Behavioral Adaptation
Alec Brewer
Taxes/Taxis
Taxes or taxis is the positive or negative response to light or chemicals. This can lead them to things essential for survival or away from things life-threatening. One example of an organism capable of this feat is the protist euglena, which uses the process of phototaxis. These organisms have an eyespot that reacts positively to light, which allows them to get in direct sunlight to carry out photosynthesis. Some organisms communicate through chemicals called pheromones, which can be tracked through chemotaxis. This process can help organisms find mates, which ensures survival of the species for another generation.
Moths
Attracted to light via a positive phototaxis.
Ants
Attracted to pheromones via positive chemotaxis.
Plants
React positively to light via phototaxis.
Competition
When resources or territory is scarce, organisms of the same species may compete to survive in the environment. These organisms may either compete to get the resources or even fight to the death. They will also compete for mates or to protect their territory. These competitions are dangerous, though. Not only can one organism kill the other, but they will also be distracted from predators who will take the opportunity to strike.