scholarly journals A new carnivorous plant lineage (Triantha) with a unique sticky-inflorescence trap

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (33) ◽  
pp. e2022724118
Author(s):  
Qianshi Lin ◽  
Cécile Ané ◽  
Thomas J. Givnish ◽  
Sean W. Graham
Keyword(s):  
Field Experiments ◽  
Prey Capture ◽  
Carnivorous Plant ◽  
Carnivorous Plants ◽  
Mixing Models ◽  
Isotopic Data ◽  
N Transfer ◽  
Glandular Hairs ◽  
Growth And Reproduction ◽  
Leaf N

Carnivorous plants consume animals for mineral nutrients that enhance growth and reproduction in nutrient-poor environments. Here, we report that Triantha occidentalis (Tofieldiaceae) represents a previously overlooked carnivorous lineage that captures insects on sticky inflorescences. Field experiments, isotopic data, and mixing models demonstrate significant N transfer from prey to Triantha, with an estimated 64% of leaf N obtained from prey capture in previous years, comparable to levels inferred for the cooccurring round-leaved sundew, a recognized carnivore. N obtained via carnivory is exported from the inflorescence and developing fruits and may ultimately be transferred to next year’s leaves. Glandular hairs on flowering stems secrete phosphatase, as seen in all carnivorous plants that directly digest prey. Triantha is unique among carnivorous plants in capturing prey solely with sticky traps adjacent to its flowers, contrary to theory. However, its glandular hairs capture only small insects, unlike the large bees and butterflies that act as pollinators, which may minimize the conflict between carnivory and pollination.

scholarly journals Red trap colour of the carnivorous plant Drosera rotundifolia does not serve a prey attraction or camouflage function

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 20131024 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Foot ◽  
S. P. Rice ◽  
J. Millett
Keyword(s):  
Prey Capture ◽  
Leaf Traits ◽  
Carnivorous Plant ◽  
Carnivorous Plants ◽  
Drosera Rotundifolia ◽  
Trap Colour ◽  
Prey Attraction

The traps of many carnivorous plants are red in colour. This has been widely hypothesized to serve a prey attraction function; colour has also been hypothesized to function as camouflage, preventing prey avoidance. We tested these two hypotheses in situ for the carnivorous plant Drosera rotundifolia . We conducted three separate studies: (i) prey attraction to artificial traps to isolate the influence of colour; (ii) prey attraction to artificial traps on artificial backgrounds to control the degree of contrast and (iii) observation of prey capture by D. rotundifolia to determine the effects of colour on prey capture. Prey were not attracted to green traps and were deterred from red traps. There was no evidence that camouflaged traps caught more prey. For D. rotundifolia , there was a relationship between trap colour and prey capture. However, trap colour may be confounded with other leaf traits. Thus, we conclude that for D. rotundifolia , red trap colour does not serve a prey attraction or camouflage function.

Reassessing protocarnivory – how hungry are triggerplants?

2018 ◽  
Vol 66 (4) ◽  
pp. 325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis J. Nge ◽  
Hans Lambers
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogen Source ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Trophic Level ◽  
Carnivorous Plant ◽  
Carnivorous Plants ◽  
Ecological Context ◽  
Nutrient Source ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Glandular Hairs ◽  
Carnivorous Species

Stylidium species (triggerplants) are claimed to be protocarnivorous based on the presence of glandular hairs, observations of trapped small organisms, and induction of proteinase activity. However, these traits might serve alternative functions. We aimed to re-assess and quantify the degree of carnivory for Stylidium species in an ecological context, by comparing the natural abundance (δ15N) of Stylidium species with co-occurring carnivorous (Drosera species) and non-carnivorous plants in their natural habitats. We hypothesised that the δ15N signature of Stylidium species would more closely match co-occurring carnivorous plant species than their non-carnivorous counterparts if they rely on captured organisms as a nutrient source, since there is an increase in fractionation by 3–5 ‰ per trophic level. Our results show that the Stylidium species sampled had δ15N signatures that matched more closely with co-occurring non-carnivorous plants than with carnivorous Drosera species. This does not support the claim that they rely on captured organisms as a nitrogen source, or the source is negligible. Other studies have shown that protocarnivorous species have a δ15N signature that is more similar to that of co-occurring carnivorous than that of non-carnivorous species. Therefore, our findings question the protocarnivory status of Stylidium species.

