Aldrovanda vesiculosa
- noun
- Specialized
- Aldrovanda vesiculosa uses rapid leaf movement to catch small aquatic animals like water fleas.
Examples
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Habitat destruction has made Aldrovanda vesiculosa rare in many parts of its natural range.
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Scientists study Aldrovanda vesiculosa to better understand plant carnivory and adaptation.
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Look at the Aldrovanda vesiculosa!
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The Aldrovanda vesiculosa is fascinating.
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Aldrovanda vesiculosa traps small insects by quickly closing its leaf lobes when they touch the sensitive hairs inside.
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In wetlands across Europe, Aldrovanda vesiculosa serves as an interesting example of aquatic carnivorous plants.
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Aldrovanda vesiculosa can be found floating on the surface of lakes and ponds, enjoying sunlight for photosynthesis.
Synonyms
A floating plant that traps tiny water animals like water fleas with snap leaves
Surface Forms
Morphology
Aldrovanda + vesiculosa
This is a Latin binomial (genus + specific epithet). A learner who knows 'Aldrovanda' (an aquatic carnivorous plant genus) and the role of species epithets will understand that Aldrovanda vesiculosa names a particular species of Aldrovanda (i.e., a kind of floating aquatic carnivorous plant). Binomial nomenclature is an international, compositional naming convention, so the basic meaning as a species of that genus is transparently derivable.
Etymology
Aldrovanda vesiculosa is named for an early scientist, Aldrovanda, and the word vesiculosa hints at small sac-like parts of the plant. It floats on water and has rings of leaves that snap shut like tiny mouths to 'catch' small water animals, so the name helps you remember it 'eats' them.