noun
- the movement or orientation of an organism in response to light
Usage: biology; also called phototropism when referring to plant growth
Examples
- The phototaxy of moths toward artificial lights is a well-documented behavior.
- Bacteria exhibit positive phototaxy, moving toward light sources.
- Scientists study phototaxy to understand how organisms sense and respond to their environment.
- The plant's phototaxy ensures its leaves receive maximum sunlight exposure.
- Negative phototaxy in certain insects causes them to avoid brightly lit areas.