Skip to main content

Why are human bodies asymmetrical? - Leo Q. Wan

1,170,603 Views

4,927 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

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.

Explain how the body asymmetry is established, from the molecular level to the organ level.

Sign in to answer question

About TED-Ed Animations

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

More from Getting Under Our Skin