Difference Between Movement And Locomotion- Definition & Differences

Difference Between Movement And Locomotion: Types, Facts

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 06:45 PM IST

Movement and locomotion are vital biological processes in living organisms, enabling them to interact with their environment. Movement refers to the displacement of body parts, while locomotion involves the entire body moving from one place to another. These processes are supported by specialized structures such as muscles, bones, and joints in animals. In this article, the definition of movement and locomotion, movement, locomotion, and key differences between movement and locomotion are discussed. Movement and Locomotion is a topic of the chapter Locomotion And Movement in Biology.

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Definition of Movement and Locomotion
Movement
Locomotion
Key Differences Between Movement and Locomotion

Difference Between Movement And Locomotion: Types, Facts

Definition of Movement and Locomotion

Movement refers to a change in position or location in space by an organism or its parts and embodies many diverse biological processes. However, locomotion entails only the capability of an organism to move from one place to the other by itself. Being able to tell the difference between the two terms is quite important in the field of biological science since it explains further, different mechanisms or ways organisms put in place to implement their survival or adaptation to different conditions.

Movement

Movement means any change in the position or posture of an organism or its parts about its environment.

Types of Movements

Voluntary: Those which are controlled by conscious effort, including walking or making gestures.
Involuntary: Not controlled by conscious will; includes movement related to heartbeat, reflex actions, etc.
Cellular: It doesn't require that parts move with the environment. Includes movements of cytoplasmic streaming within cells.

Mechanism of Movements

Cellular Level: It includes the streaming of cytoplasm itself within the cells, cytoplasmic streaming.
Organismal Level: It contains muscular contraction, and ciliary movement, such as in respiratory epithelium.

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Movement Examples

Examples in humans: waving the arms, blinking, and breathing.
Example in animals: The Amoeboid movement, found in the amoeba, plants' tropism or growth towards light.
Types: Bipedalism, that is, moving on two legs; quadrupedalism, or moving on four legs; flying; swimming; etc.

Also read-

Locomotion

Locomotion, in particular, is the movement of an organism from one place to another.
Types: Bipedalism, on two legs only; quadrupedalism, on four legs; flying, swimming, etc.

Mechanism of Locomotion

Musculoskeletal Systems: It deals with the coordination of bones, muscles, and joints to move.
Adaptations: Organisms develop special adaptations such as wings in birds, fins in fish, and legs in mammals to move about.

Examples of Locomotion

Human examples: Walking, running, swimming.
Animal examples: Flying by birds, crawling by insects, swimming by fish.

Key Differences Between Movement and Locomotion

It is one of the important difference and comparison articles in biology. The differences are listed below-

	Movement	Locomotion
Definition	Change in position or posture.	Movement from one place to another.
Mechanisms	Cellular processes, muscle contraction	Musculoskeletal systems, specialised adaptations
Functional Purpose	Varied, includes cellular functions	Facilitates travel and navigation
Evolutionary Role	Supports cellular functions, responses	Essential for survival, adaptation

Also read-

Types of Movement in the Human Body	Fibrous Joints
Difference between Red and White Muscle	Hinge Joint
Joints	Pectoral Girdle

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between movement and locomotion?

While any change in position or posture comes under the category of movement, locomotion specifies only the ability to move from one place to another.

2. How will the terms 'Movement' and 'locomotion’ differ while talking in the context of biology?

All changes in position are movement while locomotion is self-powered movement from one location to another.

3. What are examples of movements in humans and animals?

Examples are the waving of arms, blinking in humans, amoeboid movement in animals, and plant tropisms.

4. How do muscles contribute to movement and locomotion?

Interactions with bones and joints move and facilitate locomotion brought about by the simple contraction of muscles.

5. Why distinction between movement and locomotion in biology have to be clearly understood?

Known distinctions of all these differences are important to clarify how organisms would be able to respond to their surroundings, survive through challenges, adapt to specialised movements, and have locomotor abilities.

6. What is the fundamental difference between movement and locomotion?

Movement refers to any change in position of body parts, while locomotion specifically involves the movement of an entire organism from one place to another. For example, blinking is a movement, but walking is locomotion.

7. How do echinoderms like starfish move?

Echinoderms use a unique water vascular system for locomotion. They have tube feet filled with water that can extend and retract, allowing them to grip surfaces and pull themselves along. This hydraulic system is controlled by changing the water pressure in the tube feet.

