapping mechanismsTouched trigger hair cells open channels, generating an Touched trigger hair cells open channels, generating an

action potential that propagates to midrib cellsaction potential that propagates to midrib cellsThese respond by pumping out ions, resulting in rapidThese respond by pumping out ions, resulting in rapidgrowthgrowthOpen lobes are convex, Closed are Open lobes are convex, Closed are concaveconcaveAP triggers switchAP triggers switchSeal to form stomach, Seal to form stomach, fill w enzymes that digest preyfill w enzymes that digest prey(& leaf) w/in 1-2 weeks(& leaf) w/in 1-2 weeksAlso digest leaf, resorb Also digest leaf, resorb BothBothFlowers on long stalkFlowers on long stalk

EvolutionEvolution1.1. Pitchers fuse leaves, thenPitchers fuse leaves, then pump enzymes into pitcher pump enzymes into pitcher

EvolutionEvolution1.1. Pitchers fuse leaves, thenPitchers fuse leaves, then pump enzymes into pitcher pump enzymes into pitcher Resorb nutrients across pitcherResorb nutrients across pitchersurfacesurface

EvolutionEvolution1.1. Pitchers fuse leaves, thenPitchers fuse leaves, then pump enzymes into pitcher pump enzymes into pitcher Resorb nutrients across pitcherResorb nutrients across pitcherSurfaceSurface2. Flypaper traps evolve from2. Flypaper traps evolve fromplants like tobacco that secreteplants like tobacco that secretegoo on leavesgoo on leaves

EvolutionEvolution1.1. Pitchers fuse leaves, thenPitchers fuse leaves, then pump enzymes into pitcher pump enzymes into pitcher Resorb nutrients across pitcherResorb nutrients across pitcherSurfaceSurface2. Flypaper traps evolve from2. Flypaper traps evolve fromplants like tobacco that secreteplants like tobacco that secretegoo on leavesgoo on leavesThigmotropism helps trap preyThigmotropism helps trap prey

EvolutionEvolution1.1. Pitchers fuse leaves, thenPitchers fuse leaves, then pump enzymes into pitcher pump enzymes into pitcher Resorb nutrients across pitcherResorb nutrients across pitcherSurfaceSurface2. Flypaper traps evolve from2. Flypaper traps evolve fromplants like tobacco that secreteplants like tobacco that secretegoo on leavesgoo on leavesThigmotropism helps trap preyThigmotropism helps trap preyEnzymes help digest preyEnzymes help digest prey

EvolutionEvolution1.1. Pitchers fuse leaves, thenPitchers fuse leaves, then pump enzymes into pitcher pump enzymes into pitcher 2. Flypaper traps evolve from2. Flypaper traps evolve fromplants like tobacco that secreteplants like tobacco that secretegoo on leavesgoo on leaves3. Bladder traps may have evolved from aquatic pitchers

EvolutionEvolution1.1. Pitchers fuse leaves, then pump enzymes into pitcher Pitchers fuse leaves, then pump enzymes into pitcher 2. Flypaper traps evolve from plants like tobacco that 2. Flypaper traps evolve from plants like tobacco that

secrete goo on leavessecrete goo on leaves3. Bladder traps may have evolved from aquatic pitchersAdded pitcher lid & mech for ion pumping, then opening on demand

EvolutionEvolution1.1. Pitchers fuse leavesPitchers fuse leaves2. Flypaper traps2. Flypaper traps3. Bladder traps may have evolved from aquatic pitchers4: Lobster-pot traps add4: Lobster-pot traps addInward-facing trichomes to pitchers.

EvolutionEvolution1.1. Pitchers fuse leavesPitchers fuse leaves2. Flypaper traps2. Flypaper traps3. Bladder traps may have evolved from aquatic pitchers4: Lobster-pot traps add4: Lobster-pot traps addInward-facing trichomes to pitchers.5. Snap traps evolved fromFly-paper traps• More extreme thigmonasty

DigestionDigestionDigest and resorb everything

DigestionDigestionDigest and resorb everything Protect pollinators by making long stem separating flower

from traps

Protecting from bacteria and fungiProtecting from bacteria and fungiFill traps with anti-bacterial and antifungal compunds

Protecting from bacteria and fungiProtecting from bacteria and fungiFill traps with anti-bacterial and antifungal compundsSource of new antibiotics!