The Algorithmic Beauty of Sea Shells

Hans Meinhardt

248 pages, parution le 15/01/2003 (3^eme édition)

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Résumé

The patterns on the shells of tropical sea snails are not only compellingly beautiful but also tell a tale of biological development. The decorative patterns are records of their own genesis, which follows laws like those of dune formation or the spread of a flu epidemic. Hans Meinhardt has analyzed the dynamical processes that form these patterns and retraced them faithfully in computer simulations. His book is exciting not only for the astonishing scientific knowledge it reveals but also for its fascinating pictures. An accompanying CD-ROM with the corresponding algorithms offers wide scope to those who wish to try their hand at simulating and varying the patterns.

Contents

Shell patterns as dynamic systems
Pattern formation
Oscillation and travelling waves
Superposition of stable and periodic patterns
Meshwork of oblique lines and staggered dots
Branch initiation by global control
The big problem: two or more time-dependent patterns
Triangles
Parallel lines with tongues
Shell models in three dimensions
The computer program
Pattern formation in the development of higher organisms

L'auteur - Hans Meinhardt

Max-Planck-Institut für Entwicklungsbiologie, Tübingen, Germany

Caractéristiques techniques

	PAPIER
Éditeur(s)	Springer
Auteur(s)	Hans Meinhardt
Parution	15/01/2003
Édition	3^eme édition
Nb. de pages	248
Format	21,5 x 28,3
Couverture	Relié
Poids	1052g
Intérieur	Quadri
EAN13	9783540440109