Question

There are over a quarter of a million plant species. Only 600 or so are carnivorous who call, attract and eat bugs. They live in bogs and places where the soil lacks

Which statement would the author most likely agree with?
a. There are too many species of carnivorous plants.
b. There are too few plant species in the world.
c. Only a small number of plants are carnivorous.
d. A majority of plants are carnivorous.

Answer 1

The author would most likely agree with the statement that only a small number of plants are carnivorous, as they are a unique adaptation to nutrient-poor environments.

Step-by-step explanation:

Given the context provided, it is apparent that carnivorous plants have evolved unique adaptations to thrive in environments where soil nutrients are scarce, particularly nitrogen. They supplement their nutrient intake by trapping and digesting insects and sometimes even small vertebrates. With adaptations such as sticky fluids on sundews or the snapping traps of the Venus flytrap, these plants have become effective at acquiring essential nutrients from their prey. It is important to note that these plants still produce their own energy through photosynthesis; carnivory is purely a means of nutrient supplementation.

Considering that these plants make up a small fraction of the total number of plant species, it can be concluded that carnivorous plants are a unique but small subset of the flora. They are not representative of the majority of plant species, which obtain their nutrients from the soil and use photosynthesis as their primary means of energy production.

Therefore, the author of the provided text would most likely agree with the statement that 'Only a small number of plants are carnivorous.' This is consistent with the information stating that out of the vast diversity of plant species, only around 600 have developed carnivorous traits to adapt to nutrient-poor environments.