Gresham College: "The Shape of Shells: She Sells Seashells on the Seashore"

This livestream is available online from Gresham College to Basingstoke Science subscribers.

ADVANCE BOOKING AND PAYMENT IS REQUIRED FOR THIS TALK.
More details and booking instructions on the Gresham web site:
https://www.gresham.ac.uk/whats-on/shape-shells

SUMMARY

#### Part of: The Geometry of Nature and the Shape of Things

It is impossible not to marvel at the beauty and regularity of seashells. These intricate forms are crafted by a humble architect—the living mollusc—building them layer by layer. Despite their remarkable diversity, the fundamental geometry of most seashells is governed by simple mathematical rules, resulting in elegant three-dimensional self-similar structures. Beyond this basic framework, molluscs embellish their shells with fascinating features such as wrinkles, spines, and spikes. This lecture reveals how a mathematical theory of seashell growth explains the origins of these features and resolves many enduring questions in biology.

The livestream will go live at 5.55pm, and the introduction will begin at 6.00pm. If you register but miss the livestream, the video will be available to you via the same link for two weeks after the event date.

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