What is the difference between radial symmetry and bilateral symmetry?
Radial symmetry and bilateral symmetry are two different types of symmetry found in living organisms.
Radial symmetry is a type of symmetry where an organism can be divided into multiple equal parts, usually radiating out from a central point. This means that any plane passing through the central point will create two identical halves. Organisms with radial symmetry, such as jellyfish and sea anemones, often have a circular or cylindrical shape and display symmetry along any plane passing through their central axis.
Bilateral symmetry, on the other hand, is a type of symmetry where an organism can be divided into two equal halves along a single plane, called the sagittal plane. This means that the left and right sides of the organism are mirror images of each other. Organisms with bilateral symmetry, such as humans and butterflies, have a distinct front and back, as well as a top and bottom. This type of symmetry is associated with animals that have a clear direction of movement and often have specialized sensory organs, such as eyes and limbs.
To determine the difference between radial and bilateral symmetry, you can observe the organism's overall shape and how its body parts are arranged. Look for a central point or axis in the organism's body. If the organism has multiple equal parts radiating out from this central point, it has radial symmetry. If the organism has two mirror-image halves along a single plane, it has bilateral symmetry.
Radial symmetry can divide into similar halves regardless of orientation of division, e.g., starfish.
Bilateral symmetry divides into two symmetrical sides only when divided from head to tail.