Computer simulation of a
four-parameter model of growth
Raup (1962) developed a four-parameter computer model that generated
gastropod shell-like patterns on an oscilloscope. These included the
size ratio (W) of successive
generating curves, the distance (D)
of the
generating curve from the axis, and the proportion (T) of the height of
one generating curve that is covered by each subsequent turn. Note that
adjustment of parameters W and T produces forms reminiscent of bivalve
oysters [right], garden snails [middle], and whelks [left].
Text material © 2010 by Steven M. Carr
