The topic is "maths in nature"...and I want something UNIQUE...other than the much cliched stuff on symmetry or bacteria growth etc.....I would really appreciate ypur opinion. Thank you
2007-07-12 05:51:45 · 3 answers · asked by Butool H 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
Fibonacci spiral
If you construct a series of squares with lengths equal to the Fibonacci numbers (1,1,2,3,5, etc) and trace a line through the diagonals of each square, it forms a Fibonacci spiral. Many examples of the Fibonacci spiral can be seen in nature, including in the chambers of a nautilus shell.
Golden ratio (phi)
The ratio of consecutive numbers in the Fibonacci sequence approaches a number known as the golden ratio, or phi (=1.618033989...). The aesthetically appealing ratio is found in much human architecture and plant life. A Golden Spiral formed in a manner similar to the Fibonacci spiral can be found by tracing the seeds of a sunflower from the centre outwards.
Geometric sequence
Bacteria such as Shewanella oneidensis multiply by doubling their population in size after as little as 40 minutes. A geometric sequence such as this, where each number is double the previous number [or f(n+1) = 2 f(n)] produces a rapid increase in the population in a very short time.
Uniqueness, proofs
Proofs are the tools used to find the rules that define maths. One such proof is by counter example - find one duplicated snowflake, like Nancy Knight of the US National Center for Atmospheric Research did while studying cloud climatology, and the theory of snowflake uniqueness disappears into the clouds. The theory may have originated from Wilson Bentley's extraordinary feat photographing over 5000 snowflakes in the 1930s. He found no two alike.
gud luck!
2007-07-14 04:20:03 · answer #1 · answered by Kulsoom H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How about the exponential population growth of humans? I'm sure you can find reliable population stats and educated guessed about past population numbers. You could also do a future projection using exponential growth and do a little bit on what that might mean for the planet, etc.
2007-07-12 05:57:26 · answer #2 · answered by Lady Geologist 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe something with the Fibonacci Sequence- I've seen swirl patterns in sunflower seeds, the Nautilus shell, bee genealogy. It might not be original, but it will look like you've looked it up and that can be impressive to teachers. BTW- I love the UK influence on the word "maths"
2007-07-12 06:27:57 · answer #3 · answered by millie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