What is the approximate number of known species of carnivorous plants worldwide? The answer is 800. Modern references generally recognize at least 800 carnivorous plant species, although the total changes as new species are described and classifications are revised.
Carnivorous plants obtain nutrients by trapping and digesting animals or other small organisms. Most capture insects and other arthropods, while some can consume larger prey such as small fish or vertebrates.
They typically grow in habitats where soil is acidic, waterlogged, or otherwise poor in nutrients such as nitrogen. Carnivory supplements, rather than replaces, photosynthesis and ordinary plant growth.
The number of recognized species has increased steadily since 2000. Earlier estimates near 600 or 630 are still found in educational materials, but 800 is the more appropriate current approximate figure among the provided choices.