Definitions
- Describing an organism or structure that has distinct upper and lower surfaces. - Referring to a plant leaf that has a top and bottom side with different structures and functions. - Talking about an animal that has a dorsal (back) side and a ventral (belly) side.
- Describing an organism or structure that can be divided into two equal halves along a central axis. - Referring to an animal that has a left and right side that are mirror images of each other. - Talking about a flower that has two identical halves.
List of Similarities
- 1Both terms describe the physical characteristics of organisms or structures.
- 2Both terms refer to a type of symmetry.
- 3Both terms have scientific applications.
- 4Both terms are used to describe living things.
What is the difference?
- 1Orientation: Dorsiventral refers to upper and lower surfaces, while bilateral refers to left and right sides.
- 2Symmetry: Dorsiventral describes asymmetrical structures, while bilateral describes symmetrical structures.
- 3Function: Dorsiventral is often used to describe plants, while bilateral is more commonly used to describe animals.
- 4Division: Dorsiventral divides an organism or structure into top and bottom, while bilateral divides an organism or structure into left and right.
- 5Appearance: Dorsiventral emphasizes the difference between the upper and lower surfaces, while bilateral emphasizes the similarity between the left and right sides.
Remember this!
Dorsiventral and bilateral are both terms used to describe the physical characteristics of organisms or structures. However, the difference between the two is their orientation and symmetry. Dorsiventral refers to structures that have distinct upper and lower surfaces, while bilateral refers to structures that can be divided into two equal halves along a central axis.
