The insect trapping movements of the leaves of the venus fly trap is a behavioural adaptation for

1. Analyze the question The question asks what the Venus fly trap's insect-trapping leaf movements are an adaptation for. The key words are "insect trapping" and "behavioural adaptation."

2. Explain the concept An adaptation is a feature or behaviour that helps an organism survive in its environment. The Venus fly trap (Dionaea muscipula) usually grows in soils that are poor in nitrogen. Because the soil cannot supply enough nitrogen, the plant is insectivorous (carnivorous): it supplements its nutrition by trapping and digesting insects.

When an insect touches the sensitive trigger hairs on the leaf, the two lobes of the leaf snap shut. This is a nastic movement, a quick response to touch. The trapped insect is then digested by enzymes, and the plant absorbs the nitrogen-rich nutrients.

3. Solution, step by step

• A. Support: Support comes from stems, tendrils or climbing structures. Trapping insects does not hold the plant up. ✗
• B. Surviving adverse weather conditions: Weather adaptations include leaf shedding or thick cuticles. Trapping insects has nothing to do with weather. ✗
• C. Obtaining food: The trapped insects supply nitrogen and other nutrients that the soil lacks. ✓
• D. Dormancy: Dormancy is a resting state to survive unfavourable periods. It is not related to trapping insects. ✗

4. Answer The correct option is C. obtaining food.

5. Exam tip Link "insect trapping" with "nutrition" straight away. Insectivorous plants such as the Venus fly trap, pitcher plant and sundew all trap insects to get nitrogen. Whenever you see them in a question, think "food/nutrition."