Final answer:
Plants use thigmotropism for growth, development, defense, and reproduction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Plants use thigmotropism for both growth and development. Thigmotropism is a response to mechanical stimuli, such as touch or wind, that causes plant organs to change their direction of growth. For example, when a vine wraps around a structure for support, it is using thigmotropism for growth. On the other hand, plants also use thigmotropism for defense and reproduction. For instance, the Venus flytrap closes its leaves when an insect touches its sensitive trigger hairs, capturing the prey for nutrition and reproduction.
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