Sensitive Dependence on Initial Conditions

Sensitive Dependence on Initial Conditions refers to the idea that small differences in the starting point of a system can lead to vastly different outcomes. This concept is often discussed in chaos theory, where even tiny variations in the initial state of a system—like the flapping of a butterfly's wings—can eventually result in significant changes, such as a tornado forming elsewhere. Essentially, it highlights how unpredictable complex systems can be, as small changes can have disproportionate effects over time.