Mathematics in Nature
The Fibonacci Sequence:
Named for the famous mathematician, Leonardo Fibonacci, this number sequence is a simple, yet profound pattern.
Based on Fibonacci’s ‘rabbit problem,’ this sequence begins with the numbers 1 and 1, and then each subsequent number is found by adding the two previous numbers. Therefore, after 1 and 1, the next number is 2 (1+1). The next number is 3 (1+2) and then 5 (2+3) and so on
The few examples include the number of spirals in a pine cone, pineapple or seeds in a sunflower, or the number of petals on a flower.
The numbers in this sequence also form a a unique shape known as a Fibonacci spiral, which again, we see in nature in the form of shells and the shape of hurricanes.
Hexagons in Nature:
Another of nature’s geometric wonders is the hexagon. A regular hexagon has 6 sides of equal length, and this shape is seen again and again in the world around us.
The most common example of nature using hexagons is in a bee hive.
Bees build their hive using a tessellation of hexagons.
We also see hexagons in the bubbles that make up a raft bubble. Although we usually think of bubbles as round, when many bubbles get pushed together on the surface of water, they take the shape of hexagons
Concentric Circles in Nature:
Another common shape in nature is a set of concentric circles. Concentric means the circles all share the same center, but have different radii. This means the circles are all different sizes, one inside the other.
A common example is in the ripples of a pond when something hits the surface of the water. But we also see concentric circles in the layers of an onion and the rings of trees that form as it grows and ages.
Math in Outer Space:
Moving away from planet earth, we can also see many of these same mathematical features in outer space.
For instance, the shape of our galaxy is a Fibonacci spiral. The planets orbit the sun on paths that are concentric. We also see concentric circles in the rings of Saturn.
But we also see a unique symmetry in outer space that is unique (as far as scientists can tell) and that is the symmetry between the earth, moon and sun that makes a solar eclipse possible.
Youtube link: https://youtu.be/Ig9RUaJe00c
