Can Math Explain How Animals Get Their Patterns?

The video explores how Alan Turing's mathematical rules can explain natural patterns like spots and stripes. Turing proposed a model involving activator and inhibitor substances, similar to predator-prey dynamics, to generate various patterns. By adjusting variables, different patterns such as spots, stripes, and labyrinths can form. While Turing's theory works on paper, scientists are still investigating its real-world applicability. Some biological systems, like those in mice, show Turing-like behavior, inspiring further research into natural pattern formation.

What are the two substances described by Alan Turing that influence pattern formation?

How does the relationship between activators and inhibitors resemble a predator-prey dynamic?

What happens to the populations of activators and inhibitors as their ranges expand?

In what ways can Turing's mathematical rules be applied to simulate natural patterns?

What evidence do scientists have that supports or contradicts Turing's theory in real-life biological systems?