Taxis vs. Kinesis: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 19, 2023
Taxis refers to directed movement in response to a stimulus, while kinesis refers to undirected movement due to stimulus intensity.
Key Differences
Taxis represents a movement that is directed either towards or away from a stimulus. For example, when an organism moves towards light, it is exhibiting positive phototaxis. On the other hand, kinesis is about random, non-directional movement as a result of a stimulus. Instead of being attracted to or repelled by the stimulus, the organism changes its activity rate.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
In taxis, the direction of movement is significant and is directly related to the source of the stimulus. Such behavior can be seen in many organisms, including bacteria moving toward sugars (chemotaxis) or moths flying toward a light source. Kinesis, in contrast, does not result in any directed movement towards or away from the stimulus. Instead, the organism may just increase or decrease its overall activity levels based on stimulus intensity.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Taxis can be classified further into positive and negative taxis. Positive taxis are movements towards a stimulus, while negative taxis are movements away from a stimulus. Kinesis, however, does not have such classifications because its movement is undirected. Organisms in a kinesis response may move more quickly or slowly, but there's no particular direction to their movements.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
In terms of evolution and adaptation, taxis can be viewed as a more advanced response, guiding organisms towards favorable conditions or away from harmful ones. Kinesis, although simpler, can still provide adaptive value. An organism exhibiting kinesis might move more in unfavorable conditions, increasing the chance of finding a more suitable environment.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Classification
Positive (towards) or negative (away)
None (just increased or decreased)
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Purpose
Move to favorable conditions
Increase chance of finding favorable conditions
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Example
Moths towards light (phototaxis)
Woodlice increase activity in dry conditions
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
Taxis and Kinesis Definitions
Taxis
Organismal movement that's stimulus-directed.
Fish might display rheotaxis, swimming against the current.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
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Kinesis
Movement that is undirected but varies in response to environmental factors.
Pill bugs alter their kinesis levels based on dryness, becoming more mobile in arid conditions.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 19, 2023
Taxis
The adaptive movement of an organism in response to a specific cue.
Positive gravitaxis allows some algae to move upwards in water columns.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Kinesis
A non-directional behavioral change influenced by stimulus strength.
Kinesis in worms can be observed when soil moisture changes, altering their movement rates.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
Taxis
A behavioral response of organisms, dictated by stimulus direction.
The sunflower exhibits heliotaxis, turning to face the sun.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Kinesis
Random movement of organisms influenced by stimulus intensity.
In response to increased humidity, woodlice display kinesis by becoming more active.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 19, 2023
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Taxis
Directed movement towards or away from a stimulus.
Many bacteria exhibit taxis, moving towards nutrients.
Huma Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Kinesis
A change in activity rate due to environmental stimulus, without direction.
Silverfish increase their kinesis when exposed to light, moving more erratically.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 19, 2023
Taxis
A locomotory response where direction is influenced by stimulus source.
Some insects avoid light through negative phototaxis.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Kinesis
Movement or activity of an organism in response to a stimulus such as light.
Sumera Saeed
Jun 11, 2019
Taxis
(Biology) The responsive movement of a free-moving organism or cell toward or away from an external stimulus, such as light.
Sumera Saeed
Jun 11, 2019
Kinesis
(biology) The movement of an organism in response to an external stimulus.
Sumera Saeed
Jun 11, 2019
Taxis
(Medicine) The moving of a body part by manipulation into normal position, as after a dislocation, fracture, or hernia.
Sumera Saeed
Jun 11, 2019
Kinesis
A movement that is a response to a stimulus but is not oriented with respect to the source of stimulation
Sumera Saeed
Jun 11, 2019
Kinesis
The undirected response of organisms to the intensity of a stimulus.
Ants may display kinesis when exposed to increased heat, moving without a clear direction.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 19, 2023
FAQs
What is kinesis?
Kinesis is the undirected movement of an organism that varies in intensity due to a stimulus.
Huma Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
How is taxis different from kinesis?
Taxis is directed towards or away from a stimulus, while kinesis is undirected and varies based on stimulus intensity.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
What is taxis?
Taxis is the directed movement of an organism towards or away from a stimulus.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
How about an example of kinesis?
In drier conditions, woodlice might increase their activity levels, an example of kinesis.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Can plants exhibit taxis?
Yes, some plants, like sunflowers, exhibit heliotaxis, turning to face the sun.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
How does chemotaxis differ from phototaxis?
Chemotaxis is movement in response to chemical stimuli, while phototaxis is in response to light.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Are taxis and kinesis innate behaviors?
Generally, both are innate responses to environmental stimuli.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Is taxis more advanced than kinesis?
Evolutionarily, taxis can be seen as more specific and directed, but both provide adaptive advantages.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 19, 2023
How do researchers study taxis and kinesis?
Through experiments, often using mazes or gradients of stimuli to observe organismal responses.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Why are taxis and kinesis important for survival?
They help organisms find favorable conditions or avoid harmful ones, aiding in survival and reproduction.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Can you give an example of taxis?
Yes, moths moving towards a light source is an example of positive phototaxis.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Are taxis and kinesis mutually exclusive?
No, an organism can exhibit both taxis and kinesis in response to different stimuli.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
How is kinesis adaptive for organisms?
Kinesis can increase the chances of an organism finding a more favorable environment.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Are there types of kinesis like there are for taxis?
Kinesis doesn't have specific types like taxis, but rather is characterized by changes in activity levels.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Is kinesis always random?
While kinesis is undirected, the changes in activity levels are in response to environmental stimuli.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Can an organism display both positive and negative taxis?
Yes, depending on the stimulus, an organism can move towards or away from it.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 19, 2023
Can environmental changes influence taxis and kinesis?
Yes, changes in the environment can alter both the direction and intensity of these behaviors.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Do all organisms show taxis or kinesis?
No, but many organisms exhibit these behaviors as adaptive responses to their environment.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