8. What is the difference between endergonic and exergonic reactions in relation to movement?

Endergonic reactions require energy input and are typically involved in building complex molecules or storing energy, like the synthesis of ATP. Exergonic reactions release energy and are involved in processes that power movement, such as the breakdown of ATP during muscle contraction.

9. How do single-celled organisms like Euglena exhibit both plant-like and animal-like locomotion?

Euglena can move like animals using a flagellum for swimming. However, they also contain chloroplasts, allowing them to perform photosynthesis like plants. In the absence of light, they rely more on their animal-like locomotion to find food.

10. What is the role of the cerebellum in coordinating movement?

The cerebellum plays a crucial role in motor control. It coordinates voluntary movements, maintains balance and posture, and is involved in motor learning and fine-tuning of motor skills. It receives input about the body's position and intended movements, then sends signals to refine and coordinate these movements.

11. What is the difference between exoskeleton and endoskeleton in terms of locomotion?

An exoskeleton is an external skeleton (like in insects) that provides attachment points for muscles on its inner surface, while an endoskeleton is internal (like in humans) with muscles attached to its outer surface. Both serve as leverage systems for movement but differ in growth and flexibility.

12. How does the principle of jet propulsion apply to certain marine animals?

Some marine animals, like squids and octopuses, use jet propulsion by forcefully expelling water from their mantle cavity through a narrow siphon. This creates a backward thrust, propelling the animal forward in accordance with Newton's Third Law.

13. How does a bird's skeleton differ from a mammal's in relation to flight?

Birds have several skeletal adaptations for flight: hollow bones to reduce weight, a keeled sternum for flight muscle attachment, and fused bones in certain areas to provide rigidity. Mammals typically have denser bones and lack these flight-specific adaptations.

14. What is the difference between isotonic and isometric muscle contractions?

In isotonic contractions, the muscle changes length while maintaining constant tension, like when lifting a weight. Isometric contractions involve the muscle generating force without changing length, such as pushing against an immovable object.

15. How do paramecia achieve locomotion?

Paramecia use ciliary locomotion. They are covered in tiny hair-like structures called cilia that beat in coordinated waves, propelling the organism through water. This method allows for precise movement and direction changes.

16. How do earthworms move without limbs?

Earthworms use a type of locomotion called peristalsis. They contract and relax circular and longitudinal muscles in alternating segments of their body, creating a wave-like motion that pushes them through soil.

17. How do amoebae move without any visible locomotory structures?

Amoebae use a type of locomotion called amoeboid movement. They extend temporary cellular projections called pseudopodia by manipulating their cytoplasm, allowing them to flow in a particular direction and engulf food particles.

18. What role does the skeletal system play in human locomotion?

The skeletal system provides a framework for movement, protects vital organs, and serves as attachment points for muscles. It works in conjunction with the muscular system to enable various types of locomotion like walking, running, and jumping.

19. What is the significance of Newton's Third Law in animal locomotion?

Newton's Third Law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In locomotion, animals apply force against their environment (ground, water, or air), and the equal and opposite reaction propels them forward.

20. What is the role of joints in animal locomotion?

Joints are the meeting points of bones that allow for movement. They provide flexibility to the skeletal system, enabling various types of motion such as rotation, gliding, and hinge-like movements, which are crucial for locomotion.

21. What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary movements?

Voluntary movements are consciously controlled actions, like walking or waving, initiated by the cerebral cortex. Involuntary movements are automatic, like heartbeats or reflexes, controlled by the autonomic nervous system or lower brain centers.

22. What is the role of muscle antagonism in human movement?

Muscle antagonism refers to the paired arrangement of muscles that work in opposition. When one muscle (the agonist) contracts, its antagonist relaxes. This coordinated action allows for controlled movements and maintains balance in the body.

23. How do plants exhibit movement without locomotion?

Plants show various types of movements without changing location: tropisms (growth responses to stimuli like light or gravity), nastic movements (rapid responses to stimuli, like the closing of Venus flytrap), and circadian movements (daily rhythmic movements like the opening and closing of flowers).

24. What is proprioception and how does it relate to movement?

Proprioception is the sense of the relative position of body parts and the strength of effort used in movement. It's crucial for coordinated movement, balance, and spatial awareness, allowing us to move effectively without constantly looking at our limbs.

25. What is the role of ATP in muscle contraction and locomotion?

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) is the primary energy source for muscle contraction. It powers the sliding filament mechanism where myosin heads pull on actin filaments, causing muscle fibers to shorten. This process, repeated across many muscle fibers, results in overall muscle contraction and movement.

