What Is A Venus Fly Trap Anyway?

Question

I have always wondered what a venus fly trap really is. Is it a plant? An Animal? Is it alive?

I know it's "alive" b/c it's needs water, food, sunlight, ect...

But it can't be an "animal" exactly right?

Answer 1

lol, no not an animal.

a plantt....

The leaves of Venus' Flytrap open wide and on them are short, stiff hairs called trigger or sensitive hairs. When anything touches these hairs enough to bend them, the two lobes of the leaves snap shut trapping whatever is inside. The trap will shut in less than a second. The trap doesn't close all of the way at first. It is thought that it stays open for a few seconds in order to allow very small insects to escape because they wouldn't provide enough food. If the object isn't food, e.g., a stone, or a nut, the trap will reopen in about twelve hours and 'spit' it out.

When the trap closes over food, the cilia. finger-like projections, keep larger insects inside. Fold your hands together lacing your fingers to see what the trap looks like. In a few minutes the trap will shut tightly and form an air-tight seal in order to keep the digestive fluids inside and bacteria out.

If an insect is too large it will stick out of the trap. This allows bacteria and molds on the insect to thrive. Eventually the trap turns black, rots and falls off.

Answer 2

It is an awesome plant that gives off a honey liquid to entice protein(bugs) into its lethal cage of death. Kids usually love this kind of plant because you can also feed it small amounts of red meat(ground hamburger) and watch it feed. Although it feeds upon animals from the insect world, it is considered a plant. Given enough time and protein they can grow up quite a bit, but nothing in line with a Hollywood horror movie.

Guard Dog

Answer 3

It's a carnivorous plant that entices and 'traps' flies -- hence the name Venus Fly Trap.

Yes, it's very much alive.

Answer 4

nope its just a very interesting plant. :)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_Fly_T...

Answer 5

It's a carnivorous plant.  It eats meat.  Not beef or chicken, but flies and bugs.  It's pretty cool, really.  Check out the website given previously.