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In addition to animals, the flowers of some plants also show bilateral symmetry. Such plants are referred to as zygomorphic and include the orchid (Orchidaceae) and pea families, and most of the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae). [18] [19] The leaves of plants also commonly show approximate bilateral symmetry.
Examples are orchids and the flowers of most members of the Lamiales (e.g., Scrophulariaceae and Gesneriaceae). Some authors prefer the term monosymmetry or bilateral symmetry. [1] The asymmetry allows pollen to be deposited in specific locations on pollinating insects and this specificity can result in evolution of new species. [2]
Animals mainly have bilateral or mirror symmetry, as do the leaves of plants and some flowers such as orchids. [30] Plants often have radial or rotational symmetry, as do many flowers and some groups of animals such as sea anemones. Fivefold symmetry is found in the echinoderms, the group that includes starfish, sea urchins, and sea lilies. [31]
English: Illustrating different forms of symmetry in biology - the three main forms (bilateral, radial and spherical). Cartoon form generated using shapes from biorender. To be used in the symmetry in biology page.
The flowers called actinomorphics, radiate or polysymmetric have radial symmetry, as is the case of Tulipa gesneriana or Linum usitatissimum . In contrast, monosymmetrica l, dorsiventral or zygomorphic flowers have bilateral symmetry and the evolution of their shape is related to the need to attract and guide pollinators to them, as for example ...
A normal (left) and a peloric Streptocarpus showing the bilateral to radial symmetry alteration.. Pelorism has been of interest since a five-spurred variety of the common toad-flax (Linaria vulgaris L.) was first discovered in 1742 by a young Uppsala botanist on an island in the Stockholm archipelago and then in 1744 described by Carl Linnaeus.
Actinomorphic – having a radial symmetry, as in regular flowers. Actinomorphy – when the flower parts are arranged with radial symmetry. Radial – symmetric when bisected through any angle (circular) Unisexual – Zygomorphic – one axis of symmetry running down the middle of the flower so the right and left halves reflect each other.
To the contrary, plants in the Mimosoideae subfamily of legumes have the petals reduced, and have numerous stamens arranged in showy spikes. In the Caesalpinioideae subfamily of legumes the upper petal is initially enveloped by the lateral petals, before the petals unfold to assume a radial five-fold symmetry. [9]