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In math class, how would you explain an object that had symmetry in the context of plants and animals?

a. An object with symmetry has two identical halves.
b. An object with symmetry is perfectly round.
c. An object with symmetry is always colorful.
d. An object with symmetry is unique and irregular.

User SwapsCAPS
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Final answer:

In biology, symmetry relates to how an organism's body is arranged. Asymmetrical organisms like sponges have no distinct symmetry, radial symmetry like in sea anemones involves multiple symmetry planes around a central axis, and bilateral symmetry like in goats involves a single mirror plane dividing the body into right and left halves.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of plants and animals, an object with symmetry generally refers to how an organism’s body is arranged across planes. Starting with asymmetrical organisms, like sponges, they cannot be split into identical halves as they have no distinct pattern of symmetry. On the other end, organisms with radial symmetry, such as sea anemones, have body parts arranged around a central axis and can be divided into mirror-image halves through multiple planes following this axis. The most familiar type may be bilateral symmetry, characterizing organisms like goats, which means an object can be divided into two symmetrical parts across a unique plane, sometimes referred to as a mirror plane. In the example of bilateral symmetry, this division creates halves that are mirror images, with a definite right and left side, and is often associated with efficient locomotion and placement of sensory organs. On the contrary, the radial symmetry seen in jellyfish allows an organism to interact with its environment equally from all directions.

User Pepijn Gieles
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