MadSci Network: General Biology
Query:

Re: Is it hypothetically possible for a 2-dimensional creature to exist?

Date: Tue Dec 29 20:24:43 1998
Posted By: Mark Sheler, Secondary School Teacher, Biology, Physics, Sandusky Community Schools
Area of science: General Biology
ID: 914307772.Gb
Message:

In answering your question about whether or not a two-dimensional creature 
could exist, I have two ways of answering. First, it is hypothetically 
possible for anything to exist, because this means in argument only. In 
other words, we can imagine anything we want to. I think you mean more than 
that. I also assume you are talking about a 2-dimensional creature 
actually existing in our world or universe. So here we go. 
     There have been many attempts at understanding other dimensions. There 
is a great book written many years ago by a mathematician titled, 
"Flatland". It is only small book, yet packed with a ton of neat 
thoughts. If this area intrigues you, you must read this. Carl Sagan refers 
to the 'Flatlanders' in his book "Cosmos". This is also an excellent 
reference to the dimensional problems I will mention.
     The problem is we cannot get to a 2-dimensional world, nor can 
wee see any creatures from less dimensions than our own. The physical 
limitations of living creatures necessitates 3-dimensions. Let me explain: 
Our world has length, width, and depth. If we were to imagine a creature in 
our own world that has no thickness (depth), then we could not see them at 
all, because there would not be anything to look at in that direction. The 
creature could not have any living cells in it, because cells as we know 
them, must have thickness. This is just a small part of the problem in 
trying to imagine a 2-dimensional. 
     If you want to know if a 2-dimensional creature could exist at all 
- anywhere in the universe? Well, I'm sorry, I cannot answer that. There 
are some things that only make sense in science fiction or in math books. 
Keep pondering. I hope I've helped.


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