The ability of the venus fly trap of capture insects is due to

Options

A. Specialized "muscle-like" cells
B. Chemical stimulation by the prey
C. A passive process requiring no special ability of the part of the plant
D. Rapid turgor pressure changes

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution

1. **Understanding the Venus Flytrap**: The Venus flytrap is a carnivorous plant that captures and digests insects. It is known for its unique mechanism of trapping prey.

2. **Mechanism of Insect Capture**: The ability of the Venus flytrap to capture insects is primarily due to rapid changes in turgor pressure within its specialized leaves.

3. **Turgor Pressure Explained**: Turgor pressure is the pressure of the fluid (usually water) inside the plant cells against the cell wall. It is crucial for maintaining the plant's structure and is generated by the osmotic movement of water into the cells.

4. **Triggering the Trap**: When an insect touches the sensitive hairs on the inner surface of the Venus flytrap, it triggers a rapid response. This response causes a swift change in turgor pressure in the cells of the trap.

5. **Closure of the Trap**: As the turgor pressure increases rapidly, the lobes of the trap snap shut, capturing the insect inside. This process is very quick and allows the plant to trap its prey effectively.

6. **Nutritional Benefits**: The Venus flytrap is an insectivorous plant that derives essential nutrients, particularly nitrogen, from the insects it captures. This adaptation is beneficial as it often grows in nutrient-poor soils.

7. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the ability of the Venus flytrap to capture insects is due to rapid changes in turgor pressure, which is a physiological response rather than the action of specialized muscles or chemical stimulation.