Is a Venus Flytrap an Autotroph or Heterotroph?
Like all other plants, Venus flytraps harness solar energy through photosynthesis. Unlike other plants, however, Venus flytraps actively trap animal prey. Since they rely on sunlight for energy, they are still considered autotrophs.
Definition
A Venus flytrap is a carnivorous autotroph. Unlike heterotrophs, it can harness sunlight for energy. The flies are important but not essential to its survival.
Types
The energy source distinguishes autotrophs from heterotrophs. Most autotrophs use energy from sunlight to make organic compounds from CO2 and H2O through photosynthesis. Some autotrophs are chemotrophs, which rely on inorganic chemical energy. Heterotrophs, by contrast, can neither photosynthesize nor harness inorganic chemical energy and must consume other organisms to obtain the energy they need.
- A Venus flytrap is a carnivorous autotroph.
- Some autotrophs are chemotrophs, which rely on inorganic chemical energy.
Misconceptions
Venus flytraps don't trap flies to obtain energy -- they obtain the energy they need through photosynthesis. They actually consume flies for nitrogen and other nutrients. This added nutrition is important because Venus flytraps naturally grow in nutrient-poor soils.
Related Articles
References
- "Biology"; Neil A. Campbell, Jane B. Reece, Lisa A. Urry, Michael L. Cain, Peter V. Minorsky, Steven A. Wasserman, Robert B. Jackson; 2008.
- MadScience: If All Plants are Autotrophic, Why Are Venus Flytraps Plants?
- Smithsonian Magazine: The Venus Flytrap's Lethal Allure
Writer Bio
Based in San Diego, John Brennan has been writing about science and the environment since 2006. His articles have appeared in "Plenty," "San Diego Reader," "Santa Barbara Independent" and "East Bay Monthly." Brennan holds a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of California, San Diego.
