One of the
things that scientists concern themselves with is symmetry. Symmetry is found
in nature, in biology, in chemistry, in physics, and in art. Symmetrical things
seem pleasing to the human mind. They strike a chord with us.
Scientists
(ever the categorizers) are not just content with noting that something is
symmetrical, but how is it symmetrical. What type of symmetry does it have? They
also include more esoteric concepts of symmetry that have nothing to do with
physical shape. We say that human bodies are symmetrical. And if we are
symmetrical, that must make it a good thing right?
If something is
symmetrical, you can slice it in two right down the middle and each half will
be the mirror image of the other. The specific type of symmetry that humans
have is called bilateral symmetry. This means you can only slice us in two
along one specific plane to get that mirror image. Slice us any other place,
divide us any other way, and it will not work. So, humans are bilaterally
symmetrical as are almost all vertebrates. One hand or wing or fin matched on
either side seems like a good plan. It has functional as well as aesthetic
value. The two halves do not have to be exact mirror copies. You can have a mole or a
bump on one side that is not reflected on the other; it is still close enough
to call it bilaterally symmetrical.
A starfish can
be bisected by multiple lines or planes that would produce mirror images, not
just the one of bilateral symmetry, but ten. A sphere can be divided by an
infinite number of planes.
Molecules can
have symmetry, and that can determine how they arrange themselves with other
molecules to make crystals or biological workhorses.
We are drawn to
symmetry. Our brains seem to be wired for symmetry. We like our cars, our
tables, our gardens, and our pets to be symmetrical (maybe that’s why goldfish
are more popular than flounders, and almost nobody has a pet slime mold).
The world and
the universe seem to give preference to symmetrical forms, from the macro to the
micro. Why? Is there some physical law that favors symmetry? Some offshoot of
the four forces. Or maybe there is an unknown fifth force: the force of
symmetry! Perhaps if we ever define a true grand unified field theory, we will
know. Until then I guess we can just appreciate it. We seem destined to.
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