A comparative study of carnivorous leaves in the genus Sarracenia

<p>The carnivorous pitcher plant genus, <em>Sarracenia</em>, has modified leaves adapted to lure, trap, and digest insect prey. Little is known about surface microstructural ornamentation and variation throughout the genus. Four zones of the leaf were examined in four species throughout the range of the genus using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Nine unique microstructures were identified in the carnivorous leaf. For the first time, microstructures (N=880) were systematically measured and zonal averages were compared among zones (with MANOVA) and species (with PCA). Microstructures are significantly different among zones of the same leaf and vary among different species. These data suggest that each zone is functionally distinct and that these closely related plant species have diverged in surface ornamentation, likely due to differences in prey and habitat. This work can be used to inform questions about plant: prey interactions, taxonomy, digestion mechanics and leaf development.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Open Access Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year dc:date.available

2015

Author dc:creator

• Nolan, Katie

Contributors dc:contributor

• Margaret Hanes, Ph.D., Chair
• Gary Hannan, Ph.D.
• Glenn Walker, Ph.D.

• carnivorous plants
• Scanning Electron Microscopy
• Sarracenia
• Biology

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.emich.edu/theses/638

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.emich.edu:theses-2017