scholarly journals An ecological perspective on ‘plant carnivory beyond bogs’: nutritional benefits of prey capture for the Mediterranean carnivorous plant Drosophyllum lusitanicum

2019 ◽  
Vol 124 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura M Skates ◽  
Maria Paniw ◽  
Adam T Cross ◽  
Fernando Ojeda ◽  
Kingsley W Dixon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prey Capture ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Carnivorous Plant ◽  
Carnivorous Plants ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Soil P ◽  
Seasonally Dry ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Nutritional Benefits

AbstractBackground and aimsLittle is known about the evolutionary and ecological drivers of carnivory in plants, particularly for those terrestrial species that do not occur in typical swamp or bog habitats. The Mediterranean endemic Drosophyllum lusitanicum (Drosophyllaceae) is one of very few terrestrial carnivorous plant species outside of Australia to occur in seasonally dry, fire-prone habitats, and is thus an ecological rarity. Here we assess the nutritional benefits of prey capture for D. lusitanicum under differing levels of soil fertility in situ.MethodsWe measured the total nitrogen and stable nitrogen and carbon isotope ratios of D. lusitanicum leaves, neighbouring non-carnivorous plant leaves, and groups of insect prey in three populations in southern Spain. We calculated trophic enrichment (ε15N) and estimated the proportion of prey-derived nitrogen (%Nprey) in D. lusitanicum leaves, and related these factors to soil chemistry parameters measured at each site.Key resultsIn all three populations studied, D. lusitanicum plants were significantly isotopically enriched compared with neighbouring non-carnivorous plants. We estimated that D. lusitanicum gain ~36 %Nprey at the Puerto de Gáliz site, ~54 %Nprey at the Sierra Carbonera site and ~75 %Nprey at the Montera del Torero site. Enrichment in N isotope (ε15N) differed considerably among sites; however, it was not found to be significantly related to log10(soil N), log10(soil P) or log10(soil K).ConclusionsDrosophyllum lusitanicum individuals gain a significant nutritional benefit from captured prey in their natural habitat, exhibiting proportions of prey-derived nitrogen that are similar to those recorded for carnivorous plants occurring in more mesic environments. This study adds to the growing body of literature confirming that carnivory is a highly beneficial nutritional strategy not only in mesic habitats but also in seasonally dry environments, and provides insights to inform conservation strategies for D. lusitanicum in situ.

Functional anatomy of carnivorous traps

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bartosz J. Płachno ◽  
Lyudmila E. Muravnik
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Functional Anatomy ◽  
Carnivorous Plant ◽  
Carnivorous Plants ◽  
New Type ◽  
Functional Units

We review the current knowledge of trap anatomy of carnivorous plants, with a focus on the diversity and structure of the glands that are used to attract, capture, kill and digest their prey and finally to absorb nutrients from carcasses of prey. These glands have diverse forms. Regardless of their structure and origin, they have the same functional units, but there are differences in subcellular mechanisms and adaptations for carnivory. We propose a new type of carnivorous plant trap—a ‘fecal traps—which has unique physiology, morphology, and anatomy for attracting the animals that are the source of excrement and also to retain and use it.

The future of research with carnivorous plants

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron M. Ellison ◽  
Lubomír Adamec
Keyword(s):  
Natural Selection ◽  
Population Biology ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Evolutionary Dynamics ◽  
Species Concept ◽  
Intraspecific Variability ◽  
Carnivorous Plants ◽  
Assisted Migration ◽  
Transcriptomic Data ◽  
Phylogenetic Framework

The material presented in the chapters of Carnivorous Plants: Physiology, Ecology, and Evolution together provide a suite of common themes that could provide a framework for increasing progress in understanding carnivorous plants. All speciose genera would benefit from more robust, intra-generic classifications in a phylogenetic framework that uses a unified species concept. As more genomic, proteomic, and transcriptomic data accrue, new insights will emerge regarding trap biochemistry and regulation; interactions with commensals; and the importance of intraspecific variability on which natural selection works. Continued elaboration of field experiments will provide new insights into basic physiology; population biology; plant-animal and plant-microbe relationships; and evolutionary dynamics, all of which will aid conservation efforts and contribute to discussions of assisted migration as the climate continues to change.

