What is radial symmetry? Give an example.

Radial symmetry is a type of symmetry found in certain organisms and objects where similar body parts or features are arranged around a central axis in a circular or radial pattern. In other words, if you were to draw lines from the center of the object to its outer edges, the resulting sections would be identical or nearly identical to one another. This symmetry is commonly observed in various organisms and some man-made objects.

An example of radial symmetry can be found in a sea star (also known as a starfish). Sea stars typically have five arms that radiate outward from a central point. These arms are generally identical in terms of their structure and arrangement, making the sea star an example of pentaradial symmetry, where body parts are organized in multiples of five around a central axis.

Another example can be seen in the layout of flower petals. Many flowers, such as sunflowers and daisies, exhibit radial symmetry. The petals are arranged in a circular pattern around the center of the flower, and you can draw multiple lines of symmetry that pass through the center, dividing the flower into identical or very similar sections.

Radial symmetry is an adaptation that often helps organisms capture food, sense their environment from multiple directions, and respond to stimuli from various angles. It contrasts with bilateral symmetry, which is another common type of symmetry where an organism's body can be divided into two similar halves along a single plane, like a human body.