Question

Radial symmetry is typically found in aquatic organisms. What is radial symmetry and why is it advantageous to certain aquatic organisms?

a) Radial symmetry allows movement in one direction; advantageous for efficient swimming.
b) Radial symmetry enables streamlined shapes; advantageous for reduced drag in water.
c) Radial symmetry allows for efficient feeding; advantageous for capturing prey.
d) Radial symmetry ensures structural stability; advantageous for buoyancy control.

Answer 1

Radial symmetry is the arrangement of body parts around a central axis, found in aquatic organisms. It equips these organisms to experience the environment equally from all directions, which is advantageous for capturing prey and efficient feeding.

Step-by-step explanation:

Radial symmetry is the arrangement of body parts around a central axis, resulting in animals having top and bottom surfaces but no left and right sides or front and back. This form of symmetry is typically found in aquatic organisms, including jellyfish and sea anemones. Radial symmetry equips these organisms to experience the environment equally from all directions, which is advantageous for capturing prey and efficient feeding.