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Plant Biol (Stuttg) 2000; 2(1): 93-97
DOI: 10.1055/s-2000-9150
Original Paper
Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ·New York

First Experimental Evidence for Zoophagy in the Hepatic Colura

W. Barthlott 1 , E. Fischer 2 , J.-P. Frahm 1 , R. Seine 1
  • 1 Botanisches Institut der Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
  • 2 Institut für Biologie, Universität Koblenz-Landau, Koblenz, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

June 30, 1999

October 25, 1999

Publication Date:
31 December 2000 (online)

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Abstract:

Some hepatics, especially epiphytic species, possess lobules or water sacs on their leaves that appear to function as stores. In Pleurozia and Colura, these water sacs have very complex openings that can be closed by a movable lid, which prompted the hypothesis that these water sacs could function as a trap-like mechanism for small animals, which are occasionally found in these organs. Experiments revealed that protozoa (ciliata), which feed on bacteria on the surface of the plants, are trapped in the water sacs. We propose that these trap mechanisms function for zoophagy, but there is no clear evidence that the protozoa are specifically attracted to the hepatic.

Key words:

Zoophagy - carnivory - hepatics - protozoa - carnivorous plants

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W. Barthlott

Botanisches Institut der Rheinischen Friedrich-Wilhelm-Universität Bonn

Meckenheimer Allee 170

53115 Bonn

Germany

Section Editor: G. Gottsberger

Email: barthlott@uni-bonn.de