I like numbers in a sort of geeky way and for a while I have known about a mathematical aspect to nature that many people were not aware of…it is something called the golden ratio. Somewhat related to the golden ratio is a mathematical sequence that seems to be built into most of nature called the fibonacci sequence. I have been reading about the fibonacci numbers and discovered that they relate to nature and life and the implications of this beautiful relationship between math and nature are simply astounding.
To begin; the fibonacci sequence are number that are derived from the sum of the previous set of numbers in the sequence. This process was discovered by a 13th century Italian mathematician named Fibonacci as he was trying to figure out if there was a pattern to the rate of rabbit reproduction. Each fibonacci number is derived by adding the previous two numbers together (the numbers that are separated by the equals sign) with the exception of number one that begins the sequence. An example is 1+1=2, two being the first fibonacci number, then 1+2=3, three is the next fibonacci number, 2+3=5, etc. As we progress we find a sequence of 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, etc. Fibonacci discovered the ratio between these number are basically the same; 1:1.60 to 1:1.64 with about a point zero four (.04) margin for variance. Where does this ratio come from? Think of length. If you have something 5 cm long and something else 10 cm long, the 10 cm object is twice as long as the 5 cm object…or, you could say the ratio between those two are 1:2, the second number being twice the first number. The ratio of 1:1.6 means the second number is about 1 2/3 the first number, whether it is length, mass, volume, etc. This is the ratio we are dealing with.
What is fascinating to me is this ratio seems to be the design baseline for many of the external layer of life in nature, in other words, where DNA is the molecular digital coding for the building blocks of life, it appears the fibonacci ratio is the template used in the structural design that is seen. Another term we see regarding the fibonacci ratio is the golden ratio (1:1.618). It had been discovered long ago that this ratio appears to be very pleasing and appealing to the eyes so artists, designers and architects have been using this ratio for centuries, thus the name.
Something just as interesting to me is the fact that the variance built in to the ratio allows for subtle variations withing the parameters to achieve enough differences of, say, facial structure so everyone doesn’t look like a bunch of Ken or Barbie dolls walking around. The variances are enough to allow individualization of every living thing for variety…and we are suppose to believe this is a result of chance…give me a break.
It would not surprise me if the twist in the spiral of the double helix, if it could be measured, would fall within the fibonacci boundaries. Randomness, or chance, can never give the complexity of design that we find in life, the complexities that we find in nature and even in the arrangement of planets in the solar system. From the sub-cellular structures defined by DNA, to the massive planets we have as solar neighbors, all have mathematically defined ratios…no…the only answer is design, and to have design, you have to have a designer and the ultimate designer is the master and the creator of the universe, the Lord Jesus Christ!
God Bless, Jim
1-31-20 revised
*Look up: fibonacci sequence, golden rectangle, golden ratio for more information
jimbussell 