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How does an ascending melodic minor scale differ from a descending melodic minor scale?

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scale The universality and innate nature of music, and the pentatonic scale, as demonstrated by singer Bobby McFerrin.

The melodic minor scale is unique among minor scales because it utilizes different interval patterns depending on whether the melody is moving upward or downward.1

Ascending: The ascending melodic minor scale features a lowered third tone, followed by a sequence of a whole step, a half step, four whole steps, and a final half step. In the key of C, this results in the notes C-D-E♭-F-G-A-B-C.1
Descending: The descending melodic minor scale is identical to the natural minor scale. It follows the pattern of the natural minor, which in C minor results in the notes C-B♭-A♭-G-F-E♭-D-C.21

By raising the sixth and seventh degrees while ascending, the scale avoids the augmented second interval found in the harmonic minor scale, creating a smoother melodic line, while reverting to the natural minor form when descending.1