Fractal Modelling

1. Front Matter

   Pages I-XIII

   PDF

2. Introduction

   • Jaap A. Kaandorp

   Pages 1-6

3. Methods for Modelling Biological Objects

   • Jaap A. Kaandorp

   Pages 7-53

4. 2D Models of Growth Forms

   • Jaap A. Kaandorp

   Pages 55-101

5. A Comparison of Forms

   • Jaap A. Kaandorp

   Pages 103-127

6. 3D Models of Growth Forms

   • Jaap A. Kaandorp

   Pages 129-187

7. Final Conclusions

   • Jaap A. Kaandorp

   Pages 189-195

8. Back Matter

   Pages 197-209

   PDF

New developments in computer science, biology, mathematics and physics offer possibilities to obtain deeper understanding of growth and forms of organisms. It is now possible to carry out simulation experiments in which the growth process can be simulated in virtual computer objects. In this book, methods from fractal geometry are applied to model growth forms. As a case study, a type of growth process is used which can be found among various taxonomic classes of organisms such as sponges and corals. The growth of these organisms is simulated with 2D and 3D geometrical objects. The models presented in the book provide a rendering method for natural objects which is based on the actual growth process. The models can be used, for example, to understand the amazing variety of forms to be found in a coral reef. Models which mimic the growth of forms and the environmental influence on the growth process are also useful for ecologists. A combination of simulation models and the actual growth forms can be used to detect the effects of slow changes in the environment.

• Artificial Life
• Bio-monitoring
• Fraktale
• Wachstum und Form
• ecology
• environment

• Department of Computer Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

  Jaap A. Kaandorp

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