What is thigmotropism? Give an example.

Thigmotropism is a type of directional growth response exhibited by plants in response to physical contact or mechanical stimuli. In simpler terms, it refers to the way in which plants change their growth patterns in response to touching or being touched by objects or other organisms.

When a plant experiences thigmotropism, it typically exhibits one of two types of responses:

Thigmotropic bending: In this case, a plant's growth is influenced by the direction and intensity of the physical contact. If a plant is touched or brushed by an object or another organism, it may change the direction of its growth towards the point of contact. This is often observed in climbing plants like ivy, which use thigmotropism to wrap around and climb up structures or support.

Thigmotropic growth inhibition: Some plants, when touched or disturbed, may exhibit a growth inhibition response. This means that they reduce their growth rate or temporarily stop growing in the area that was touched. For example, when you touch the sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica), its leaflets fold up and the plant appears to "shrink" as a response to the physical stimulus.

Thigmotropism is a fascinating adaptation that allows plants to respond to their environment and adjust their growth patterns accordingly. It helps them interact with nearby objects, find support for climbing, or protect themselves from potential threats.