Activity › Discussion › Environment › photosynthesis › Reply To: photosynthesis
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Yes, plants are able to move and exhibit various forms of movement, though their movement is often subtle and slow compared to the movement of animals. Here are some examples of how plants can move:
Tropisms: Plants can exhibit tropisms, which are growth movements in response to external stimuli like light, gravity, or touch. For example, a plant’s stem will grow towards the light (phototropism), and its roots will grow downwards in response to gravity (gravitropism).
Nastic movements: These are plant movements that occur in response to a specific stimulus, but the direction of the movement is not determined by the direction of the stimulus. Examples include the closing of a flower’s petals in response to darkness (nyctinasty) or the folding of a mimosa plant’s leaves when touched (thigmonasty).
Autonomous movements: Some plants can exhibit spontaneous movements without an obvious external stimulus. For instance, the leaves of the telegraph plant (Codariocalyx motorius) undergo periodic up-and-down movements, and the leaflets of the sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica) can rapidly fold inward when touched.
Slow growth movements: As plants grow, their leaves, stems, and roots gradually change position in response to their environment, such as growing towards a light source or avoiding obstacles.
So in summary, while plants may not be able to move as quickly or dramatically as animals, they do exhibit a variety of fascinating movements that are essential for their growth, development, and survival.