Butterfly effect (theory)

The Butterfly Effect is a concept from chaos theory suggesting that small changes in initial conditions can lead to vastly different outcomes over time. Imagine a butterfly flapping its wings in one part of the world, which, through a series of complex interactions, eventually influences a tornado elsewhere. This idea highlights how tiny differences—like a single decision or a minor environmental change—can significantly impact complex systems such as weather, economies, or ecosystems. It underscores the sensitive interconnectedness within these systems, where predictability becomes challenging due to their nonlinear and dynamic nature.