Patterns in Nature Flashcards
1
Q
- are visible regularities of form found in the natural world.
- recur in different contexts and can sometimes be modeled mathematically.
- include symmetries, fractals, spirals, meanders, waves, tessellations, stripes, spots, cracks and many more.
A
Patterns in nature
2
Q
- in mathematics, one shape becomes exactly like another shape when you move it in some way: turn, flip or slide.
- predictable and perfect regularity within pattern.
- an important aspect of structural stability and functionality.
A
Symmetry
3
Q
Type of symmetry: when a line can be drawn to divide the shape into halves so that each half is a reflection of the other.
A
Reflectional symmetry/bilateral symmetry
4
Q
Type of symmetry: when it is rotated around a center point a number of degrees it appears the same. In other words when the shape still looks the same after some rotation of less than one full circle (360 degrees).
A
Rotational symmetry
5
Q
Type of symmetry: the number of times a shape can be rotated around a full circle and still look the same.
A
ROTATIONAL SYMMETRY
6
Q
- in mathematics, two vertices are connected by exactly one path.
- self-similar, patterns that repeat smaller and smaller copies of themselves.
- trees are natural ________, patterns created by the large structures, such as the main branches, repeat themselves in smaller structures, such as smaller branches
A
Fractals
7
Q
- in mathematics, a ________ is a curve which starts from a point, moving farther away as it revolves around the point.
- a special case of self similarity
A
spirals
8
Q
- are disturbances that carry energy as they move.
- in mathematics, the shape of ________ repeats itself over a consistent period of time.
A
waves
9
Q
- or Tiling, are patterns formed by repeating tiles all over a flat surface.
- in mathematics, the shape that have no overlaps or gaps.
A
tessellations
10
Q
- is a line or band that differs in color or tone from an adjacent area.
- long parallel waves produce stripes.
- stripes turn into spots when the pattern of parallel waves becomes unstable
- animal pattern function is camouflage or for signaling.
A
Stripes, spots
11
Q
- includes a series of regular sinuous curves, bends, loops, turns, or windings.
- pattern constructed from a continuous line that takes repeated right-angled turns.
A
meanders
12
Q
- linear openings that form in materials to relieve stress.
- pattern of this indicates whether the material is elastic or not.
- ____________ patterns are widespread in nature, such as rocks, mud, tree bark and the glazes of old paintings and ceramics.
A
cracks
13
Q
- to organize patterns and regularities as well as irregularities
- to be able to predict
- to help us control weather, epidemics provides tool for calculations provides new questions to think about
A
Mathematics
14
Q
Why is mathematics important? (3)
A
- It puts order in chaos.
- It helps us become better persons.
- It helps make the world a better place to live in
