User:Lintaylor/sandbox

In Rheotaxis, the lateral line system is used to determine changes in the oncoming flow pattern of a body of water due to other objects, such as predator and prey, being present and the corresponding orientation of the animal toward or away from the current. This system uses mechanosensory hair cells to detect and respond to the movement of water. For most animals, Rheotaxis is dependent on the proper function of the lateral line system. Pure Rheotaxis is the form in which the only stimulus for orienting is the current itself. Animals can also use Rheotaxis in conjunction with other methods to orient themselves in the water. They will use the flow of the current to identify upstream chemical stimuli and position themselves toward the direction of the signal. The positioning of an animal in the water can increase its chance of accessing food and lowering the amount of energy is spends, especially when it remains stationary.