body plans

Noun

body plan (plural body plans)

1. The morphological features common to a group of (typically, related) animals.
   • In a radiate body plan, as shown by a star-fish, the body is composed on the principle of converging rays, the antimeres; each of the latter is bilaterally symmetrical, with a distinction between dorsal and ventral, and contains a series of "organs"; and each of these organs has its minor parts.1902, Thomas H. Montgomery, Jr., “On Phylogenetic Classification”, in Contributions from the Zoological Laboratory of the University of Pennsylvania, page 212
2. A model used in the construction of a boat or ship, composed to transverse sections perpendicular to the keel.
   • The middle line of the body plan, or fore perpendicular, is drawn square to the base, and the half siding of the stem and stern-post on each side of it.1869, Richard W. Meade, A Treatise on Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding, page 201
3. A scheme of diet and exercise designed to maintain a healthy body.
   • The first day of your pure body plan should be a Friday.1987, Leslie Kenton, The Ten Day Pure Body Plan, page 14