Which term refers to an anatomical feature without distinct right and left sides?

Study for your DIVE Biology Quarterly Exam 3. Prepare with engaging quizzes, flashcards, and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

Radial symmetry refers to an anatomical feature that does not have distinct right and left sides, instead exhibiting symmetry around a central axis. This is commonly observed in organisms such as jellyfish and starfish, which can be divided into similar halves along multiple planes that pass through the central point. This type of symmetry allows for the organism to interact with the environment from all sides, which is advantageous in many aquatic habitats.

Bilateral symmetry, on the other hand, is characterized by having distinct right and left sides, making it applicable to organisms like humans and many animals where a single plane divides them into mirrored halves. The terms dorsal and ventral orientation refer to anatomical positions or surfaces (back and belly, respectively) and do not relate to the symmetry of the organism's structure. Thus, radial symmetry aligns properly with the description of an anatomical feature lacking distinct sides.

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