Sunflowers have been observed to exhibit seemingly random movements as they grow.

Sunflowers have been observed to exhibit seemingly random movements as they grow. However, these movements actually optimize how much light each plant receives, allowing them to work together for the benefit of the entire group. The motion of the plants' roots and shoots minimizes shade in crowded environments, ensuring that all sunflowers receive sufficient light to grow. While this plant motion, known as circumnutation, has been known for centuries, its purpose has always been elusive. According to Yasmine Meroz, "In climbing plants, it’s clear that it’s a search process, searching for a new stick to twine on. But in other plants, it’s not clear if it’s a bug or a feature."