Q107 · UPPSC Prelims 2023 · Set A · General Studies

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Which of the following is an insectivorous plant?

A Nyctanthes
B Nelumbo
C Nicotiana
D Nepenthes

Correct answer: (d) Nepenthes

Explanation

  1. A

    Nyctanthes

    Nyctanthes claims to be an insectivorous plant, but it actually belongs to the Oleaceae family and is known for its fragrant night-blooming flowers rather than trapping insects.

  2. B

    Nelumbo

    Nelumbo claims to be an insectivorous plant, whereas it represents the genus of aquatic lotus plants that thrive in shallow water and absorb nutrients from soil and water.

  3. C

    Nicotiana

    Nicotiana claims to be an insectivorous plant, but it is the tobacco plant genus known for containing nicotine and does not possess specialized traps for consuming insects.

  4. D

    Nepenthes

    Nepenthes claims to be an insectivorous plant, and this is the official key because these tropical pitcher plants possess modified leaves that form pitfalls to trap and digest insects in nutrient-deficient soils.

Summary. Official key is (d) Nepenthes, which correctly identifies the pitcher plant as insectivorous. Options (a), (b), and (c) belong to flowering, aquatic, and agricultural plant families respectively. None of the incorrect choices possess carnivorous trapping mechanisms. Nepenthes relies on nitrogen-rich insect digestion to survive in poor soils. Students often confuse general exotic flora with carnivorous adaptations.