What happens first when a bladder wort catches a tadpole by the tail?

When a bladderwort catches a tadpole by the tail, it triggers a rapid suction mechanism within its specialized bladder-like traps. The trap closes within milliseconds, creating a vacuum that pulls in the tadpole. Once captured, the plant begins to digest the prey using enzymes, extracting nutrients to support its growth in nutrient-poor aquatic environments. This process highlights the carnivorous nature of bladderworts, which rely on capturing small animals for sustenance.