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The science of symmetry - Colm Kelleher

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5,708 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

When you hear the word symmetry, you might think generally of triangles, butterflies, or even ballerinas. But defined scientifically, symmetry is “a transformation that leaves an object unchanged.” Huh? Colm Kelleher unpacks this abstract term and explains how animals' distinct symmetries can tell us more about them -- and ourselves.

Pentraradial symmetry is ________.

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Meet The Creators

  • Educator Colm Kelleher
  • Director Andrew Foerster
  • Artist Sarah Pedro
  • Script Editor Emma Bryce
  • Narrator Colm Kelleher

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