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Why are human bodies asymmetrical? - Leo Q. Wan

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TEDEd Animation

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Symmetry is everywhere in nature. And we usually associate it with beauty: a perfectly shaped leaf or a butterfly with intricate patterns mirrored on each wing. But it turns out that asymmetry is pretty important, too — and more common than you might think. Leo Q. Wan takes us into the human body to show how biological asymmetry can be quite beautiful.

At the node, towards which direction does the fluid flow, leading to the asymmetric positioning of internal organs?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Leo Q. Wan
  • Script Editor Eleanor Nelsen
  • Director Esteban Valdez
  • Producer David Leatherwood
  • Animator Meike Groh, Zaul Rodriguez
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

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