Deep-Sea Sedimentation

What do you think is in the image on the right? This is an illustration of two radiolarians, plankton that come in many forms and found throughout the oceans.

Radiolarians have inspired many artists to create works based on their forms. Some find beauty in these natural patterns and incorporate them into their work. Can you think of any artworks that use these types of patterns? Do they inspire any feelings of artistic creativity in you?

Many scientists and engineers have developed solutions for complex problems based on the structures of radiolarians. The regularity of these forms makes them excellent building blocks for other structures. Can you think of any place you may have seen similar structures?