In which tropic level will u put Insectivorous plants????????????? (eg. pitcher plant)
In true sense, Insectivorous plants are partially autotrophic and partially heterotrophic. Thus,they occupy two trophic levels first (primary producers) and third( secondary consumers).
Insectivorous plant such as Pitcher plant contains chlorophyll; hence it is capable of preparing its own food. Pitcher plant grows in swamps or bog areas where the soil is deficient in nitrogen mineral. So, just to fulfill its nitrogen requirement it traps the insects and utilize their proteins. For this reason it is called insectivorous plant. Pitcher plant can live without insects also but it would be healthier if traps and digests insects. So, Insectivorous plants are partially autotrophic and partially heterotrophic.