Fibonacci Sequence

Take a close look at plants — the Fibonacci sequence is everywhere! From the number of petals to the spirals in sunflower seeds and the way leaves are arranged, the Fibonacci sequence plays a key role. For example, lilies have 3 petals, buttercups have 5, daisies often have 34 or 55 petals, and sunflower heads display spirals in both directions totaling Fibonacci numbers like 34 and 55.

But this isn’t just about looks. The number of petals in a flower is often a Fibonacci number because it helps optimize pollen production and distribution — which is great for reproduction. Leaves grow at an angle of about 137.5°, called the golden angle, which ensures they don’t overlap, making the most of sunlight. This process is called phyllotaxis, and it helps plants gather as much energy as possible. And those sunflower seeds? They’re packed in spirals that fit perfectly, maximizing space and energy efficiency — all thanks to the Golden Ratio.

Have you ever noticed how the nautilus shell forms a perfect spiral? It’s a great example of a logarithmic spiral, which grows outward while keeping the same shape. Each new chamber in the shell follows a Fibonacci-like expansion, allowing the nautilus to grow without losing balance. This spiral shape is closely related to the Golden Ratio, creating a structure that’s both beautiful and incredibly efficient. The best part?  It’s self-sustaining. As the nautilus grows, it doesn’t need to reshape its shell — it simply adds on. 

Even the very structure of life itself, DNA, follows the Fibonacci sequence! The double helix of DNA turns about every 34 angstroms in length, with a width of around 21 angstroms — both Fibonacci numbers. These dimensions contribute to the DNA molecule’s symmetry and stability. The spiral shape helps DNA pack a ton of genetic information into cells efficiently, and the spacing helps ensure reliable replication during cell division. In other words, the Fibonacci sequence is part of the blueprint of life!