Final answer:
Carnivorous sundew plants capture and digest insects to supplement their nutrient intake, particularly for nitrogen and phosphorus, in nutrient-poor soils.
Step-by-step explanation:
The capture and digestion of insects by carnivorous sundew plants allow them to supplement their nutrient intake. Sundews, along with other carnivorous plants like the Venus flytrap, have adapted to grow in environments where soil is lacking in essential nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. These plants have evolved specialized leaves that secrete enzymes to digest trapped insects, and they absorb the soluble nutrients to fulfill their needs beyond what the poor soil can provide.