Reassessing protocarnivory – how hungry are triggerplants?

2018 ◽  
Vol 66 (4) ◽  
pp. 325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis J. Nge ◽  
Hans Lambers
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogen Source ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Trophic Level ◽  
Carnivorous Plant ◽  
Carnivorous Plants ◽  
Ecological Context ◽  
Nutrient Source ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Glandular Hairs ◽  
Carnivorous Species

Stylidium species (triggerplants) are claimed to be protocarnivorous based on the presence of glandular hairs, observations of trapped small organisms, and induction of proteinase activity. However, these traits might serve alternative functions. We aimed to re-assess and quantify the degree of carnivory for Stylidium species in an ecological context, by comparing the natural abundance (δ15N) of Stylidium species with co-occurring carnivorous (Drosera species) and non-carnivorous plants in their natural habitats. We hypothesised that the δ15N signature of Stylidium species would more closely match co-occurring carnivorous plant species than their non-carnivorous counterparts if they rely on captured organisms as a nutrient source, since there is an increase in fractionation by 3–5 ‰ per trophic level. Our results show that the Stylidium species sampled had δ15N signatures that matched more closely with co-occurring non-carnivorous plants than with carnivorous Drosera species. This does not support the claim that they rely on captured organisms as a nitrogen source, or the source is negligible. Other studies have shown that protocarnivorous species have a δ15N signature that is more similar to that of co-occurring carnivorous than that of non-carnivorous species. Therefore, our findings question the protocarnivory status of Stylidium species.

Introduction: what is a carnivorous plant?

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron M. Ellison ◽  
Lubomír Adamec
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Convergent Evolution ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
Carnivorous Plant ◽  
Carnivorous Plants ◽  
Plant Growth And Development ◽  
Carnivorous Species

The approximately 800 species of carnivorous plant together provide a classic example of convergent evolution. The known carnivorous species and genera represent nine independent angiosperm lineages. They are united by a suite of five essential traits that together make up the ‘carnivorous syndrome:’ (1) capturing or trapping prey in specialized. usually attractive, traps; (2) killing the captured prey; (3) digesting the prey; (4) absorption of metabolites (nutrients) from the killed and digested prey; and (5) use of these metabolites for plant growth and development. Although many other ‘paracarnivorous’ plants have one or two of these traits, only plants that have all five of them that function in a coordinated way can be considered true carnivorous plants.

scholarly journals Distribution and natural history of carnivorous plants of Saskatchewan, Canada

Check List ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 883 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fraser Baalim ◽  
Catherine Peters ◽  
Hugo Cota-Sánchez
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Sand Dunes ◽  
Carnivorous Plant ◽  
Carnivorous Plants ◽  
Distribution Maps ◽  
Rare And Endangered Species ◽  
Carnivorous Species ◽  
Rare And Endangered ◽  
History Of ◽  
Prince Albert National Park

We provide distribution maps of carnivorous plants as well as an assessment of rarity status and potential threats to diversity of carnivorous taxa in Saskatchewan using a biodiversity informatics approach. Saskatchewan is home to ten carnivorous species ranging from the Mixed Grassland ecoregion in the southwest to the Selwyn Lake Upland ecoregion in the northeast. Several areas exhibiting high carnivorous plant diversity including rare and endangered species are: the Nesbitt Provincial Forest, the Prince Albert National Park, and the Athabasca Sand Dunes. We propose these areas as deserving conservation priority.

Dark respiration of leaves and traps of terrestrial carnivorous plants: are there greater energetic costs in traps?

2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 121-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lubomír Adamec
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Respiration Rate ◽  
Dark Respiration ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Carnivorous Plant ◽  
Carnivorous Plants ◽  
Clear Relationship ◽  
Leaf Lamina ◽  
Dark Respiration Rate ◽  
Energetic Costs

AbstractIn this study, O2-based dark respiration rate (RD) in leaf and trap cuttings was compared in 9 terrestrial carnivorous plant species of 5 genera to decide whether traps represent a greater energetic (maintanence) cost than leaves or photosynthetic parts of traps. RD values of cut strips of traps or leaves of terrestrial carnivorous plants submerged in water ranged between 2.2 and 8.4 nmol g−1 s−1 (per unit dry weight) in pitcher traps of the genera Sarracenia, Nepenthes, and Cephalotus, while between 7.2 and 25 nmol g−1 DW s−1 in fly-paper or snapping traps or leaves of Dionaea and Drosera. No clear relationship between RD values of traps (or pitcher walls) and leaves (or pitcher wings or petioles) was found. However, RD values of separated Drosera prolifera tentacles exceeded those of leaf lamina 7.3 times.

