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Symmetry

 


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.

Star Liner

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