carnivorous
adj. C1 Advanced US //kɑɹˈnɪvɝəs// UK //kɑːnˈɪvəɹəs// car·niv·o·rous
adj. describing plants that eat animals or other living things. These plants usually live in wet areas where the soil is poor and they need extra nutrients.
adj. relating to or characteristic of animals that feed on other animals. In a botanical context, describes plants that derive some or all of their nutritional requirements from consuming animal matter.
The Venus flytrap is a carnivorous plant.
Carnivorous plants have evolved specialized structures like sticky secretions or snap traps to catch their prey.
While most plants rely on photosynthesis for energy, carnivorous species have adapted to nutrient-deficient environments by supplementing their diet with organic matter from small insects or mammals.
From Latin carnivorus (“flesh-eating”).