In animals, contractile forces generated by muscles, together with bones and joints, drive various movements such as bending, stretching, and twisting. By contrast, plant movements primarily rely on the gain and/or loss of pushing forces exerted by cells and tissues.

Movement in Animals
Animals exhibit various forms of movement primarily for survival, including:
- Locomotion: Animals can move from one place to another using limbs, fins, or wings. For example, fish swim, birds fly, and mammals walk or run.
- Response to Stimuli: Animals can react quickly to environmental changes, such as fleeing from predators or seeking food. This rapid movement is often controlled by a nervous system.
- Voluntary and Involuntary Movement: Animals can choose to move (voluntary) or react automatically (involuntary), like a heart beating.
- Muscular System: Movement is facilitated by muscles that contract and relax, allowing for a wide range of actions, from simple to complex maneuvers.
Movement in Plants
Plants exhibit movement differently, often slower and less noticeable:
- Growth Movement: Plants grow towards light (phototropism) and roots grow downwards (gravitropism). These movements are not rapid but are crucial for survival.
- Response to Stimuli: Plants respond to environmental changes, like closing flowers at night or opening them during the day. However, these movements occur over longer periods.
- Types of Movement: Movements can be classified as turgor movements (like the opening and closing of leaves) and growth movements (like the bending of stems).
- Absence of Muscular System: Unlike animals, plants lack muscles and rely on cell growth and water pressure (turgor pressure) for movement.
Comparison Summary
In summary, the movement in animals is characterized by speed and complexity, driven by a muscular system and nervous responses. In contrast, plant movement is generally slower, growth-oriented, and relies on environmental cues without a muscular system.