Fractals

Patterns (real or mathematical) which look similar at different scales, for example the network of airways in the lung which shows similar branching patterns at progressively higher magnifications. Natural fractals are self-similar across a finite range of scales while mathematical fractals are the same across an infinite range. Many natural, including biological, structures are fractal (or fractal-like). Fractals are related to chaos (see NONLINEAR DYNAMICS) in that chaotic processes can produce fractal structures in nature, and appropriate representations of chaotic processes usually reveal self-similarity over time.

Year introduced: 1994

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Tree Number(s): E05.599.125, G17.290

MeSH Unique ID: D017709

Entry Terms:

• Fractal

See Also:

• Nonlinear Dynamics

All MeSH Categories
Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment Category
Investigative Techniques
Models, Theoretical
Fractals

All MeSH Categories
Phenomena and Processes Category
Mathematical Concepts
Fractals