Fractals in Nature (Introduction)

Fractals are the most chaotically ordered shapes in the universe. The earth is, by no means, an exception. On earth, one may find fractals in: clouds, mountain ranges, rivers, hills, coastal lines, canyons, earthquakes, lightning, crystals, snow flakes, shells, leaves, ferns, trees, cauliflowers, broccoli, mould, pulmonary vessels, viruses, and bacterial colonies. Fractals are even found beyond the boundaries of earth such as planets and galaxies.

Fractals are shapes that are self-similar. Basically, many, many copies of the original shape. If you were to "zoom in" on a particular place, a replica of the original shape may be seen. There may be an infinite number of these replicas.