Turing systems as models of complex pattern formation

Half a century ago a reaction-diffusion system of two chemicals was introduced by Alan Turing to account for morphogenesis, i.e., the development of patterns, shapes and structures found in nature. Here we will discuss the formation of patterns and structures obtained through numerical simulation of the Turing mechanism in two and three dimensions. The forming patterns are found to depend strongly on the initial and boundary conditions as well as system parameters, showing a rich variety of patterns, e.g. stripes and spots (2D), and lamellae and spherical droplets (3D) arranged in structures of high symmetry, with or without defects or distortions.