1 - Survival and Response

Question 1

What is a stimulus?

Answer 1

A change in an organisms internal or external environment

Question 2

What is taxis? (tactic response)

Answer 2

Directional movement in response to a stimulus

Question 3

What in Kinesis? (Kinetic response)

Answer 3

Non-Directional (random) movement in response to a stimulus

Question 4

Describe how woodlice show a tactic response (taxis) and how this helps them to survive

Answer 4

They move away from a light source which helps it survive as it keeps them concealed under stones during the day and keeps them in damp conditions. This keeps them safe from predators and reduces water loss.

Question 5

Describe how woodlice show a kinetic (kinesis) response and how this helps them to survive

Answer 5

They respond to humidity as in high humidity they move slowly and less often meaning they stay where they are. In low humidity they move faster and more often to move into a new area. This helps woodlouse move from drier air into more humid air which helps them to reduce water loss and keep them concealed from predators.