Radial vs. Bilateral Symmetry

Symmetry is the arrangement of body parts such that they can be divided equally along an imaginary line or axis. Considering various organisms’ different shapes and orientations, scientists have developed three basic types of symmetry – radial, bilateral, or asymmetrical.

Radial symmetry is the arrangement of body parts around a central axis. It is similar to the sun’s rays or a sliced pie. Radially symmetrical organisms have a top and a bottom surface. However, they do not have left or right sides and separate front or rear portions.

In contrast, bilateral symmetry is a body arrangement that divides the organism into two halves through a sagittal plane. The two halves, left and right, are mirror images. Animals with bilateral symmetry have a head (anterior) and tail (posterior), front (dorsal) and back (ventral), and right and left sides.

Again, in the phylum Porifera (sponges), organisms have no body symmetry and are thus called asymmetrical. These groups of animals share a simple body plan. Sponges have no brains, nerve cells, or organs. Some fish species, like flounder, also lack symmetry as they become adults.

What is the Difference between Radial and Bilateral Symmetry

Basis	Radial Symmetry	Bilateral Symmetry
Division into Left and Right Sides	Divides the body into multiple identical halves around the central axis	Divides the body into 2 identical halves (right and left) along the central axis, the sagittal plane
Arrangement of Similar Body Parts	Similar body parts are arranged in a similar manner around the central axis	Similar body parts are arranged in the same way on both sides equally
Examples	Jellyfish, starfish, sea urchin, and sea anemone	Humans, insects, orchids, and flowers
Habitat of Organisms	1. All are found in water (marine organisms) 2. Less common in animals than bilateral symmetry	1. Found in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats 2. More common in animals than radial symmetry
Characteristics of Organisms	1. Have many lines of symmetry 2. Have a top and a bottom region but do not have a front or back or distinctive left and right sides. 3. Have a side with the mouth (oral side) and a side without the mouth (aboral side) 4. Move slowly, primarily sessile. 5. Animals can obtain food or evade predators coming from any direction	1. Have one line of symmetry 2. Have a different head (anterior) and tail (posterior) region 3. Have a top (dorsal) and bottom (ventral) side 4. Move more quickly than animals with a radially symmetrical body plan 5. Animals can obtain food or evade predators coming only from the front
6. Advantages in Organisms	Have poor eyesight and hearing than those with bilateral symmetry	Have better eyesight and hearing than those with radial symmetry
6. Development of Head	It is rare in front of the body	It is commonly found in front of the body

Conclusion