Gravitropism

Gravitropism (also known as Geotropism) is a turning or growth movement by a plant, fungus, or animal in response to gravity. It is a general feature of all higher and many lower plants and also in other organisms. Charles Darwin was one of the first people to say that roots grow downward and stems grow upward in response to gravity.

Gravitropism Media

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  Example of gravitropism in a tree from central Minnesota. This tree has fallen over and due to gravitropism exhibits this arched growth.

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  Gravitropism maintains vertical orientation of these trees. These trees, typical of those in steep subalpine environments, are covered by deep snow in winter. As small saplings, they are overwhelmed by the snow and bent nearly flat to the ground. During spring growth, and more so as larger trees, gravitropism allows them to orient vertically over years of subsequent growth.