Other Modes of Nutrition

Discover plants that do not photosynthesise — parasites, insectivores, and decomposers. Class 7 Science with animated scenes and quiz.

Class 7 ScienceClass 7 / Grade 7Ages 9–12
Lesson
🪴 Other Modes of Nutrition
Not all plants make their own food!🌱Autotrophsmake food viaphotosynthesis🪴Parasitessteal food fromhost plants🍄Saprophytesabsorb nutrientsfrom dead matterAnd some plants even eat insects!

While most plants make food through photosynthesis, some have evolved very different strategies. Parasitic plants like Cuscuta — the yellow twining dodder vine — have lost the ability to photosynthesise and instead steal nutrients from host plants. Saprophytic plants and fungi absorb nutrients from dead and decaying organic matter. And some remarkable plants have turned the tables entirely — they eat insects.

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