Question

Explain some of the advantages brought about through the evolution of bilateral symmetry and coelom formation.

a) Bilateral symmetry allows animals to have a clear head-to-tail orientation; coelom provides space for organ development.
b) Bilateral symmetry helps with efficient movement; coelom enhances reproductive capabilities.
c) Bilateral symmetry aids in camouflage; coelom prevents infections.
d) Bilateral symmetry facilitates feeding; coelom is essential for sensory perception.

Answer 1

Bilateral symmetry allows for directional movement and cephalization, while the coelom provides a cushioned space for internal organs, promotes nutrient circulation, and enhances motility.

Step-by-step explanation:

The evolutionary advancements of bilateral symmetry and the formation of a coelom have numerous advantages for animals. Bilateral symmetry enables animals to have distinct and opposite sides with a single plane of symmetry, which allows for efficient, directional movement and the development of cephalization - the concentration of nerve tissues and sensory organs at the anterior end, typically forming a head.

The coelom is an internal body cavity found in triploblastic animals (those with three germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm). It offers a protected space for internal organs, permits organ movement and growth, and also facilitates the circulation of fluids, thus aiding in nutrient transport and shock absorption. Additionally, the presence of the coelom contributes to a more complex and flexible body structure, which improves overall animal motility.