The Fibonacci Ratio in Nature and Game Algorithms
The Fibonacci sequence—defined by the recurrence Fₙ = Fₙ₋₁ + Fₙ₋₂ with F₀ = 0, F₁ = 1—converges asymptotically to the golden ratio φ ≈ 1.618, a number celebrated for its mathematical elegance and pervasiveness in natural form. This convergence arises because the ratio of successive Fibonacci numbers approaches φ as n grows: Fₙ₊₁/Fₙ → φ, a proportion observed across biological structures and physical systems where energy efficiency and spatial optimization dominate.
Phyllotaxis and Spiral Growth: Nature’s Fibonacci BlueprintOne of the most visible manifestations of the Fibonacci sequence is phyllotaxis—the arrangement of leaves, petals, and seeds. In sunflowers, for example, spirals radiate outward in counts closely following consecutive Fibonacci numbers (e.g.,