Patterns in Nature

Symmetry
- Mirror image
- Equal shape and size when folded.
- Can be reflective and rotational.
o Reflective – one half of an image of the other half
 Human baody – there is perfect symmetry
 Butterfly wings
o Rotational/Radial – can be turned around a center point

Fractals
- Never-ending pattern
- Dynamic systems
- Self-similar across different scales

Spirals
- Coiled or curved pattern that focuses on a center point
o Examples – pine cones, pineapples, hurricanes, Fibonacci sequence

Waves
- Disurbances travel by means of air or water
o Examples- Dunes, ocean wave

Tesellations
- Pattern of shapes that fit perfectly together
o Examples – honeycomb, fish scales, tessellated pavement

Cracks
- Openings that develop in material to release stress
- Indicates whether the material is elastic or not