Mathematics as it relates to Biology
Mathematics and many of its aspects are a major part of everyday life. We
spend the majority of our school years studying and learning the concepts of it.
Many times, the question of "Why do we need to know these things?" has been
asked of a teacher by his or her students. The following will explain the history
and purpose of mathematics in the role of a biologist.
There are various fields that are found within the subject of biology, so
different kinds of mathematics are often utilized that are best suited for special
applications that are required in said areas of work/study. There is, for example, a
sub-field known as bioeconomics. This area focuses on such things as agriculture
and crop yields (among other things). Believe it or not, this science requires a
great deal of Geometry. Geometry is an ancient Greek term meaning "measure of
the earth". Even in ancient times, farmers along the Nile river needed Geometry.
You see, in ancient Egypt, the Nile would flood its banks each year, flooding the
land and destroying the farm areas. When the waters receded, the boundaries had
to be redefined so that the farmers could use the mineral-rich silt in order to
Another interesting aspect of the relationship between mathematics and
biology is what has come to be called the "Golden Mean." It was formulated by
Johannes Kepler and it is dryly defined as the division of a line into mean and
extreme ratios. In nature, this becomes highly obvious to the observer. The Golden
Mean is believed to be found wherever and whenever there is and intensification
of function or a particular beauty and harmony of form. Exponents are shown in
the equation spirals based on the roots of 2, 3, and 5. The Golden Mean spiral is
found in nature in the beautiful Nautilus shell. The Nautilus is an animal related to
the octopus. The sha...