Sunflower movement due to the sun is known as?
VerifiedAnswer: phototropic movement
Explanation:
Have you ever wondered why sunflowers always seem to be looking at the sun? This fascinating behavior is called phototropic movement, and it's one of nature's most beautiful examples of how plants respond to their environment.
Phototropism comes from two Greek words: "photo" meaning light and "tropism" meaning turning or movement. So phototropic movement literally means movement in response to light. In the case of sunflowers, they demonstrate positive phototropism, which means they grow and move toward the light source - the sun.
The scientific process behind this movement is quite interesting. Young sunflower buds contain a plant hormone called auxin, which helps control growth. During the day, auxin accumulates on the shaded side of the stem. This causes the cells on that side to elongate more than the cells on the sunny side, making the flower head bend toward the sun. As the sun moves across the sky from east to west, the sunflower follows this path.
However, there's an interesting twist to this story. While young sunflowers actively track the sun throughout the day, mature sunflowers typically face east and stop moving. This happens because as the flower matures, the stem becomes woody and less flexible. The eastward orientation helps them warm up quickly in the morning sun, which attracts more bees and other pollinators.
This behavior isn't unique to sunflowers alone. Many plants exhibit phototropic movement, including:
• Daisies and marigolds that open and close with sunlight • House plants that lean toward windows • Seedlings that bend toward light sources
The purpose of phototropic movement is survival and optimization. By following the sun, plants can maximize their exposure to sunlight, which is essential for photosynthesis - the process by which they make their own food. More sunlight means more energy production, better growth, and ultimately better chances of reproduction and survival.
Understanding phototropic movement helps us appreciate how plants are far more dynamic and responsive than they might initially appear. They may not move as obviously as animals do, but they're constantly adjusting and responding to their environment in subtle yet remarkable ways.
