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Multiple Choice
What should animals with radial symmetry be better able to do than those with bilateral symmetry?
A
Detect stimuli equally well from all directions
B
Move rapidly in a single, forward direction
C
Develop specialized head regions (cephalization)
D
Segment their bodies into repeating units
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of radial symmetry: Animals with radial symmetry have body parts arranged around a central axis, like spokes on a wheel. This symmetry allows them to interact with their environment equally from all directions.
Compare radial symmetry to bilateral symmetry: Animals with bilateral symmetry have a distinct left and right side, as well as a head and tail region. This symmetry is associated with directional movement and cephalization (development of a head region).
Analyze the advantages of radial symmetry: Since radial symmetry allows for equal distribution of sensory structures around the body, animals with this trait are better equipped to detect stimuli from all directions, which is beneficial for stationary or slow-moving organisms.
Evaluate the options provided: Detecting stimuli equally well from all directions aligns with the advantages of radial symmetry. The other options, such as moving rapidly in a single direction, developing specialized head regions, or segmenting their bodies, are traits more commonly associated with bilateral symmetry.
Conclude that animals with radial symmetry are better suited to detect stimuli equally well from all directions, as this is the primary advantage of their body plan.