MATH IN THE MODERN WORLD

Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation

College of Business and Accountancy
Lucena City

Patterns in Nature

Prepared by
RALYN E BERMUDEZ
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• Think of any number from 1 to 10

• Double the number

• Add 10

• Halve it (divide by 2)

• Take away the number you originally thought of in Step 1

• I bet your answer is 5

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Math in Nature

• Patterns in nature are visible regularities of form found in the natural

world. These patterns recur in different contexts and are modelled
mathematically. Natural patterns include symmetries, trees, spirals,
meanders, waves, foams, arrays, cracks and stripes. Early Greek
philosophers studied these patterns, with Plato, Pythagoras and
Empedocles attempting to explain order in nature. The modern
understanding of visible patterns developed gradually over time.

“The laws of nature are but the mathematical thoughts of

God”
- Euclid -
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Math in Nature

• Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry can explain patterns in nature

at different levels.

• Patterns in living things are explained by the biological processes

of natural and sexual selection.

• Studies of patter formation make use of computer models to simulate

a wide range of patterns.
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Patterns in Nature
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Symmetry

• Symmetry is the property of points to be

at the same distance from a point of a line or
a plane.

• Animals mainly have bilateral or mirror

symmetry, as do the leaves of plants and
some flowers such as orchids.

• Plants often have radial or rotational

symmetry
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Symmetry
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Symmetry

Rotational symmetry
6-fold Symmetry

Radial symmetry.
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Fractals

• A fractal is a never-ending pattern. Fractals are infinitely complex

patterns that are self-similar across different scales.

• They are created by repeating a simple process over and over in an

ongoing feedback loop. Driven by recursion, fractals are images of
dynamic systems – the pictures of Chaos.

• Fractals are infinitely similar, iterated mathematical constructs

having fractal dimensions. Infinite iteration is not possible in nature
so all 'fractal' patterns are only approximate.
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Fractals

• The branching pattern of trees was described in the Italian

Renaissance by Leonardo da Vinci

All the branches of a tree at every stage of its

height when put together are equal in
thickness to the trunk [below them].
- Leonardo da Vinci -
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Fractals
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Fractals

• .
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Fractals

• .

Copper in microscope
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Spirals

• A spiral is a curved pattern that

focuses on a center point and a
series of circular shapes that
revolve around it.

• Examples of spirals are pine

cones, pineapples, hurricanes.

• The reason for why plants use

a spiral form is because they are
constantly trying to grow but stay
secure.
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Spirals

• .
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Spirals

• .
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Spirals

• .
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Waves/Dunes

• Waves are disturbances that carry

energy as they move.
Wind waves are created as wind
passes over a large body of water,
creating patterns or ripples.

• When wind passes over land, it

creates dunes. Dunes may form a
range of patterns as well.
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Waves/Dunes

• .
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Tessellations

• Tessellation is the process of

creating a two-dimensional plane
using repeated geometric shapes,
without gaps or overlapping.

• These are patterns formed by

repeating tiles all over a flat
surface.
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Tessellations

• .
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Tessellations

• .
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Tessellations

• .
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Spots, Stripes

• Patterns abound in nature, from zebra stripes and leopard spots to

honeycombs and bands of clouds. Somehow, these patterns form
and organize all by themselves. ... The model suggests that as two
interacting chemicals spread out, they could arrange themselves
as stripes, spots or other designs
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Meanders

• A meander pattern includes a series of

regular sinuous curves, bends, loops,
turns, or windings in the channel of a
river, stream, or other watercourse.

• When a river shifts its channel within a

valley or it swings from side to side as it
flows across its floodplain it produces
as meander pattern.