Nature
2019.10.09 17:42 GMT+8

Carnivorous plants: The incredible hunters

Updated 2019.10.09 17:42 GMT+8
By Zhao Ying

Plants sit at the bottom of the food chain. They're mostly defenseless and when danger heads their way, there's no running from it. But some plants have broken away from the norm and gave skeptics something to chew on. Carnivorous plants turn the food chain on its head, preying on insects and small mammals.

Growing in poor soil, they have developed various discreet traps for nourishment. Some snap shut, others suck their victim's juices and a few secrete substances that stick to their target, conferring the kiss of death on them. They kill for survival, ensuring they get the nutrients they need, such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

Watch the video to see how these proficient hunters catch their prey with ease and precision

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(Cover via VCG. Video filmed by Shen Hui, edited by CGTN's Zhao Ying.)

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