Heliotactic

/ˌhiːliəˈtæktɪk/ adjective

Definition

Describing the behavior of organisms or cells that move in response to sunlight, either toward it or away from it.

Etymology

From Greek 'helios' (sun) and 'taxis' (arrangement, movement), with the suffix '-ic.' The word emerged in biology to describe how living things respond to light direction.

Kelly Says

Sunflowers aren't just pretty—they're heliotactic superstars, and so are many bacteria and algae that swim toward light like tiny swimmers chasing a glowing beach ball.

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