Question

martin dančák, wewin tjiasmanto, and colleagues have identified a new carnivorous plant species (nepenthes pudica) in indonesia. like other carnivorous plants, n. pudica has pitfall traps, or pitchers, that capture prey, but unlike others, the pitchers of n. pudica are located underground. the researchers unearthed the new species on fairly dry ridges with surfaces that host few other plants and animals. therefore, the researchers hypothesize that the n. pudica species likely ____ which choice most logically completes the text? choose 1 answer: a is buried by nearby animals as they forage along the ridges for food. b evolved to have underground traps to access more prey than would surface traps. c formed pitchers early in development to absorb more moisture. d represents one of many undiscovered carnivorous plant species in the region.

Explanation:

The text emphasizes that Nepenthes pudica has underground pitchers unlike other carnivorous plants and was found in an area with few surface - dwelling plants and animals. It is logical to assume that it evolved underground traps to access more prey in its environment. Option A is not supported as there is no mention of animals burying it. Option C is not relevant as the focus is on prey - capturing, not moisture absorption. Option D is not related to the unique feature of underground pitchers.

Answer:

B. evolved to have underground traps to access more prey than would surface traps.