Fibbonacci and other mathematical patterns in shells

From: bivalve (bivalve@mail.davidson.alumlink.com)
Date: Tue Aug 12 2003 - 14:36:25 EDT

  • Next message: Josh Bembenek: "Re: Fibbonacci and other mathematical patterns in shells"

    Some references on shell shapes, which have a lot of interesting mathematical properties despite being formed without intelligent intervention:

    Raup, D. M. 1962. Computer modeling as an aid in describing form in gastropod snails. Science 138: 150 - 152.
    Raup, D. M. 1966. Geometric analysis of shell coiling: General problems. J. Paleontol. 40: 1178 - 1190.

    http://www.iit.edu/~krawczyk/shell01/kj01.pdf

    http://www.mun.ca/biology/scarr/Raup_model.htm

    http://members.aol.com/macops/Raup.html

    Perhaps even more challenging on this general theme is the presence of complex patters with no apparent function at all. Apart from a general function as camouflage (including the benefits of confusing a predator by having lots of different patterns), the details of shell color seem to have no particular purpose, yet they often have beautiful and complex forms. The Algorithmic Beauty of Sea Shells by H. Meinhardt characterizes many of the patterns mathematically.

        Dr. David Campbell
        Old Seashells
        University of Alabama
        Biodiversity & Systematics
        Dept. Biological Sciences
        Box 870345
        Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0345 USA
        bivalve@mail.davidson.alumlink.com

    That is Uncle Joe, taken in the masonic regalia of a Grand Exalted Periwinkle of the Mystic Order of Whelks-P.G. Wodehouse, Romance at Droitgate Spa

    This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.4 : Tue Aug 12 2003 - 14:29:09 EDT