scholarly journals A new carnivorous plant lineage (Triantha) with a unique sticky-inflorescence trap

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (33) ◽  
pp. e2022724118
Author(s):  
Qianshi Lin ◽  
Cécile Ané ◽  
Thomas J. Givnish ◽  
Sean W. Graham
Keyword(s):  
Field Experiments ◽  
Prey Capture ◽  
Carnivorous Plant ◽  
Carnivorous Plants ◽  
Mixing Models ◽  
Isotopic Data ◽  
N Transfer ◽  
Glandular Hairs ◽  
Growth And Reproduction ◽  
Leaf N

Carnivorous plants consume animals for mineral nutrients that enhance growth and reproduction in nutrient-poor environments. Here, we report that Triantha occidentalis (Tofieldiaceae) represents a previously overlooked carnivorous lineage that captures insects on sticky inflorescences. Field experiments, isotopic data, and mixing models demonstrate significant N transfer from prey to Triantha, with an estimated 64% of leaf N obtained from prey capture in previous years, comparable to levels inferred for the cooccurring round-leaved sundew, a recognized carnivore. N obtained via carnivory is exported from the inflorescence and developing fruits and may ultimately be transferred to next year’s leaves. Glandular hairs on flowering stems secrete phosphatase, as seen in all carnivorous plants that directly digest prey. Triantha is unique among carnivorous plants in capturing prey solely with sticky traps adjacent to its flowers, contrary to theory. However, its glandular hairs capture only small insects, unlike the large bees and butterflies that act as pollinators, which may minimize the conflict between carnivory and pollination.

Photosynthesis and dark respiration of leaves of terrestrial carnivorous plants

Biologia ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomáš Hájek ◽  
Lubomír Adamec
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Dark Respiration ◽  
Metabolic Cost ◽  
Carnivorous Plant ◽  
Carnivorous Plants ◽  
Light Saturation ◽  
Respiration Rates

AbstractUsing CO2 gasometry, net photosynthetic (P N) and dark respiration rates (R D) were measured in leaves or traps of 12 terrestrial carnivorous plant species usually grown in the shade. Generally, mean maximum P N (60 nmol CO2 g−1(DM) s−1 or 2.7 μmol m−2 s−1) was low in comparison with that of vascular non-carnivorous plants but was slightly higher than that reported elsewhere for carnivorous plants. After light saturation, the facultatively heliophytic plants behaved as shade-adapted plants. Mean R D in leaves and traps of all species reached about 50% of maximum P N and represents the high photosynthetic (metabolic) cost of carnivory.

Functional anatomy of carnivorous traps

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bartosz J. Płachno ◽  
Lyudmila E. Muravnik
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Functional Anatomy ◽  
Carnivorous Plant ◽  
Carnivorous Plants ◽  
New Type ◽  
Functional Units

We review the current knowledge of trap anatomy of carnivorous plants, with a focus on the diversity and structure of the glands that are used to attract, capture, kill and digest their prey and finally to absorb nutrients from carcasses of prey. These glands have diverse forms. Regardless of their structure and origin, they have the same functional units, but there are differences in subcellular mechanisms and adaptations for carnivory. We propose a new type of carnivorous plant trap—a ‘fecal traps—which has unique physiology, morphology, and anatomy for attracting the animals that are the source of excrement and also to retain and use it.

Evolution of carnivory in angiosperms

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Fleischmann ◽  
Jan Schlauer ◽  
Stephen A. Smith ◽  
Thomas J. Givnish
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Systematics ◽  
Carnivorous Plants ◽  
Carnivorous Species ◽  
Ecological Differences

Molecular systematics demonstrate that carnivorous plants have evolved at least ten times independently, in five orders, 12 families, and 19 genera of angiosperms. Carnivory has arisen once in Nepenthales (a segregate of Caryophyllales), once in Oxalidales, twice in Ericales, and three times each in Lamiales and Poales. Estimated crown ages of these ten lineages range from 1.9 to 81 million years (Mya), with the youngest three lineages (1.9 – 2.6 Mya) being all single genera of Poales, and all involving one or two carnivorous species in an otherwise noncarnivorous group. We now understand the evolution of carnivorous plants based on knowing when and (often) where they diverged from specific noncarnivorous ancestors; inferring which traits were gained, which were retained, and which of the latter may have been crucial preadaptations for carnivory; and identifying the evolutionary drivers of carnivory by evaluating the ecological differences between carnivorous plants and their noncarnivorous relatives.

