Mechanics reveals the role of peristome geometry in prey capture in carnivorous pitcher plants (Nepenthes).

ABSTRACT: Carnivorous pitcher plants (Nepenthes) are a striking example of a natural pitfall trap. The trap's slippery rim, or peristome, plays a critical role in insect capture via an aquaplaning mechanism that is well documented. While the peristome has received significant research attention, the conspicuous variation in peristome geometry across the genus remains unexplored. We examined the mechanics of prey capture using Nepenthes pitcher plants with divergent peristome geometries. Inspired by living material, we developed a mathematical model that links the peristomes' three-dimensional geometries to the physics of prey capture under the laws of Newtonian mechanics. Linking form and function enables us to test hypotheses related to the function of features such as shape and ornam

SUBMITTER: Moulton DE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10515166 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature