A number of patterns exist in nature which are mathematical in their nature. Scientists have long explored these patterns in both inanimate objects as well as living organisms. For instance, researchers at Queen Mary University believe that the study of a bumblebee’s flight pattern could lead to the creation of faster companies.
This hope is premised on the fact that bumblebees are able to find the briefest route to their destination, usually a flower with nectar, in a very short span of time. And their method to find the shortest route is quite mathematical in nature, a trait which is usually found in organisms with larger brains.
To demonstrate the phenomenon, scientists placed five flowers, each with sucrose, in a field. Each of these flowers contained a motion-triggered web cam whereas the bees themselves were fitted with very tiny radar transponders, so as to record their flight path.
It was found out that through a hit-and-trial method, the bees were able to find the fastest route from their nest to the flowers. Interestingly, the bees memorized the faster routes so as to eliminate the longer paths. According to Professor Chris Rawlings, who was part of the research team, “This is an exciting result because it shows that seemingly complex behaviours can be described by relatively simple rules which can be described mathematically.”
The phenomenon, researchers believe, could lead to formulation of mathematical principles which could be used to create faster computer networks.