/ / What is symmetry, or how does nature help the inhabitants of the planet

What is symmetry, or how does nature help the inhabitants of the planet

About what is symmetry, we all know morefrom school years. Teachers of the initial geometry explained this concept in detail to us on examples of a circle, a square or less symmetrical triangle and an oval. However, in addition to dry definition, symmetry, along with the golden section, 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 consider how the existence of symmetry helps us.

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 one. Symmetry - the location of one or more objects in proportion or in harmony with each other. As a rule, in order to determine whether parts of one whole are symmetric, an imaginary mirror plane is built between them. It can be unique, as well as grow in quantity. The parts of the object must be mirror images of each other in these planes. If they perfectly correspond to this statement, then you can clearly see what symmetry is.

The element is most accurately definedthe doctrine of crystals, since they are all perfectly symmetrical. In addition, symmetry is found in the structure of plants, mirror planes are divided into several identical parts of the branch, 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 hold a vertical mirror plane (here it can only be single), then the two parts will be symmetrical. Thus, symmetry in nature and in practice, rather than just in geometry, has become widespread enough.

symmetry in nature and in practice

Discoveries of paleontologists forced scientiststo 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 can not 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

Consider, for example, two eyes. Thanks to them, man and animal can look at the surrounding world as a three-dimensional space. They can determine how close or far away a particular object is from them. It should be noted how useful binocular vision is for predators, because without it they can not catch prey, which means their survival will be in question. Do not stand aside and herbivores, their eyes are located on both sides of the head, which allows them to fully inspect the area around them. This greatly reduces their chances of becoming prey to a predator. Two ears allow not only to hear the sound, but also to determine its source. Two legs help to move smoothly, without losing balance.

Thus, speaking about what is symmetry, one can not bypass its useful qualities. After all, if nature did not reward us with them, then our existence would have stopped long ago.

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