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MENTAL MODEL · M4921

Phototaxis

Phototaxis
TechnicalHigh supportBiology
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

The instinct of organisms to automatically move toward a light source (positive phototaxis) or away from it (negative phototaxis). Moths flying into a flame is an example of positive phototaxis.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

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Blind pursuit of conspicuous goals. In career development, most people have a strong 'social phototaxis'—blindly flocking to industries that are highly exposed and appear glamorous, ignoring the possibility that the 'light' might be an insect-attracting lamp. Experts often use negative phototaxis to find undiscovered prey in the shadows.

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Phototaxis is a directional response in which organisms move toward (positive) or away from (negative) light, driven by photoreceptors. It is common in plant seedlings, insects, and some microorganisms, and is used for orientation and survival.

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PhototaxisZH · Explicit
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