Fractals in Nature!
Read more to find out how these relate to Geometry in Nature!
Fractals are pretty confusing things, but here is the best and simplest way to explain it that we can think of. A fractal is a geometric figure, in which each part has the same figure as the whole figure. Each shape has an infinite amount of detail, and no matter how much the figure is magnified, it remains as complex and looks the same as the original shape. This may seem confusing in words, but if you see a picture, things might seem to make more sense. Here:
In this example, each triangle is split up into four triangles using midsegments, or a line that connects the midpoints (centers) of each line.
There are many other types of fractals.
Here are some examples of fractals in nature.
If you are still wondering about fractals, here is a great website for more info.
http://library.thinkquest.org/26242/full/
Fractals are pretty confusing things, but here is the best and simplest way to explain it that we can think of. A fractal is a geometric figure, in which each part has the same figure as the whole figure. Each shape has an infinite amount of detail, and no matter how much the figure is magnified, it remains as complex and looks the same as the original shape. This may seem confusing in words, but if you see a picture, things might seem to make more sense. Here:
In this example, each triangle is split up into four triangles using midsegments, or a line that connects the midpoints (centers) of each line.
There are many other types of fractals.
Here are some examples of fractals in nature.
The History of Fractals
The first one to study fractals was Gaston M. Julia from France. He published a book on fractals following World War 1. During this time, he buried himself in the behavioral pattern called the "Julia Fractal". Shortly before his death, Prof. Benoît B. Mandelbrot discovered and continued Julia's studies. Mandelbrot is currently a member of the Mathematics Department at Yale University. He used his computer to work with fractals and discovered a simpler equation than Julia's that included all of Julia's set and then some.If you are still wondering about fractals, here is a great website for more info.
http://library.thinkquest.org/26242/full/
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