Question

What is the main difference between the movements of plants and animals?

Answer 1

Plants	Animals
Plants are generally fixed in one place because their roots hold them firmly in the soil.	Animals can move from one place to another in search of food, water, shelter, or safety.
Usually, only parts of a plant show movement, such as leaves, stems, or flowers.	The whole body or different body parts can move.
Plant movements are generally slow and may not be noticed immediately.	Animal movements are usually quick and easily noticeable.
Plants respond to stimuli such as light, touch, gravity, and water.	Animals respond to stimuli such as light, sound, touch, smell, and danger.
Plants do not have muscles, bones, or specialised organs for movement.	Animals generally have muscles, bones, and specialised organs that help in movement.
Some plant movements occur due to growth. For example, a shoot bends towards light.	Animal movements occur mainly through the action of muscles and the skeleton.
Some plant movements are caused by changes in the water content of cells. For example, Mimosa leaves fold when touched.	Animals can move by walking, running, swimming, flying, crawling, or jumping.
Plants do not usually move away when there is danger. They respond by changing the growth or position of their parts.	Animals can often move away quickly from danger.
Example: The Mimosa (touch-me-not) leaves close when touched. A plant shoot grows towards sunlight.	Example: A dog pulls its paw away when it feels a pinprick. A bird flies towards food.