Biol Lett October 2009 PMID 19515656

Tree shrew lavatories: a novel nitrogen sequestration strategy in a tropical pitcher plant.

Charles M Clarke, Ulrike Bauer, Ch'ien C Lee, Andrew A Tuen, Katja Rembold, Jonathan A Moran

Mentions

13
Peak: 5 in Sep 2019
across 4 sources since Jul 2019

Extended reach

33,884
potential audience

Total likes

546

Video views

5,253

Mentions per month

Jul 2019 – Oct 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter8 posts
  • YouTube2 videos
  • Facebook2 posts
  • News1 articles

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions exemplify curiosity and recognition of the ecological significance of the relationship, with phrases like 'fun fact' and 'interesting adaptation,' indicating positive reactions. Some comments provide detailed observations, illustrating moderate engagement, but overall the tone remains an appreciation of natural complexity rather than deep critique or debate.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions express curiosity or positive acknowledgment of the mutualistic relationship, supporting the significance of this adaptation.

InterestHigh interest

Discussions show high curiosity about the unique behavior of the pitcher plants and tree shrews, indicating strong interest.

EngagementModerate engagement

While some posts include specific details about plant and animal interactions, the overall engagement remains moderate, with some dismissive or superficial comments.

ImpactModerate impact

The emphasis on the innovative nitrogen sequestration strategy suggests these discussions recognize a noteworthy ecological phenomenon, though not universally portrayed as a groundbreaking discovery.

Abstract in brief

  • Nepenthes lowii, a type of tropical pitcher plant, shifts from capturing insects to relying on tree shrew feces as a major nitrogen source.
  • Immature plants follow the typical carnivorous pattern, while mature plants have pitchers that attract tree shrews, which defecate into them after feeding on exudates on the pitcher lid.
  • This mutualistic relationship helps the plant acquire essential nitrogen, making it a unique adaptation in their nutrient-poor montane habitats.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Biologia Bizarra
@biologiabizarra · X

Referência: https://t.co/UcTF45Gftj

Jul 2, 2020 · 15 likes · 1,374 followers View post →
Kenji Fukushima (福島 健児)
@kfuku0502 · X

Nepenthes lowiiにシビンウツボカズラの和名を与えたのはいったい誰なんだろう。言われてみれば形がちょっと尿瓶っぽいけど、さすがに先見の明ありすぎでしょ。この種が小動物のトイレになっていると報告されたのは2009年で、この和名はそれより前からある。 https://t.co/dzKOmWnd0h

Sep 5, 2019 · 14 likes · 4 shares · 3,381 followers View post →
Harriet Carroll: Long Covid Scientific Consultancy
@angryhacademic · X

Fun fact: not all pitcher plants eat animals, instead some rely on tree shrews who eat their exudates, poop in the pitcher, & rub their genitals on the plant to leave their scent https://t.co/YSAenmLECD Easy read: https://t.co/i5rQVgRgeJ H/t @Michaeltikus https://t.co/70ORphWfGw

Oct 12, 2024 · 2 likes · 1 share · 8,811 followers View post →
Harriet Carroll: Long Covid Scientific Consultancy
@angryhacademic · X

RT @angryhacademic: Fun fact: not all pitcher plants eat animals, instead some rely on tree shrews who eat their exudates, poop in the pitc…

Oct 12, 2025 · 1 share · 8,811 followers View post →
原 拓史
@haltaq · X

RT @kfuku0502: Nepenthes lowiiにシビンウツボカズラの和名を与えたのはいったい誰なんだろう。言われてみれば形がちょっと尿瓶っぽいけど、さすがに先見の明ありすぎでしょ。この種が小動物のトイレになっていると報告されたのは2009年で、この和名はそれより前…

Sep 6, 2019 · 4 shares · 3,555 followers View post →
Keizo Takasuka
@Reclinervellus · X

RT @kfuku0502: Nepenthes lowiiにシビンウツボカズラの和名を与えたのはいったい誰なんだろう。言われてみれば形がちょっと尿瓶っぽいけど、さすがに先見の明ありすぎでしょ。この種が小動物のトイレになっていると報告されたのは2009年で、この和名はそれより前…

Sep 6, 2019 · 4 shares · 1,542 followers View post →

All mentions

Harriet Carroll: Long Covid Scientific Consultancy
@angryhacademic · X

RT @angryhacademic: Fun fact: not all pitcher plants eat animals, instead some rely on tree shrews who eat their exudates, poop in the pitc…

Oct 12, 2025 · 1 share · 8,811 followers View post →
Harriet Carroll: Long Covid Scientific Consultancy
@angryhacademic · X

Fun fact: not all pitcher plants eat animals, instead some rely on tree shrews who eat their exudates, poop in the pitcher, & rub their genitals on the plant to leave their scent https://t.co/YSAenmLECD Easy read: https://t.co/i5rQVgRgeJ H/t @Michaeltikus https://t.co/70ORphWfGw

Oct 12, 2024 · 2 likes · 1 share · 8,811 followers View post →
Biologia Bizarra
@biologiabizarra · X

Referência: https://t.co/UcTF45Gftj

Jul 2, 2020 · 15 likes · 1,374 followers View post →
zuzugimigi
@zuzugizuzugi05 · X

RT @kfuku0502: Nepenthes lowiiにシビンウツボカズラの和名を与えたのはいったい誰なんだろう。言われてみれば形がちょっと尿瓶っぽいけど、さすがに先見の明ありすぎでしょ。この種が小動物のトイレになっていると報告されたのは2009年で、この和名はそれより前…

Sep 6, 2019 · 4 shares · 239 followers View post →
Keizo Takasuka
@Reclinervellus · X

RT @kfuku0502: Nepenthes lowiiにシビンウツボカズラの和名を与えたのはいったい誰なんだろう。言われてみれば形がちょっと尿瓶っぽいけど、さすがに先見の明ありすぎでしょ。この種が小動物のトイレになっていると報告されたのは2009年で、この和名はそれより前…

Sep 6, 2019 · 4 shares · 1,542 followers View post →
原 拓史
@haltaq · X

RT @kfuku0502: Nepenthes lowiiにシビンウツボカズラの和名を与えたのはいったい誰なんだろう。言われてみれば形がちょっと尿瓶っぽいけど、さすがに先見の明ありすぎでしょ。この種が小動物のトイレになっていると報告されたのは2009年で、この和名はそれより前…

Sep 6, 2019 · 4 shares · 3,555 followers View post →
N村
@enumura · X

RT @kfuku0502: Nepenthes lowiiにシビンウツボカズラの和名を与えたのはいったい誰なんだろう。言われてみれば形がちょっと尿瓶っぽいけど、さすがに先見の明ありすぎでしょ。この種が小動物のトイレになっていると報告されたのは2009年で、この和名はそれより前…

Sep 6, 2019 · 4 shares · 844 followers View post →
Kenji Fukushima (福島 健児)
@kfuku0502 · X

Nepenthes lowiiにシビンウツボカズラの和名を与えたのはいったい誰なんだろう。言われてみれば形がちょっと尿瓶っぽいけど、さすがに先見の明ありすぎでしょ。この種が小動物のトイレになっていると報告されたのは2009年で、この和名はそれより前からある。 https://t.co/dzKOmWnd0h

Sep 5, 2019 · 14 likes · 4 shares · 3,381 followers View post →
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