Estimating the exposure of carnivorous plants to rapid climatic change

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew C. Fitzpatrick ◽  
Aaron M. Ellison
Keyword(s):  
Climatic Change ◽  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
Species Distributions ◽  
Dispersal Limitation ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Carnivorous Plant ◽  
Carnivorous Plants ◽  
Habitat Specialization ◽  
Population Sizes ◽  
Suitable Habitats

Climatic change likely will exacerbate current threats to carnivorous plants. However, estimating the severity of climatic change is challenged by the unique ecology of carnivorous plants, including habitat specialization, dispersal limitation, small ranges, and small population sizes. We discuss and apply methods for modeling species distributions to overcome these challenges and quantify the vulnerability of carnivorous plants to rapid climatic change. Results suggest that climatic change will reduce habitat suitability for most carnivorous plants. Models also project increases in habitat suitability for many species, but the extent to which these increases may offset habitat losses will depend on whether individuals can disperse to and establish in newly suitable habitats outside of their current distribution. Reducing existing stressors and protecting habitats where numerous carnivorous plant species occur may ameliorate impacts of climatic change on this unique group of plants.

scholarly journals Family graveyards form underappreciated local plant diversity hotspots in China's agricultural landscapes

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheng Gong ◽  
Liangtao Li ◽  
Jan C. Axmarcher ◽  
Zhenrong Yu ◽  
Yunhui Liu
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Plant Species Richness ◽  
Agricultural Landscapes ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Landscape Features ◽  
Habitat Islands ◽  
Local Plant ◽  
Ecological Functioning

AbstractIn the intensively farmed, homogenous agricultural landscape of the North China Plain, family graveyards form distinct cultural landscape features. In addition to their cultural value, these graveyards represent semi-natural habitat islands whose potential roles in biodiversity conservation and ecological functioning has remained poorly understood. In this study, we investigated plant species richness on 199 family graveyards of different ages and sizes. In accordance with biogeography theory, both overall and insect-pollinated plant species richness increased with area and age of graveyards. Even small graveyards show a strong potential for conserving local plant richness, and a mosaic of both large and small family graveyards could play an important role in the conservation of farmland biodiversity and related ecosystem functions. The launch of agri-environmental measures that conserve and create semi-natural habitats, in turn benefitting agricultural biodiversity and ecological functioning, has proven difficult in China due to the shortage of dispensable arable land. Given the great value of family graveyards as semi-natural habitats reflected in our study, we propose to focus preliminary efforts on conserving these landscape features as existing, widespread and culturally important semi-natural habitat islands. This would represent an effective, complementary policy to a subsequent re-establishment of other semi-natural habitats for the conservation of biodiversity and ecological functioning in agricultural landscapes.

scholarly journals Minor Treatments Can Play a Significant Role in Preserving Natural Habitats and Protected Species on the Shore of a Central European Lake

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1540
Author(s):  
Bence Fülöp ◽  
Bálint Pacsai ◽  
Judit Bódis
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Active Management ◽  
Lake Balaton ◽  
Protected Species ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Management Interventions ◽  
Natural Grasslands ◽  
Tourism Potential

Semi-natural grasslands were previously established through traditional land use and maintained by active management, but their extension nowadays is declining rapidly, particularly in areas that also have tourism potential. In parallel, the conservation value of the remaining areas is increasing. The shore of Lake Balaton is a particularly good example, as Lake Balaton is an area highly affected by tourism, yet there have been valuable habitats able to survive and provide refuge for many vulnerable, protected species. Fortunately, we have reliable information about the vegetation of the area from two decades ago. Comparing these data with our recent surveys we investigated the changes in habitats and the distribution of protected plant species in connection with the active conservation treatments such as grazing or cutting. Our results show that in areas where treatments are still ongoing, protected plant species are more likely to survive, or even other species can appear, which is in clear contrast with conditions experienced in abandoned areas, where at least seven protected species have disappeared. According to our results, minor, but appropriately chosen and well-executed management interventions, can help in the long-term maintenance of species-rich habitats and improving the conservation status of threatened species.

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