Why does the golden ratio/spiral appear everywhere?

[SFNQuestions]

Is it just the most structurally stable ratio or something? Why do so many things evolve to have golden proportions?

[Bender]

The spirals originate from the fibonacci series. This video (and the sequels) explains it all.

 

In short: it has to do with the mathematically optimal way for plants to arrange branches, leafs or scales.

[studiot]

There is a similar recent thread about this.

 

http://www.scienceforums.net/topic/103089-the-golden-ratio/

[Velocity_Boy]

The 1.62 Golden Mean ratio indeed is ubiquitous in biological organisms. It is usually comprises of just bring a cross section from a larger segment, that is based on a Fibonacci Sequence Spiral. Two famous examples are Nautilus shells and pinecones.

 

Do the spiral ratio is the real magic here. I believe it is structurally optimal. Also it's excellent for space allocation. And it's aesthetically​ pleasing to prospective polinators. Just as symmetry is provenly attractive in humans!

 

The Golden Mean as a stand alone rectangle is seen more commonly in man-made things. Buildings, architecture. Paintings, artwork. But in nature I think it's almost always a part of the Fib Spiral.

 

1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55..........