Learn about four types of carnivorous plants, in this video from NOVA’s Gross Science series. Plants require sunlight, water, air, and mineral nutrients to survive. Most carnivorous plants live in environments that have low levels of vital nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous, the building blocks of DNA and proteins. These plants have developed adaptations that allow them to survive in nutrient-poor conditions by drawing nutrients from such prey as insects, crustaceans, and even small mammals. Carnivorous plants have evolved all around the world, and several different types of trapping mechanisms exist. This resource is part of the NOVA: Gross Science Collection.

Watch Vanessa Hill's video, A Venus Flytrap Works Just Like Your Brain to learn how humans are similar to plants.