Orientation Responses In Animals

Question 1

What are the types of taxis?

Answer 1

Positive taxis - moving towards a stimulus
Negative taxis - moving away from a stimulus
Phototaxis - when light is the stimulus
Chemotaxis - when chemicals are the stimulus
Gravitaxis/Geotaxis - when gravity is the stimulus
Thermotaxis - when heat/temperature is the stimulus
Thigmotaxis - when touch is the stimulus

Question 2

Describe the difference between orthokinesis and klinokinesis

Answer 2

Orthokinesis refers to the speed of an animal’s movement whereas klinokinesis refers to the rate of turning of an organism

Question 3

Explain how animals locate their home

Answer 3

Homing requires navigation which relies on the environment. These can include landmarks, scent rails, solar compasses or magnetic compasses.

Question 4

What are the pros of migration?

Answer 4

• More resources in a new area
• Beneficial and safe for reproduction and new offspring
• Remain in favourable conditions all year round
• May lead to the colonisation of a new area
• Reduces the effect of predators (abundant food sources year round attract predators that can threaten nests)
• Increases genetic diversity at the breeding grounds as they can breed with individuals from different populations

Question 5

Explain when an animal knows when to migrate

Answer 5

Migration is often triggered by changes in day length or climate but the internal biological clock also prepares the animal for migration.

Question 6

What are the cons of migration?

Answer 6

• May get lost or caught up and blown off course
• May get eaten by predators during the journey
• May use up too much energy during the journey, leaving insufficient energy to successfully complete the breeding process
• May starve and die during the journey