UNIT

3The interaction function

Natural Science 2. Secondary Education

ANIMAL RESPONSESWHICH ARE NOT MOVEMENTS

OR SECRETIONS

UNIT

3Animal responses which are not movements or secretions

Natural Science 2. Secondary Education

Animals carry out other types of responses to stimuli besides movements and secretions. For example:

Electricity production

Light production

Colour change

Click on the buttons to find out more

UNIT

3Animal responses which are not movements or secretions

Natural Science 2. Secondary Education

Many animals can change the colour of their skin. They do it in order to camouflage themselves with their surroundings, to scare off predators or to communicate with other members of their species (during mating, for example).

Colour change

Back

Chameleons change colour to blend in with their surroundings.

Chameleon

Cephalopods can change colour very quickly.

Octopus

UNIT

3Animal responses which are not movements or secretions

Natural Science 2. Secondary Education

Bioluminescence is the production of light by a living organism, and is more common among marine animals.

One interesting example among terrestrial animals is that of fireflies.

Theses beetles produce a greenish light at the end of their abdomen in order to attract mates.

Light productionFirefly

Back

UNIT

3Animal responses which are not movements or secretions

Natural Science 2. Secondary Education

Some aquatic organisms, like electric eels, or a type of ray called an electric or torpedo ray, can generate electricity inside their bodies and discharge it in the water to stun their prey or predators.

Electricity production

Electric ray

Back