A biological response where organisms move away from light; the negative orientation toward illumination as opposed to seeking it.
Greek 'a-' (not) plus 'photo' (light) plus 'taxis' (movement/arrangement). This systematic terminology allows scientists to precisely distinguish between light-seeking (phototaxis) and light-avoiding behaviors.
Underground creatures from blind salamanders to cave insects exhibit perfect aphototaxis—their entire sensory systems have rewired to make them uncomfortable with light, proving that evolution literally rewrites an organism's preferences based on habitat.
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