Symmetry

Symmetry - includes two types of patterns: radial and bilateral. Radial symmetry references the numerical symmetry referred to as the Fibonacci sequence (1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89 . . .) If you counted the seeds within a sunflower, you would find the number of seeds is equal to a Fibonacci number.

Bilateral (or mirror) symmetry, meaning they could be split into two matching halves, much like the plant and sea life images here.

  Sunflower   Succulent   Starfish   Sand dollar

Pine Cone   Peacock

Ferns   Baobob Tree   Frozen River Ice Crystals   Maple leaf

Trees/Fractal

Trees/Fractal are patterns formed from chaotic equations and form self similar patterns of complexity increasing with magnification. If you divide it into parts, you will get a nearly identical copy of the whole. Infinite iteration is not possible in nature, so all fractal patterns are approximate. Each of the images on the left represent an example of tree or fractal patterns.

Spiral

Spiral patterns are attributed to complicated mathematical algorithms, sequences and equations -  and are common in plants and some animals like the fern and desert big horn sheep.

  Salt Pans   Kelp   

Meanders

Meanders are represented by bends in rivers and channels but can also be seen in other forms throughout the natural environment. For example, the salt pans of the desert and pattern within the kelp leaves contain meanders.

Waves

Waves are disturbances that carry energy as they move. Wind waves are created as wind passes over a large body of water, creating patterns or ripples. When wind passes over land, it creates dunes. Dunes may form a range of patterns as well.

Foams

Foams are typically referred to as a mass of bubbles, but other types of foams can be seen within the patterns of certain animal species such as the leopard, giraffe, and tortoises.

Tessellations

Tessellations are repeating tiles over a surface commonly seen in reptiles like snakes and alligators.

Cracks

Cracks are linear openings that form in materials to relieve stress. When a material fails in all directions it results in cracks. The patterns created reveal if the material is elastic or not.

Stripe

The stripe pattern is evolutionary in that in increases the chances of survival through camouflage. It is most commonly known in zebras, but other species contain stripes - even butterflies.