Which behavior is most directly associated with the random movement of organisms in response to stimuli?

Study for the NCEA Level 3 Biology – Plant and Animal Responses (AS91602) Test. Prepare with structured flashcards and detailed multiple-choice questions. Each question comes with hints and explanations to help you succeed. Get exam-ready today!

The behavior most directly associated with the random movement of organisms in response to stimuli is kinesis. Kinesis refers to a non-directional, random movement of an organism that occurs in response to the intensity of a stimulus, such as light or temperature. Unlike taxis, which is a directed movement toward or away from a stimulus, kinesis does not involve a specific direction; instead, the organism's activity level changes depending on the stimulus' intensity. For example, in the presence of unfavorable conditions, an organism might move more rapidly and change directions frequently, resulting in a random distribution.

In contrast, orthokinesis is a specific type of kinesis that involves changes in movement speed in relation to environmental conditions, but it retains the randomness characteristic of kinesis itself. Learning involves an organism adapting its behavior based on past experiences, which is a more complex response than the straightforward movement pattern described in the question. Positive chemotaxis involves directed movement toward a chemical stimulus, which is a precise and purposeful response rather than a random movement. Therefore, kinesis best encapsulates the essence of random movement in response to environmental stimuli.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy