The Self-Made Tapestry: Pattern Formation in Nature

Philip ball provides a comprehensive overview of the Emergent phenomenon of pattern formation in nature.

His discussions range from the physical processes like the minimal surfaces in bubbles and foams, BZ reactions, convection cells, mineral dendrite formations, branching of rivers to the very similar patterns formed in the biological systems like the pattern formation on the hides of zebras and giraffes, branching patterns in trees, retinal nerves etc., and the patterns in communities of animals and humans He finally concludes with a chapter on the general principles governing pattern formation. Why do so many different physical phenomenon produce very similar patterns?

One theme we can see throughout this book is an argument against show more the gene-centric reductionism in modern biology. That the presence of some frequently repeating mathematical patterns in the nature like reaction-diffusion systems, fractals, spirals that can be generated by Fibonacci ratios, suggests some physical determinism in morphogenesis.

Highly recommended. some beautiful illustrations are provided and the author assumes no previous knowledge on the part of the reader. show less

In some sense a modern update of D'Arcy's book "Of growth and form", but expanded to structures encountered in the physical world. Reminds us that much of the 'design' we see us is the beuatiful result of blind physical laws. Brilliantly researched, written and illustrated.

took 3years and bees hives r c00l

Re-published 2011 in 3 vols - "Shapes", "Forms", ?

"Translation of 'Shapes. Nature's Patterns: a tapestry of three parts, part 1' (Oxford University Press NY 2009)

" was a hit with designers."