Everything in the universe is kept in order by a “golden ratio.” The Fibonacci sequence can be found throughout nature, from the tiniest to the biggest objects. It’s a way for information to move quickly and efficiently.
The “golden ratio” is a one-of-a-kind mathematical relationship. It is approximately 1.618 and is represented by the Greek letter phi.
The Fibonacci sequence has long caught people’s interest because of its unique mathematical characteristics. It is a form of built-in numerical system for the cosmos, sometimes referred to as “nature’s hidden code,” and it can be found nearly everywhere in the universe. It is found in nature, as well as in geometry, algebra, and trigonometry. Let’s find out what it’s all about.
Why is the Golden Spiral so Mystifying?
The Golden Spiral is based on the Golden Ratio, a mathematical concept that has long shaped our perception of balance and proportion.
The golden ratio of 1.618 may be found in nature, geometry, the human body, and the solar system, among other places.
Leonardo Da Vinci, the famous Renaissance painter, used the Golden Ratio in his works, including the “Mona Lisa.” It was also used by Michelangelo in his painting “The Creation of Adam” in the Sistine Chapel. “The Great Mosque of Kairouan,” “The Pyramids of Giza,” and “The Parthenon,” all incorporated it into their designs.
The Fibonacci Sequence in Nature
While observing the geometry of plants, flowers, or fruit, it’s easy to spot recurring patterns and forms. Specific numbers and spiral topologies have quite a strange affinity in the plant world. This mystical equation mimics many natural patterns, from the swirl of pinecone seeds to the arc of a nautilus shell to the twist of a hurricane.
As seen in the examples below, the Fibonacci sequence may be found in nature in a number of ways.
#1 Leaves
The leaves of many different types of trees are arranged in a pattern that contains two Fibonacci numbers. Starting with any leaf, after one, two, three, or five spiral turns, there will always be a leaf aligned with the first, which may be the second, third, fifth, eighth, or 13th leaf, depending on the variety.
#2 Petals
If you count the number of petals, you will observe that the total is one of the Fibonacci numbers. Daisies, sunflowers, cauliflower, and broccoli are some of the flowers that form spirals following the Fibonacci pattern.
#3 Sunflower Florets
If you look closely at the seeds in the middle of a sunflower, you’ll discover spiral patterns curving left and right. Surprisingly, you’ll get a Fibonacci number if you add up all of these spirals.
So, the next time you’re strolling through the garden, keep an eye out for the Golden Ratio, count petals and leaves to find Fibonacci numbers, and marvel at how brilliant the plants are!
While certain plant seeds, petals, and branches, for example, follow the Fibonacci pattern, this does not reflect how everything grows in nature.
The Fibonacci sequence may be found in unexpected places. Here are a few such examples.
- Honey Bees
A queen, some drones, and a vast number of worker bees make up a colony. The queens and workers, who are female bees, have two parents: a drone and a queen. On the other hand, drones have only one parent since they are born from unfertilized eggs. A drone’s family tree reflects the Fibonacci series, with one parent, two grandparents, three great-grandparents, and so on.
- Storms
Hurricanes and tornadoes frequently follow the Fibonacci sequence. Look out for the obvious Fibonacci proportions of the cloud spirals next time you witness a storm spiraling on the weather radar.
- The Human Body
Take a look at yourself in the mirror. You’ll notice that the majority of your body components are numbered 1, 2, 3, and 5. Each hand has five fingers, one nose, two eyes, three sections for each limb, and one nose. The Golden Ratio is also used to divide up the proportions and measures of the human body. The distance between the top of our head and our belly button and the distance between our belly button and the ground is a ratio of 1.618.
Some more to add to the list are spiral galaxies, DNA molecules, whirlpools, the tail of a chameleon, ocean waves, and many more.
Fun Fact: Fibonacci Day is celebrated on November 23rd since the digits “1, 1, 2, 3” are part of the Fibonacci sequence. So, go ahead and let everyone know!
The Fibonacci sequence is remarkably followed and can be found in almost any environment. It can be applied to the growth of any living thing, such as a grain of wheat, a hive of bees, or the entire human race.
If you found this blog interesting, why not read more such blogs by BYJU’S FutureSchool.
References:
https://www.livescience.com/37470-fibonacci-sequence.html
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