Question

Brewer's study on pitcher plants showed that _______ when the plants were grown in the presence of many neighbors.

1) available light levels declined substantially
2) nitrogen levels declined substantially
3) height increased at the expense of volume
4) Both a and c

Answer 1

Brewer's study on pitcher plants likely examined how competition or other ecological processes affect these carnivorous plants when grown in dense populations. Given their adaptation to nutrient-poor environments, neighboring pitcher plants may compete for insect prey within their pitchers, which serve as micro-ecosystems for nutrient absorption.

Step-by-step explanation:

Brewer's study on pitcher plants, a type of carnivorous plant, showed that certain ecological interactions take place when these plants are grown in the presence of many neighbors. While the complete context of the question is not provided, it is likely referring to instances of competition or other ecological processes that can occur in dense plant populations.

In habitats where soil nutrients are scarce, such as the waterlogged peat that pitcher plants often inhabit, these plants have evolved to derive nutrients from decomposing insects within their pitchers, which serve as a mini ecosystem, rather than through conventional root absorption from the soil. This unique adaptation suggests that competition amongst neighboring pitcher plants could potentially influence their growth as they compete for insect prey to supplement their nutritional requirements.