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www.GOALias.blogspot.comstructure is the modified part of the leaf.The apex of the leaf forms a lid whichcan open and close the mouth of thepitcher. Inside the pitcher there are hairwhich are directed downwards. Whenan insect lands in the pitcher, the lidcloses and the trapped insect getsentangled into the hair. The insect isdigested by the digestive juices secretedin the pitcher. Such insect-eating plantsare called insectivorous plants.Is it possible that such plants do notget all the required nutrients from thesoil in which they grow?Fig. 1.5 Cuscuta (Amarbel) on host planton which it is climbing. The plant onwhich it climbs is called a host. Since itdeprives the host of valuable nutrients,it is called a parasite. Are we and theother animals also parasites for theplants? You should think about it anddiscuss with your teacher.Boojho is confused. If thepitcher plant is green andcarries out photosynthesis, thenwhy does it feed on insects?LidPaheli wants to know whethermosquitoes, bed bugs, lice andleeches that suck our blood arealso parasites.Have you seen or heard of plants thatcan eat animals? There are a few plantswhich can trap insects and digest them.Is it not amazing? Such plants may begreen or of some other colour. Look atthe plant in Fig. 1.6. The pitcher-likeLeaf modifiedinto pitcherFig. 1.6 Pitcher plant showing lid and pitcherNUTRITIONIN PLANTS5