Maths in Nature

Symmetry:

Many mathematical principles are based on ideals, and apply to an abstract, perfect world. This world is reflected in the imperfect physical world, such as in the approximate symmetry of a human face divided by an axis along the nose.

Fibonacci sequence:

Leonardo Fibonacci described the Fibonacci sequence of numbers using an exemple of a breeding population of rabbits. Each rabbit pair produces an another pair every month, taking one month to mature, and giving the sequence: 0,1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21...

Each number in the sequence is the sum of the previous two numbers.

Example: Romanesco Broccoli

This variant form of cauliflower is the ultimate fractal vegetable. Its pattern is a natural representation of the Fibonacci or golden spiral.

Golden ratio:

The ratio of consecutive numbers in the Fibonacci sequence approches a famous number, named the "Golden ratio", or "phi" (=1.618033989...). This ratio can be seen in many human architectures (Parthenon) , and plant life (sunflower).

Snowflakes:

Crystallizing water forms repeating patterns in snowflakes and on frosty surfaces.