26. How does ciliary locomotion differ from flagellar locomotion?

Ciliary locomotion uses multiple short, hair-like structures called cilia to create a wave-like motion, while flagellar locomotion relies on longer, whip-like structures called flagella. Cilia are typically found in large numbers, whereas flagella are usually fewer in number or singular.

27. Why can't plants perform locomotion like animals?

Plants are rooted in place and lack specialized locomotory organs. Their cells have rigid cell walls, limiting their ability to move. Instead, plants exhibit movements like tropisms and nastic movements in response to stimuli.

28. How does the movement of a kangaroo differ from that of a horse?

Kangaroos use saltatorial locomotion, moving by powerful hopping with their large hind legs and using their tail for balance. Horses, on the other hand, use quadrupedal locomotion, moving on all four legs in various gaits like walking, trotting, and galloping.

29. How does the movement of fish through water differ from that of birds through air?

Fish use lateral undulations of their body and tail fin (caudal fin) to propel themselves through water, while birds use flapping motions of their wings to generate lift and thrust in air. The difference is due to the varying densities and resistances of the two media.

30. How does a snake's locomotion differ from that of a fish?

Snakes use lateral undulation on land, pushing against irregularities in the ground to move forward. Fish, however, use their tail and body to push against water. While both use a side-to-side motion, the medium and the points of resistance differ significantly.

31. What is the role of calcium ions in muscle contraction?

Calcium ions (Ca²⁺) are crucial for initiating muscle contraction. When a muscle is stimulated, Ca²⁺ is released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum into the sarcoplasm. These ions bind to troponin, causing a conformational change that exposes binding sites on actin for myosin heads, allowing contraction to occur.

32. How does the movement of a snake on land differ from its movement in water?

On land, snakes typically use lateral undulation, moving in a side-to-side motion and pushing against ground irregularities. In water, many snakes use a similar undulating motion, but the force is applied against the water itself, often with a flattened tail acting like a paddle.

33. What is the difference between positive and negative geotropism in plant movements?

Positive geotropism is growth or movement towards gravity, typically seen in plant roots growing downward. Negative geotropism is growth or movement away from gravity, as seen in plant stems growing upward. Both are responses to gravity that help orient the plant for optimal growth.

34. How do insects walk on water?

Insects like water striders can walk on water due to surface tension. Their legs are covered in tiny, water-repellent hairs that trap air, creating a buoyant force. Additionally, they distribute their weight over a large surface area, preventing them from breaking the water's surface tension.

35. What is the difference between smooth muscle and skeletal muscle in terms of movement control?

Smooth muscle is involuntary and controlled by the autonomic nervous system, found in organs like the digestive tract. Skeletal muscle is voluntary, controlled by the somatic nervous system, and attached to bones for body movement. Smooth muscle contracts slowly and sustainably, while skeletal muscle contracts quickly and fatigues faster.

36. How do protists like Paramecium reverse direction?

Paramecium can reverse direction by changing the direction of its ciliary beat. When stimulated to move backward, the cilia reverse their power stroke, propelling the organism in the opposite direction. This allows for quick evasion of predators or obstacles.

37. What is the role of myosin and actin in muscle contraction?

Myosin and actin are proteins crucial for muscle contraction. Myosin forms thick filaments with projecting heads, while actin forms thin filaments. During contraction, myosin heads attach to actin and pull the filaments past each other in a sliding motion, shortening the muscle fiber.

38. How does the movement of a jellyfish differ from that of a fish?

Jellyfish move by jet propulsion, contracting their bell-shaped body to expel water and propel themselves forward. Fish, on the other hand, use lateral undulations of their body and tail, pushing against the water to swim. Jellyfish movement is less directed and more energy-efficient for their lifestyle.

39. What is the difference between hydrostatic skeletons and exoskeletons?

Hydrostatic skeletons, found in organisms like earthworms, use fluid pressure in a closed body cavity for support and movement. Exoskeletons, found in arthropods, are hard outer coverings that provide support and protection. Hydrostatic skeletons allow for more flexibility, while exoskeletons offer more protection but less flexibility.

40. How do plants respond to light in terms of movement?

Plants respond to light through phototropism. Stems typically exhibit positive phototropism, growing towards light sources, while roots may show negative phototropism. This movement is facilitated by the redistribution of growth hormones like auxin in response to light direction.

41. What is the role of the vestibular system in human movement and balance?

The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, provides information about head position and movement. It helps maintain balance, stabilize vision during head movement, and coordinate movements. This system is crucial for spatial orientation and plays a key role in activities like walking and maintaining posture.

