As a way of discovering natures epitomic of Tabula Rasic learning, this page is devoted to numerous autonomous growth patterns in nature.

Mycelium

A network of branched, tubular filaments (hyphae) of fungi, the mycelium makes up the thallus, or undifferentiated body, of a typical fungus. As it grows, it concurs territory and begins to net. The hyphae allow for a multidirectional transfer of nutrients and information between plants.

Bacteria

The colony structures form as adaptive responses to the environments faced in nature. Bacteria have learned to employ coping strategies that involve cooperation through communication. The organisation of the pattern reflects the underlying social intelligence of the bacteria.

Queen Anne’s Lace

Radiating Fractal Pattern – From the centre of the flower stems radiate out, then at the end of each stem is a smaller radiating pattern of florets. The florets in this case also show some arrangement into clockwise spirals

Climber’s and Creepers

Climbing plants normally start by creeping along the floor until they reach a stem. Although the point of climbing is to escape the shade, some tropical climbers begin by growing away from the light. Once they touch something, the physical contact triggers chemical changes that stimulate the climbing behaviour and the plant begins to grow against the direction of gravity.

Soybean Seedling

Cross section showing the early stages in a developmental process that will produce a stem capable of supporting the mature plant. This example provides one of the many cellular growth opportunities within plants.