A Conversation for Evolution. As an explanation, is it really good enough?
Evolution
C Hawke Started conversation Sep 14, 1999
May I refer to my recent entry under Venus fly traps (http://www.h2g2.com/forumframe.cgi?forum=9533&thread=19276) . I have yet had from any friends or work people an explanation of how this plant evolved, as I cannot see what advantage cunning traps that close slowly has.
Don't get me wrong, being agnostic, have no better theory, but I have the sort of mind that asks these questions.
CH
Evolution
Si Posted Oct 1, 1999
I'll have a look into this soon. Two things though, before I do. Do they close fast enough to be effective? Would they have to expend more resources to build and operate springs that close more quickly?
Evolution
C Hawke Posted Oct 1, 1999
mmm I'm sure there are slow moving insects that slow closing traps might catch, however at that speed it would be difficult to trigger the trap. The traps work by having hairs on the inside, I believe three have to be activated in quick succession for the traps to close. Therefore slow moving things may not trigger the traps as they are now.
I remain un-convinced
CH
Evolution
Mark Rest Posted Oct 1, 1999
Its possible that ancestors of today's Venus Fly Traps had more bite and today they survive more by standard photosynthesis.
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Evolution
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