Fractal

A pattern that keeps repeating at every level is called a fractal. If you observe carefully at the details of the design, you will see that the entire pattern is visible in totality. So many exactly same worlds within a world !

Look out for a broccoli in your kitchen. You will find that every part of broccoli looks exactly like the whole broccoli. Every node of broccoli that branches out from the main stalk, divides further into branches acting as the main stalk for the further branches.

What is the utility of fractal patterns in nature?

It allows us to understand certain phenomenon that follow fractal patterns. e.g. if one knows that bacteria multiplies following a fractal pattern i.e. every parent bacteria giving birth to 3 bacteria which in turn act like a parent to their 3 child bacteria, we can find out the number of bacteria that would be present after a certain time. This helps us to understand and control diseases better.

Even the ocean waves are a good example of a fractal formation. Every curve in the wave comprises of smaller curves that all seems to imitate the bigger curvaceous wave.