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Botany with Bytes by Lito Nicolai Plants are tiny computers. As they grow, the sprouts are computing from first principles how to be a plant. We’ll see how they do it! This talk uses Ruby and the ‘graphics’ gem to build models of all kinds of plants, from algae blooms to juniper branches. We’ll touch on rewriting systems, formal grammars, and Alan Turing’s contributions to botany. We’ll look at the shapes of euphorbia, artichoke, and oregon grape, and how these come from plants’ love of sunlight and greedy desire for growth. By the end, we'll have a series of great visual metaphors for fundamental computer science concepts! Help us caption & translate this video! http://amara.org/v/H12I/
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The video "Botany with Bytes" presented by Lito Nicolai at RubyConf 2015 explores the intersection of botany and computer science, effectively illustrating how plants can be viewed as computational entities. Through the utilization of the Ruby 'graphics' gem, which facilitates easy visualization, the talk delves into the applications of L-systems and grammars in modeling plant growth and understanding botanical structures. Key points include: - **Introduction to L-systems**: L-systems, formulated by botanist Aristid Lindenmayer, simulate the processes of plant growth through a defined set of rules, and are akin to the Fibonacci sequence in terms of cell division. - **Connection to Computer Science**: L-systems are related to rewriting systems in computer science, showcasing how structures and sequences can be represented through rules and mathematical grammar. - **Parsing and Grammars**: The talk discusses the hierarchy of grammars, including regular and context-sensitive grammars, emphasizing Ruby's potential positioning between these classifications. - **Plant Simulation**: Nicolai demonstrates an L-system for plant sprouts, using turtle graphics to visualize growth patterns, with rules for leaves budding off from stems. This method allows for the creation of intricate designs that reflect the natural branching of plants. - **Turing’s Contributions**: The speaker mentions Alan Turing’s work on phyllotaxis, particularly the mathematical principles governing leaf arrangements that prompt growth and structure. - **3D Visualization**: The discussion extends to the visualization of cells as they geometrically compress, drawing parallels to biological structures like jellyfish, which reflect the elegance of natural design. In conclusion, the presentation encapsulates the simplicity and efficiency of plant growth and its underlying mathematical principles, reinforcing the notion that while plants operate through instinctive growth, they can also be interpreted through computational modeling. By understanding these principles through programming and simulations, viewers gain a unique perspective on the beauty of botany interwoven with computer science. Audience engagement through questions highlights further applications and insights into the theory of formal parsing and biological modeling, encouraging an interdisciplinary appreciation for these subjects.
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