thermotactic
/ˌθɜrmoʊˈtæktɪk/
adjective
- Relating to the movement of an organism or cell in response to heat or temperature changes.
- Some bacteria exhibit thermotactic behavior, moving toward warm areas in a petri dish.
- Scientists studied the thermotactic orientation of sperm cells in a temperature gradient.
- The thermotactic response of the slime mold helps it find optimal temperatures for growth.