Final answer:
Carnivorous plants typically have two types of leaves: traps for capturing prey and non-traps for photosynthesis. Trap leaves, like those of the Venus flytrap and pitcher plant, assist in nutrient acquisition from prey in nutrient-poor soils. Non-trap leaves are responsible for photosynthesis and energy production.
Step-by-step explanation:
Carnivorous Plants and Their Leaves
Carnivorous plants are fascinating organisms that have adapted to survive in nutrient-poor environments by evolving specialized leaves for capturing prey. In answering how many types of leaves do carnivorous plants have and what are they used for, the correct option is (a). These plants typically have two types of leaves: traps and non-traps. The trap leaves are the most distinctive, as they are adapted to capture and digest prey (generally insects), which provides a supplementary source of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. For instance, the Venus flytrap has leaves that work as snap traps, closing quickly when sensory hairs are triggered by an insect. Pitcher plants, on the other hand, have a slippery wax on their pitcher-shaped leaves that causes insects to fall into a pool of water where they are digested. Non-trap leaves perform the function of photosynthesis, which is essential for the plant's energy production.
Despite their carnivorous nature, these plants still rely primarily on photosynthesis for their energy needs. They utilize the nutrients from their prey to compensate for the lack of resources in their native soils, which are often acidic and oxygen-poor. Therefore, the carnivorous adaptations are supplemental to their autotrophic lifestyle. This unique dual functionality demonstrates the incredible diversity and adaptability of plant life.