Thigmotaxis (from Greek ''thigma'', "touch" meaning contact with an object, and ''

taxis A taxis (; : taxes ) is the motility, movement of an organism in response to a Stimulus (physiology), stimulus such as light or the presence of food. Taxes are innate behavioural responses. A taxis differs from a tropism (turning response, often ...

'', "arrangement, order", meaning reaction by movement) is a behavioral response to tactile stimuli, typically referring to an organism's movement in response to physical contact with surfaces or objects. For example, animals, when placed into a new enclosed space, tend to stay near the perimeter while avoiding the interior area. This is known as wall-following/touching or centrophobic behavior. This type of movement is genetically grounded and can be observed in both animals and humans.

Types

Positive

This occurs when an organism moves towards or remains in contact with a surface or object. Positive thigmotaxis is often observed in animals seeking shelter or protection, as staying close to surfaces can reduce exposure to predators and environmental hazards.

Negative

This occurs when an organism moves away from contact with surfaces or objects. Negative thigmotaxis can be seen in animals that need to navigate open spaces or avoid areas where tactile stimuli indicate danger or discomfort.

Examples in animals

Rodents

Laboratory studies of

rodent Rodents (from Latin , 'to gnaw') are mammals of the Order (biology), order Rodentia ( ), which are characterized by a single pair of continuously growing incisors in each of the upper and Mandible, lower jaws. About 40% of all mammal specie ...

s, such as mice and rats, frequently demonstrate positive thigmotaxis. Rodents often prefer to stay close to the walls of an open field or maze, a behavior known as wall-following or thigmotactic behavior. This tendency is utilized in behavioral experiments, such as the open field test, to assess anxiety-like behaviors.

Insects

Many

insect Insects (from Latin ') are Hexapoda, hexapod invertebrates of the class (biology), class Insecta. They are the largest group within the arthropod phylum. Insects have a chitinous exoskeleton, a three-part body (Insect morphology#Head, head, ...

s exhibit thigmotactic behavior. For instance, cockroaches and ants show positive thigmotaxis by staying close to surfaces while foraging or seeking shelter. This behavior helps them navigate complex environments and avoid predation. Similarly to rodents, it is utilized in behavioral experiments, such as the open field test, to assess anxiety-like behaviors.

Fish

Certain

fish A fish (: fish or fishes) is an aquatic animal, aquatic, Anamniotes, anamniotic, gill-bearing vertebrate animal with swimming fish fin, fins and craniate, a hard skull, but lacking limb (anatomy), limbs with digit (anatomy), digits. Fish can ...

species exhibit thigmotaxis when they seek out and remain close to structures or objects within their aquatic environment. This behavior can provide protection from predators and strong currents.

Mechanisms

The mechanisms underlying thigmotaxis involve sensory receptors that detect tactile stimuli. These receptors can be located on various body parts, such as antennae, legs, or skin. When stimulated, these receptors send signals to the nervous system, triggering a motor response that directs the organism's movement. In

vertebrates Vertebrates () are animals with a vertebral column (backbone or spine), and a cranium, or skull. The vertebral column surrounds and protects the spinal cord, while the cranium protects the brain. The vertebrates make up the subphylum Vertebra ...

, the mechanoreceptors in the skin, known as tactile or touch receptors, play a significant role in thigmotactic behavior. In invertebrates, specialized sensory organs such as

setae In biology, setae (; seta ; ) are any of a number of different bristle- or hair-like structures on living organisms. Animal setae Protostomes Depending partly on their form and function, protostome setae may be called macrotrichia, chaetae ...

(bristle-like structures) or antennae are involved in detecting and responding to tactile stimuli.

Behavioral changes

Shelter seeking

Positive thigmotaxis helps animals find and stay in safe, sheltered areas, which can protect them from predators and harsh environmental conditions.

Navigation

Thigmotactic behavior aids in navigation through complex environments, allowing animals to efficiently find resources and avoid obstacles.

Social interactions

In some species, thigmotaxis plays a role in social behaviors, such as group cohesion and territory establishment.

Mating

In some species, thigmotaxis plays a role in

mating In biology, mating is the pairing of either opposite-sex or hermaphroditic organisms for the purposes of sexual reproduction. ''Fertilization'' is the fusion of two gametes. '' Copulation'' is the union of the sex organs of two sexually repr ...

behaviors. It is currently debated whether mating status impacts thigmotaxis in ''Drosophila''.

Research and applications

Thigmotaxis is studied extensively in various fields, including neurobiology, and psychology. Understanding thigmotactic behavior can provide insights into the neural mechanisms of sensory processing and motor control. Additionally, researchers use thigmotaxis as a behavioral assay to investigate anxiety, stress, and other psychological states in animal models.

References

Sources

* {{cite journal , last=Kallai , first=Janos , last2=Makany , first2=Tamas , last3=Csatho , first3=Arpad , last4=Karadi , first4=Kazmer , last5=Horvath , first5=David , last6=Kovacs-Labadi , first6=Beatrix , last7=Jarai , first7=Robert , last8=Nadel , first8=Lynn , last9=Jacobs , first9=Jake W. , title=Cognitive and affective aspects of thigmotaxis strategy in humans. , journal=Behavioral Neuroscience , volume=121 , issue=1 , date=2007 , issn=1939-0084 , doi=10.1037/0735-7044.121.1.21 , pages=21–30 , url = https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/lkcsb_research/6648/ Taxes (biology)