“Is God a mathematician? Certainly the universe seems to be reliably understood using mathematics. Nature is mathematics.” (Pickover, 2009)
Mathsisfun.com. (2017).Fibonacci Sequence. [online] Available at: https://www.mathsisfun.com/numbers/fibonacci-sequence.html [Accessed 3 Nov. 2017
Throughout this module, there has been a reoccurring theme that maths is everywhere. In our input with Anna, we were introduced to the Italian mathematician Fibonacci. Fibonacci is known for the creation of many sequences, with the golden spiral being his most famous discovery. This particular sequence starts at 0 then 1 then you add the two numbers before you get the next number in the sequence; 0 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144 and so on. Fibonacci discovered that if he used squares with this sequence, it would make the perfect spiral.
Fibonacci’s golden spiral can be seen throughout nature, sunflowers is a clear example of this theory. The spirals of the seed pattern of the sunflower contain Fibonacci’s sequence. But why do the sunflowers abide by Fibonacci’s theory? It has been suggested that the sunflowers can pack the maximum amount of seeds if it follows this particular sequence.
Spiral Galaxies is another example of where Fibonacci’s sequence is apparent. The milky way has several spiralled arms that follow in the Fibonacci sequence. After looking into this, I read about how the spiral galaxies does not fit the theories of astronomers. According to the astronomers, “the radial arms should become curved as the galaxies rotate. Subsequently, after a few rotations, spiral arms should start to wind around a galaxy. But they don’t.” (Planet Dolan, 2017).
Finally, the placement of a flowers petals also follows Fibonacci’s sequence. Examples of this is the lily (3 petals), buttercups (5 petals) and daisy’s which have 34 petals. It is said that the flowers follow the sequence of Fibonacci to maximise their exposure to sunlight, which is obviously beneficial for the flower.
These findings make it apparent that mathematics is purposeful. Whether it maximising sun exposure for a plant, or to maxmise the space within something; mathematics makes it beneficial.
Mathsisfun.com. (2017).Fibonacci Sequence. [online] Available at: https://www.mathsisfun.com/numbers/fibonacci-sequence.html [Accessed 3 Nov. 2017].
Pickover, C. A. (2009) The Math Book from Pythagoras to the 57th Dimension, 250 Milestones in the History of Mathematics. London: Sterling.
Planet Dolan | Obscure Facts About Life. (2017).15 Beautiful Examples of Mathematics in Nature. [online] Available at: http://www.planetdolan.com/15-beautiful-examples-of-mathematics-in-nature/ [Accessed 3 Nov. 2017].
FAQs
In trees, the Fibonacci begins in the growth of the trunk and then spirals outward as the tree gets larger and taller. We also see the golden ratio in their branches as they start off with one trunk which splits into 2, then one of the new branches stems into 2, and this pattern continues.
What is the best example of Fibonacci in nature? ›
The Fibonacci Spiral is seen in nature in many ways such as the shape of a nautilus (seashell), the arrangement of the spirals of a sunflower, and the arrangement of the scales of a pinecone.
Why does the golden ratio appear in nature? ›
If plants want to maximize the exposure of their leaves to the Sun, for example, they ideally need to grow them at non-repeating angles. Having an irrational value guarantees this, so the spirals we see in nature are a consequence of this behavior.
How is Fibonacci used in real life? ›
These numbers are used in various fields such as architecture, art, space exploration, engineering, technology, and computing. The Fibonacci sequence, also known as the golden ratio, is utilized in architectural designs, creating aesthetically pleasing structures 1.
Why is Fibonacci so important? ›
The golden ratio of 1.618 is derived from the Fibonacci sequence. Many things in nature have dimensional properties that adhere to the golden ratio of 1.618. The Fibonacci sequence can be applied to finance by using four techniques including retracements, arcs, fans, and time zones.
What is the golden rule of the Fibonacci sequence? ›
The golden ratio, also known as the golden number, golden proportion, or the divine proportion, is a ratio between two numbers that equals approximately 1.618. Usually written as the Greek letter phi, it is strongly associated with the Fibonacci sequence, a series of numbers wherein each number is added to the last.
What is the God number in nature? ›
The golden ratio is 1.618, represented by the Greek letter 'phi', is said to be is a mathematical connection between two aspects of an object. It is also called the Fibonacci sequence and it can be found across all of nature: plants, animals, weather structures, star systems – it is ever-present in the universe.
Why do plants grow in the Fibonacci sequence? ›
The mathematical make-up of plants
In the case of leaf formation (also known as phyllotaxis), the Fibonacci rule is not just about packing in the maximum number of leaves – it's also thought to help maximise sun exposure in some instances.
Why is pineapple Fibonacci? ›
The pineapple shows the fibonacci sequence as they possess the fibonacci spirals and also have the fibonacci sequence shown in the number of sections there are. Through this we see that the fibonacci sequence is all around us from sunflowers to the curves of waves, we just need to look for them.
What is the magic number found in nature? ›
Mathematicians call it φ or Phi (some pronounce it fee, others rhyme it with pie). It's about 1 to 1.618. You can find the golden ratio all throughout Nature and art.
Faces, both human and nonhuman, abound with examples of the Golden Ratio. The mouth and nose are each positioned at golden sections of the distance between the eyes and the bottom of the chin. Similar proportions can been seen from the side, and even the eye and ear itself.
What animal is the golden ratio in nature? ›
For example, the measurement from the navel to the floor and the top of the head to the navel is the golden ratio. Animal bodies exhibit similar tendencies, including dolphins (the eye, fins and tail all fall at Golden Sections), starfish, sand dollars, sea urchins, ants, and honey bees.
What are three examples of the Fibonacci sequence in nature? ›
This famous pattern shows up everywhere in nature including flowers, pinecones, hurricanes, and even huge spiral galaxies in space. But the Fibonacci sequence doesn't just stop at nature.
How did Fibonacci change the world? ›
Fibonacci is considered to be one of the most talented mathematicians of the Middle Ages. Few people realize that it was Fibonacci that gave the world the decimal number system (Hindu-Arabic numbering system), which replaced the Roman numeral system.
How is math connected to nature? ›
Nature seems to organize itself according to mathematical laws. These laws govern the most intricate designs and systems on Earth and in the cosmos. From the symmetry of a snowflake to the spirals in a galaxy, nature continually shows us that our universe can be understood through the language of mathematics.
How is the golden ratio used in real life? ›
Golden Ratio is one of the most common mathematical ratios in nature. We see this ratio everywhere from majestic landscapes like the Pyramids of Giza and the Mona Lisa to modern-day logos such as Twitter and Pepsi. Golden ratios are unique because of their golden proportion.
What is the golden ratio of a tree? ›
Although trees and bushes differ in shape, their ratio of length to width is close to the golden section. In some plant stems, the divergence angle between two adjacent leaves approximates 137.28°. This is the central angle forming two radii, and if we divide the circumference into two parts, the ratio is 1:0.618.
What is the golden ratio vs Fibonacci? ›
The golden ratio is derived by dividing each number of the Fibonacci series by its immediate predecessor. In mathematical terms, if F(n) describes the nth Fibonacci number, the quotient F(n)/ F(n-1) will approach the limit 1.618... for increasingly high values of n. This limit is better known as the golden ratio.