Estimating the exposure of carnivorous plants to rapid climatic change

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew C. Fitzpatrick ◽  
Aaron M. Ellison
Keyword(s):  
Climatic Change ◽  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
Species Distributions ◽  
Dispersal Limitation ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Carnivorous Plant ◽  
Carnivorous Plants ◽  
Habitat Specialization ◽  
Population Sizes ◽  
Suitable Habitats

Climatic change likely will exacerbate current threats to carnivorous plants. However, estimating the severity of climatic change is challenged by the unique ecology of carnivorous plants, including habitat specialization, dispersal limitation, small ranges, and small population sizes. We discuss and apply methods for modeling species distributions to overcome these challenges and quantify the vulnerability of carnivorous plants to rapid climatic change. Results suggest that climatic change will reduce habitat suitability for most carnivorous plants. Models also project increases in habitat suitability for many species, but the extent to which these increases may offset habitat losses will depend on whether individuals can disperse to and establish in newly suitable habitats outside of their current distribution. Reducing existing stressors and protecting habitats where numerous carnivorous plant species occur may ameliorate impacts of climatic change on this unique group of plants.

scholarly journals Combining Process Modelling and LAI Observations to Diagnose Winter Wheat Nitrogen Status and Forecast Yield

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 314
Author(s):  
Andrew Revill ◽  
Vasileios Myrgiotis ◽  
Anna Florence ◽  
Stephen Hoad ◽  
Robert Rees ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Field Experiments ◽  
Process Models ◽  
Agricultural Technologies ◽  
N Application ◽  
Area Index ◽  
Complex Process ◽  
C Cycle ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Leaf N Content ◽  
Leaf N

Climate, nitrogen (N) and leaf area index (LAI) are key determinants of crop yield. N additions can enhance yield but must be managed efficiently to reduce pollution. Complex process models estimate N status by simulating soil-crop N interactions, but such models require extensive inputs that are seldom available. Through model-data fusion (MDF), we combine climate and LAI time-series with an intermediate-complexity model to infer leaf N and yield. The DALEC-Crop model was calibrated for wheat leaf N and yields across field experiments covering N applications ranging from 0 to 200 kg N ha−1 in Scotland, UK. Requiring daily meteorological inputs, this model simulates crop C cycle responses to LAI, N and climate. The model, which includes a leaf N-dilution function, was calibrated across N treatments based on LAI observations, and tested at validation plots. We showed that a single parameterization varying only in leaf N could simulate LAI development and yield across all treatments—the mean normalized root-mean-square-error (NRMSE) for yield was 10%. Leaf N was accurately retrieved by the model (NRMSE = 6%). Yield could also be reasonably estimated (NRMSE = 14%) if LAI data are available for assimilation during periods of typical N application (April and May). Our MDF approach generated robust leaf N content estimates and timely yield predictions that could complement existing agricultural technologies. Moreover, EO-derived LAI products at high spatial and temporal resolutions provides a means to apply our approach regionally. Testing yield predictions from this approach over agricultural fields is a critical next step to determine broader utility.

scholarly journals Neanderthals versus Modern Humans: Evidence for Resource Competition from Isotopic Modelling

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Virginie Fabre ◽  
Silvana Condemi ◽  
Anna Degioanni ◽  
Estelle Herrscher
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Resource Competition ◽  
Statistical Treatment ◽  
Environmental Context ◽  
Mixing Models ◽  
Isotopic Data ◽  
Modern Humans ◽  
Dietary Strategies ◽  
Two Populations ◽  
Over Time

During later MOIS3, in Europe two populations were present, autochthonous Neanderthals and modern humans. Ecological competition between these two populations has often been evoked but never demonstrated. Our aim is to establish whether resource competition occurred. In this paper, in order to examine the possibility of ecological competition between these two populations, 599 isotopic data were subjected to rigorous statistical treatment and analysis through mixing models. The aim of this paper was to compare dietary strategies of Neanderthals and modern humans over time. Our conclusions suggest that Neanderthals and modern humans shared dietary habits in the particular environmental context of MOIS3 characterised in Europe by climatic deterioration. In this environmental context, the resource competition between Neanderthals and modern humans may have accelerated the disappearance of the Neanderthal population.

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