Which of the following is an example of an insectivorous plant that traps and digests small aquatic organisms?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Utricularia

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Insectivorous plants, also called carnivorous plants, have adapted to grow in nutrient poor environments by trapping and digesting small animals, often insects or tiny aquatic organisms. These plants supplement their nutrient intake, especially nitrogen, by digesting animal prey. This question asks you to identify which listed organism is an insectivorous plant. It tests basic knowledge of unusual plant adaptations in general science and biology.


Given Data / Assumptions:

    - The topic is insectivorous or carnivorous plants.
    - Options include Utricularia, Sequoia gigantea, Nostoc and Bryophyta.
    - Only one of these is a known insectivorous plant that traps small organisms.
    - We assume textbook level classification and examples.


Concept / Approach:
Utricularia, commonly called bladderwort, is a genus of insectivorous plants that often live in aquatic or wet habitats. They have small bladder like traps that capture tiny aquatic animals. Sequoia gigantea is a giant conifer tree species, not an insectivorous plant. Nostoc is a genus of cyanobacteria, a type of blue green algae. Bryophyta is a division of non vascular plants that includes mosses and liverworts, which do not have carnivorous traps. By recognising the correct genus associated with insectivory, you can choose the right option.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that insectivorous plants have specialised structures to trap and digest prey.Step 2: Among the given names, identify Utricularia as the bladderwort plant known for its tiny bladder like traps.Step 3: Recognise that Sequoia gigantea refers to a giant redwood tree, which is not carnivorous.Step 4: Note that Nostoc is a cyanobacterium, not a higher plant with insect trapping structures.Step 5: Understand that Bryophyta is a broad group of simple non vascular plants without insectivorous adaptations.


Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify by recalling other well known insectivorous plants such as Venus flytrap, pitcher plant and sundew, which all have specialised modified leaves for trapping prey. Utricularia fits into this same category, though it traps prey in small bladders often under water. None of the other options are typically mentioned in discussions of carnivorous plants, confirming that Utricularia is the correct choice.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Sequoia gigantea: This is a giant conifer tree found in certain forest regions and is not insectivorous. It gains nutrients from the soil like normal trees.
Nostoc: This genus is composed of cyanobacteria that form colonies in water or moist soils. They do not have specialised insect trapping mechanisms.
Bryophyta: This is a division of non vascular plants such as mosses, which absorb water and nutrients through surfaces rather than digesting insects.


Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes get confused by scientific sounding names and pick options without recalling the behaviour or characteristics of each organism. Another issue is mixing up broad groups like Bryophyta with individual genera. The best way to avoid such mistakes is to learn a few classic examples of insectivorous plants and associate each with a clear mental image of its trapping mechanism. Utricularia as bladderwort with small bladders is one of these high value examples for exams.


Final Answer:
The insectivorous plant among the options is Utricularia.

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