A body plan in which parts are arranged around a central axis, like spokes on a wheel, so the organism can be divided into similar sections from multiple angles. This is seen in animals like jellyfish and sea stars.
From Latin 'radius' (spoke of a wheel, ray) and Greek 'symmetria' (measured together). The term developed in the 19th century as biologists classified different types of body organization in the animal kingdom.
Radial symmetry is perfect for animals that don't move much or move in all directions equally! Sea anemones can catch food from any direction, and jellyfish can pulse through water without needing to 'steer' like fish with bilateral symmetry do.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.