Swarm Theory

Swarm theory has been around for a while, but this National Geographic article is the first comprehensive piece I’ve read on it. Smart swarms occur in all kinds of creature societies, including our own, and the theory has useful applications in lots of human endeavors. I’m interested in training people to use swarm theory when they’re in large groups—say, at Burning Man.

Scope their cool photos too—above is a flock of starlings!

My one problem with the article: they’re so matter-of-fact about how it “wasn’t intuitive” for delivery truck drivers to travel way farther than they had before–but “the savings have been impressive”!

~ by hobzcalvin on July 7, 2007.