Sequences
In my research of the Fibonacci Numbers, I have found that the Fibonacci numbers appear anywhere from leafs on plants, patterns of flowers, in fruits, some animals, even in the human body. Could this be nature’s numbering system? For those who are unfamiliar with the Fibonacci numbers they are a series of numbers discovered by Leonardo Fibonacci in the 12th century in an experiment with rabbits. The order goes as follows: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233, 377, 610 and so on. Starting with 1, each new number is simply the sum of the two before it. The ratio, which is called the Golden Ratio, between the numbers is 1.618034 The most exciting thing about the Fibonacci numbers is how it is portrayed in the human body. For example, the Fibonacci numbers can be seen in the human hand. We have 1 thumb on each hand, 2 bones in each thumb, 3 bones in each finger, 5 digits on each hand, and 8 fingers. You will also find that you have 1 nose, 2 eyes, 3 segments in each limb and the 5 fingers on each hand. Not to mention the Golden Ratio being found in the proportions and measurements of the human body. The ratio between the forearm and the hand. The ratio of the distance between the navel and the knee. The ratio of distance between the knee and the end of the foot. These are just a few examples that I found to be very interesting. Aside from the body, the Fibonacci numbers are found in the majority of flowers. If you count the number of petals on a flower, you might find the total to be one of the Fibonacci numbers. Lilies and the iris flower have 3 petals. The buttercup and wild roses have 5 petals. Delphiniums have 8 petals. Ragworts and cineraria’s have 13 petals and some flowers even have 55 or 89 petals. The Fibonacci numbers are not limited to flower petals. Some items found in nature that are connected to the Fibonacci numbers are, the patterns of a pinecone, the seed pattern of the sunflower, the pineapple, some vegetables, and the starfish,