Which term describes a non-directional movement response where the animal changes speed in response to a stimulus rather than moving toward or away from it?

Which term describes a non-directional movement response where the animal changes speed in response to a stimulus rather than moving toward or away from it?

• A. Taxis
• B. Kinesis
• C. Migration
• D. Foraging

Answer: (B)

Non-directional movement in response to a stimulus is described by kinesis. In kinesis, the animal doesn’t steer toward or away from the stimulus; instead it changes how fast it moves or how often it changes direction depending on the stimulus intensity. The situation described—the animal altering its speed in response to a stimulus without a directed movement toward or away from it—fits this pattern, making kinesis the best term. In contrast, a directed movement toward or away from a stimulus is taxis. Migration refers to a long-range, seasonal relocation, not a moment-to-moment speed change in response to a local stimulus. Foraging is about searching for food and can involve directed movement, but it’s not defined by a non-directional speed change in response to a stimulus.

Non-directional movement in response to a stimulus is described by kinesis. In kinesis, the animal doesn’t steer toward or away from the stimulus; instead it changes how fast it moves or how often it changes direction depending on the stimulus intensity. The situation described—the animal altering its speed in response to a stimulus without a directed movement toward or away from it—fits this pattern, making kinesis the best term.

In contrast, a directed movement toward or away from a stimulus is taxis. Migration refers to a long-range, seasonal relocation, not a moment-to-moment speed change in response to a local stimulus. Foraging is about searching for food and can involve directed movement, but it’s not defined by a non-directional speed change in response to a stimulus.