What is the earliest known true carnivorous plant? That is, when did
the first true CP appear on earth? What are the oldest varieties
of CPs? And what are the newest types of CPs? Are different species
of pitcher plants actually derived from a common CP as their ancestor,
much like the missing link among humans? How were Cephalotus in
Australia able to from pitchering habits like Nepenthes, Sarracenia, and
Darlingtonia which were worlds away in distance and environment?
Is it possible that Sarracenia and Darlingtonia are related as both are
temperate climate growers? Both seem to be capable of resisting very
low temperatures, possibly an adaptation from the retreat of ice age
glaciation. Could it be they both had the same beginnings, but were
separated and isolated when the Rocky Mountains rose and the climate
changed?
Has anyone found any fossilized CPs, such as in coal deposits?