Phototaxis
Phototaxis
Phototaxis (pronounced: /ˌfoʊtoʊˈtæksɪs/) is a biological phenomenon that refers to the movement of an organism in response to light. It is derived from the Greek words 'photos' meaning light and 'taxis' meaning arrangement or division.
Phototaxis can be either positive or negative. Positive phototaxis refers to movement towards a light source, while negative phototaxis refers to movement away from a light source. This behavior is commonly observed in many species of insects, bacteria, and plants.
Etymology
The term 'phototaxis' is derived from two Greek words: 'photos' which means 'light', and 'taxis' which means 'arrangement' or 'division'. It was first used in the late 19th century to describe the movement of organisms in response to light.
Related Terms
- Phototropism: This is a similar concept to phototaxis, but it refers to the growth of a part of a plant in response to light, rather than the movement of the whole organism.
- Photoperiodism: This is the physiological reaction of organisms to the length of day or night. It is crucial in determining the seasonal activities of many organisms.
- Photoreception: This is the biological ability to perceive and interpret light. It is a crucial aspect of phototaxis as it allows organisms to detect light sources.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Phototaxis
- Wikipedia's article - Phototaxis
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