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What diffirent between phototaxis, chemotaxis, thigmotaxis and geotaxis?

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Final answer:

The main differences among phototaxis, chemotaxis, thigmotaxis, and geotaxis lie in the types of stimuli they respond to: light, chemicals, touch, and gravity, respectively. Each taxis results in a directed movement toward (positive) or away from (negative) the source of the stimulus. These behaviors ensure that organisms can find favorable conditions for survival and reproduction.

Step-by-step explanation:

Differences Between Phototaxis, Chemotaxis, Thigmotaxis, and Geotaxis

Phototaxis is the directed movement of an organism towards or away from a source of light. For instance, many plants exhibit positive phototaxis by growing towards light, which they require for photosynthesis. On the other hand, certain insects might show negative phototaxis by moving away from light sources.

Chemotaxis refers to the movement of an organism in response to a chemical stimulus. This can be seen in bacteria moving towards nutrients (positive chemotaxis) or away from toxic substances (negative chemotaxis). Tetrahymena thermophila is an example of a unicellular protozoan that exhibits positive chemotaxis by swimming towards increasing chemical gradients using its cilia.

Thigmotaxis is the movement or growth of an organism in response to touch or physical contact. Plants that climb by wrapping around objects and animals that seek physical contact with the environment or other individuals demonstrate thigmotaxis.

Geotaxis, also known as gravitaxis, is an organism's movement or growth in relation to gravity. Roots growing downward exhibit positive geotaxis, while shoots growing upward display negative geotaxis.

User Nacht
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Final answer:

Taxis refers to directed movement in organisms towards or away from a stimulus. Phototaxis, chemotaxis, thigmotaxis, and geotaxis are different types of taxis in response to light, chemical signals, touch, and gravity, respectively.

Step-by-step explanation:

Taxis refers to the directed movement of organisms towards or away from a stimulus. Phototaxis is the movement in response to light, chemotaxis is the movement in response to chemical signals, thigmotaxis is the movement in response to touch, and geotaxis is the movement in response to gravity. These movements can be either positive (towards the stimulus) or negative (away from the stimulus). For example, a bacteria moving towards a food source is an example of positive chemotaxis.

User Chor
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