If evolution’s all about survival, why do peacocks have such huge, extravagant tails? This problem preyed on Charles Darwin’s mind. Luckily, in the 1970s, a hip bunch of mathematicians called game theorists came along with an explanation that would have put his mind at rest.

Transcript -- Charles Darwin and Game Theory

Everywhere you look in nature you will find patterns. From the seeds in the flower under your nose to the flock of swallows overhead some patterns keep occurring again and again.

The essence of mathematics is a series of simple rules that produce complex consequences. And nowhere are these complex consequences more apparent than in the natural world.

This collection will look at 5 mathematical theories that were inspired by nature. It will look at the origin of the theory, its impact on research at the time and its continuing relevance.

Education

Everywhere you look in nature you will find patterns. From the seeds in the flower under your nose to the flock of swallows overhead some patterns keep occurring again and again. The essence of mathematics is a series of simple rules that produce complex consequences. And nowhere are these complex consequences more apparent than in the natural world. This collection will look at 5 mathematical theories that were inspired by nature. It will look at the origin of the theory, its impact on research at the time and its continuing relevance.

Share Transcript -- Charles Darwin and Game Theory

Sign up to save your podcasts

Transcript -- Charles Darwin and Game Theory

Transcript -- Charles Darwin and Game Theory

More shows like Patterns of Life - for iPod/iPhone

Writing Poetry - Audio

Start writing essays - Audio

Bon départ: beginners' French - Audio

Space, Time and Consciousness - for iPod/iPhone

Learning how to learn - for iBooks

The MMR vaccine: public health, private fears - for iBooks

Gaelic in modern Scotland - for iBooks

Andante: beginners' Italian - Audio

Mi'kmaq: First Nation people - for iPod/iPhone

International Relations - for iPod/iPhone