How simple mathematical rules create the intricate and diverse architecture of seashells
In short: Mathematician Alain Goriely explains how molluscs construct their complex shells. This lecture explores the biological and geometric principles behind shell formation, showing how basic growth patterns result in the varied, ornate structures we observe in nature.
While seashells appear highly varied, their foundational shapes follow consistent geometric principles. These organisms build their homes incrementally, creating structures that maintain their proportions as they expand. Beyond these core shapes, molluscs add complex details like spikes and ridges, which Goriely analyzes through a mathematical lens to address long-standing biological questions.
Alain Goriely, a specialist in the mechanics of biological growth, delivered this lecture at Bernard’s Inn Hall in London on 13th February 2026. His work bridges the gap between abstract mathematics and physical biology, drawing on his extensive background in dynamical systems and his 2017 monograph on the subject.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: The Shape of Shells - Alain Goriely
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