Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

body-plan

noun

/ˈbɒdi plæn/

Definition

The specific physical structure and arrangement of the various parts of an organism.

Examples

Many animals share a similar body-plan, which helps researchers understand their evolutionary relationships.
The body-plan of a jellyfish is vastly different from that of a vertebrate like a frog.
Insects exhibit a specific body-plan characterized by three main segments: the head, thorax, and abdomen.

Meaning

A body-plan refers to the overall layout and design of an organism’s body. It encompasses aspects such as symmetry, segmentation, and the arrangement of limbs and organs.