42. How do sea stars move using their water vascular system?

Sea stars use a unique hydraulic system called the water vascular system. They pump seawater into their body to extend tube feet, which then attach to surfaces. By contracting muscles in these feet, they create suction and pull themselves along, allowing movement in any direction on their ventral surface.

43. What is the difference between running and walking in terms of biomechanics?

In walking, at least one foot is always in contact with the ground, creating a double-support phase. In running, there's a flight phase where both feet are off the ground. Running involves more elastic energy storage in tendons and higher impact forces, requiring different muscle activation patterns compared to walking.

44. How do bacteria with flagella achieve directional movement?

Flagellated bacteria can move in response to stimuli (taxis) by rotating their flagella. They use a "run and tumble" method: during a "run," flagella rotate counterclockwise in a coordinated bundle, propelling the bacterium forward. To change direction, they "tumble" by rotating flagella clockwise, reorienting the cell.

45. What is the role of the spinal cord in reflex actions?

The spinal cord plays a crucial role in reflex actions by serving as a reflex center. It receives sensory input and can initiate motor responses without involving the brain, allowing for rapid, automatic reactions. This bypassing of the brain enables quicker responses to stimuli, which can be crucial for survival.

46. How do different types of joints contribute to varying ranges of motion?

Different joint types allow for different movements: Ball and socket joints (like the hip) allow rotation and movement in multiple planes. Hinge joints (like the elbow) permit movement in one plane. Pivot joints (like the neck) allow rotation. The type of joint determines the range and type of motion possible in that body part.

47. What is the difference between nastic movements and tropisms in plants?

Nastic movements are rapid, automatic responses to stimuli that are independent of the stimulus direction, like the closing of a Venus flytrap. Tropisms are slower, growth-based responses to directional stimuli, like a plant growing towards light. Nastic movements are reversible, while tropisms result in permanent growth changes.

48. How do birds achieve lift during flight?

Birds achieve lift through the shape of their wings and their motion through air. The curved upper surface of the wing causes air to move faster over the top than the bottom, creating a pressure difference. This, combined with the angle of attack of the wing and the downward deflection of air, generates lift.

49. How does the movement of a snake differ from that of a legless lizard?

While both move without legs, snakes use their entire body for locomotion, utilizing specialized scales and ribs. Legless lizards typically move more rigidly, often in a straight line, and may use remnant pelvic girdles for pushing. Snakes have more diverse locomotion methods, including lateral undulation, sidewinding, and rectilinear movement.

50. What is the difference between positive and negative chemotaxis?

Positive chemotaxis is the movement of an organism towards a higher concentration of a chemical stimulus, like bacteria moving towards nutrients. Negative chemotaxis is movement away from a chemical stimulus, such as an organism avoiding toxins. Both are important for survival and finding suitable environments.

51. How do eels generate electricity for movement and defense?

Electric eels have specialized electric organs composed of modified muscle cells called electrocytes. These cells can generate an electric potential difference. When stimulated, the electrocytes discharge simultaneously, producing a strong electric field. This is used for navigation, hunting, and defense, but not directly for locomotion.

52. What is the role of the Golgi tendon organ in movement?

The Golgi tendon organ is a proprioceptive sensory receptor located at the junction of muscles and tendons. It detects changes in muscle tension and sends this information to the central nervous system. This feedback helps in regulating muscle contraction force and protecting muscles and tendons from excessive strain.

53. How does the movement of a millipede differ from that of a centipede?

Millipedes have two pairs of legs per body segment and move in a slow, undulating wave-like motion, with many legs moving in coordination. Centipedes have one pair of legs per segment and move in a faster, more agile manner, with legs on opposite sides of the body moving in alternation. This difference reflects their different lifestyles and habitats.

54. What is the difference between tonic and phasic muscle contractions?

Tonic muscle contractions are sustained, low-force contractions that maintain posture and muscle tone. They involve slow-twitch muscle fibers and can be maintained for long periods without fatigue. Phasic contractions are brief, higher-force contractions used for movement, involving fast-twitch muscle fibers and are more prone to fatigue.

55. How do plants achieve seed dispersal without locomotion?

Plants use various mechanisms for seed dispersal without moving themselves: Wind dispersal (light seeds with wings or parachutes), water dispersal (buoyant seeds), animal dispersal (seeds with hooks or edible fruits), and explosive dispersal (pods that burst open). These methods allow plants to spread their offspring over wide areas despite being stationary