Page 27 - Module 1_Chapter 1_Mathematics in the Modern World

Mathematics in our World
17

Behavior of Nature

Behavior of nature can be observed
around us. Such natural regularities of

nature include symmetry, fractals, Spider Webs Nautilus Shell

spirals, trees, meanders, waves, foams,
Age of the trees can be determined by
tessellations, cracks, stripes, and spots.
applying dendrochronology which is a
Nature also shows the relationship
scientific method of dating based on the
in the existence of the Golden ratio.
number of rings found in the core of a tree.
Golden ratio can be found in the
Turtles have growth rings call “scutes” which
beauty of nature, the growth
are hexagonal. Scutes estimates the age of
patterns of many plants, insects, and
the turtle. Smallest scute is in the center and
the universe.
is the oldest one, while the largest ones on the
Honeycombs of the bees show
outside are the newer ones.
specific regular repeating

hexagons. It uses the least amount of

wax to store the honey giving a strong

structure with no gaps. Zebra’s coat, the

alternating pattern of blacks and white

are due to mathematical rules that Rings of Tree Turtle

govern the pigmentation chemicals of
its skin. Lightning during storms creates fractals.

Foam bubbles formed by trapping pockets of
gas in a liquid or solid.

Honeycomb Zebra Stripes

Spider webs illustrate a beautiful
pattern. The spider creates a

Fractals on Lightning Foam Bubbles
structure by performing innate
steps. The nautilus shell has natural
pattern which contains a spiral shape

called logarithmic spiral.

ZANNIE I. GAMUYAO, MSM
Assistant Professor 1 UNIT 1.4 Behavior of Nature
Department of Arts and Sciences