GEOTAXIS Meaning and
Definition
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Geotaxis is a biological term referring to the innate ability of an organism to orient itself or move in response to gravity. The term is derived from two Greek words: "geo" meaning earth and "taxis" meaning movement or arrangement. Geotaxis is a common phenomenon observed in a wide range of organisms, including plants, animals, and even microorganisms.
In positive geotaxis, an organism exhibits a movement towards the Earth's gravitational field. For example, tree roots exhibit positive geotaxis by growing downwards into the soil, while birds and other flying animals demonstrate positive geotaxis by descending towards the ground. On the other hand, negative geotaxis refers to a movement away from the Earth's gravity, which is often observed in certain microorganisms. These organisms may move away from the bottom of a container, rising towards the surface.
Geotaxis is considered an innate behavior that helps organisms maintain their orientation in relation to gravity. It can be influenced by various factors, such as mechanical, biochemical, or neurological mechanisms. Understanding geotaxis can be important in fields such as agriculture, where knowledge of how plants respond to gravity can aid in optimizing plant growth techniques.
Overall, geotaxis plays a crucial role in the survival and navigation of organisms by enabling them to respond to the Earth's gravitational force and maintain their desired position or movement in the environment.
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A form of positive barotaxis in which there is a tendency to growth or movement toward or into the earth; geotropism.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GEOTAXIS
Etymology of GEOTAXIS
The word "geotaxis" is derived from two roots: "geo" and "taxis".
The root "geo" comes from the Greek word "ge" (γῆ) which means "earth" or "land". This root is commonly used in scientific terms related to the Earth or its characteristics, such as geography, geology, and geophysics.
The second root "taxis" is also from the Greek language and means "arrangement" or "order". In biology, the term "taxis" is used to describe the movement or orientation of an organism in response to an external stimulus.
When combined, "geotaxis" literally means the "movement or orientation towards the earth". It is commonly used to describe the phenomenon where organisms, especially aquatic ones, have a tendency to orient themselves in relation to the force of gravity, either by moving towards or away from the Earth's surface.
Similar spelling words for GEOTAXIS
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