MadSci Network: General Biology |
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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