What is symmetry, or how nature helps the inhabitants of the planet

What is symmetry, or how nature helps the inhabitants of the planet
What is symmetry, or how nature helps the inhabitants of the planet

Video: What is symmetry, or how nature helps the inhabitants of the planet

Video: What is symmetry, or how nature helps the inhabitants of the planet
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We all know about what symmetry is since school years. Teachers of elementary geometry explained this concept to us in detail using the examples of a circle, a square, or less symmetrical triangles and ovals. However, in addition to a dry definition, symmetry, along with the golden ratio, occupies an important place in nature. The existence of its bilateral significance in living organisms has been noted for a very long time. Now we will look at how the existence of symmetry helps us.

what is symmetry
what is symmetry

What is symmetry? The word itself came to us from the Greek language, and it means proportionality. Dictionaries interpret this meaning in different ways, but the essence is the same. Symmetry - the arrangement of one or more objects in proportion or harmoniously to each other. As a rule, in order to determine whether the parts of one whole are symmetrical, an imaginary mirror plane is built between them. It can be the only one, as well as grow in number. Parts of the object should be mirror images of each other in these planes. If they are perfectcorrespond to this statement, then you can clearly see what symmetry is.

The doctrine of crystals most accurately determines the element in question, since they are all perfectly symmetrical. In addition, symmetry is found in the structure of plants, the mirror planes are divided into several identical parts by branches, flowers, their organs and parts. Animals and people are also not deprived of it, but to a lesser extent, and it is called bilateral, that is, bilateral. For example, if you draw a vertical mirror plane (it can only be the only one here), then the two parts will be symmetrical. Thus, symmetry has become quite widespread in nature and in practice, and not only in geometry.

symmetry in nature and in practice
symmetry in nature and in practice

The discoveries of paleontologists have forced scientists to reconsider their previous opinions. The fact is that the appearance of bilateral symmetry is noted 40 million years earlier than expected. This suggests that nature created more adapted multicellular creatures long before the first inclinations of man appeared. It cannot be said that the latter acquired all the positive elements that bilateral symmetry could give him, but without them he could not survive.

bilateral symmetry
bilateral symmetry

Consider, for example, two eyes. Thanks to them, a person and an animal can look at the world around them as a three-dimensional space. They can determine how close or far a certain object is from them. Not to mention how usefulbinocular vision for predators, because without it they will not be able to catch prey, which means that their survival will remain in question. Herbivores do not stand aside either, their eyes are located on both sides of the head, which allows them to fully inspect the area around them. This significantly reduces their chances of becoming prey to predators. Two ears allow not only to hear the sound, but also to determine its source. Two legs help you move smoothly without losing your balance.

Thus, speaking about what symmetry is, one cannot ignore its useful qualities. After all, if nature had not rewarded us with them, then our existence would have ceased long ago.

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