microbial mats

Biopatterns occur at different spatial scales on the walls of caves, in cryptogamic crusts in deserts, and even at large scales with desert plants. What are the different components that go into producing such patterns? Are they truly examples of self-organizing behavior? How can we study them? How can we predict them? What are the biological, physical, and chemical factors that go into producing them?

Biopatterns occur at different spatial scales on the walls of caves, in cryptogamic crusts in deserts, and even at large scales in desert plants. What are the different components that go into producing such patterns? Are they truly examples of self-organizing behavior? How can we study them? How can we predict them?