All carnivorous plants

Options

A. are parasites.
B. depend on animals as a source of carbon.
C. are incapable of photosynthesis.
D. obtain supplemental nitrogen from animals.

Answer

### Step-by-Step Text Solution:

1. **Definition of Carnivorous Plants**:
- Carnivorous plants are specialized plants that derive some of their nutrients by trapping and digesting animals, primarily insects and protozoans.

2. **Nutritional Source**:
- While carnivorous plants obtain nutrients from animals, they are not entirely dependent on them for energy. They still perform photosynthesis to produce their own energy in the form of sugars.

3. **Comparison with Parasitic Plants**:
- It is important to differentiate between carnivorous plants and parasitic plants. Parasitic plants rely entirely on other plants for their nutrients and energy, whereas carnivorous plants can synthesize their own energy through photosynthesis.

4. **Photosynthesis Capability**:
- Carnivorous plants are capable of photosynthesis. They produce energy through this process, which contradicts the idea that they are incapable of photosynthesis.

5. **Nitrogen Acquisition**:
- Carnivorous plants often grow in nitrogen-poor environments, which is why they have adapted to supplement their nitrogen intake by digesting animals. This adaptation helps them thrive in conditions where other plants might struggle.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the statement that all carnivorous plants are parasites is incorrect. They are not dependent on animals for energy, as they can photosynthesize, but they do rely on animals for certain nutrients, particularly nitrogen.