Do you like patterned clothes?
Mixing Arts and Mathematics, let's talk about patterns!
What are patterns?
Patterns are structures with repeated shape and insects are masters at it! Look at the image, you can see a beehive, the place where bees live and work. Another famous example of patterns in the insect world are the spider webs. We all know that spiders are arachnids, but they build the webs to catch insects to eat!
Why are they so important?
Patterns follow a safe sequence. We all know what comes next. However, in certain cases, like the wings of a ladybug (red with black dots) or the wings of a butterfly, are patterned as a way of showing identity (just like our clothes) or warning! Some venomous / dangerous insects have bright colours to alert everybody who gets near.
We already told you about the patterns in clothes, hives and in webs. Where else can you see patterns?
If you want to hear a child's story called 'the patterned bugs', watch the video below. It's for very young kids, we know, but it's really fun!
