AESTHETICS IN NATURE: CASE STUDY OF THE PEACOCK TAIL FEATHERS
Stuart C Burgess · Bristol Research (University of Bristol) · 2003
Nature contains many examples of beautiful forms and textures. In addition, nature has examples of beauty for beauty’s sake as with the display feathers of the peacock. There are many birds that have display feathers whose only purpose is to attract a mate. These examples of beauty for beauty’s sake are important because the main function is beauty. In these cases, nature reveals important principles about aesthetics. This paper describes the aesthetic features of the peacock tail and the mechanisms that produce those features.