Mathematics

"In this chapter we mentioned that Fibonacci numbers and the golden ratio often show up in both the plant and animal worlds. In this project you are asked to expand on both these topics. a) Give several detailed examples of the appearance of Fibonacci numbers and the golden ratio in the plant world. Include examples of branch formation in plants, leaf arrangements around stems, and seed arrangements on circular seedheads (such as sunflower heads). b) Discuss the concept of phyllotaxis. What is it, and what are some of the mathematical theories behind it? (Notes: The literature on Fibonacci numb