Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:
* Tiles: These are the individual shapes that make up the tessellation. They can be regular polygons (like squares, triangles, hexagons) or irregular shapes.
* Fit Together: The tiles must fit perfectly together, with no spaces or overlaps. This creates a seamless pattern.
* Repeating Pattern: Tessellations often have a repeating pattern, though they can be non-repeating as well.
Examples of Tessellations:
* Honeycomb: A natural example of a tessellation using hexagons.
* Floor Tiles: Square or rectangular tiles laid out in a grid pattern.
* M.C. Escher's Artwork: Famous for his intricate tessellations featuring animals and other shapes that interlock.
In summary, a tessellation is a visually appealing and mathematically interesting arrangement of shapes that fit together perfectly.