Turning field size and its effects upon computer-simulated klinotactic orientation

The turning field is defined in the context of klinotaxis as the angular region(s) into which an organism may direct itself at any point in time and space while orienting within a stimulus gradient. The turning field size determines the size distribution of turns an organism can make during klinotaxis. Changes in turning field size affect the efficiency of klinotactic source location as measured by computer simulations of ideal behaviors. The optimal field size lies between 90 and 150 degrees. Turning field size also affects the appearance of search paths made by organisms locating an attractant source. The significance of turning field size is discussed and the described klinotactic model is proposed as a predictive model for orientation research.