How is this math?

Because it depicts a genus-2 surface (this one containing a drawing of a squid!)

Flattened genus-2 surface illustration with squid drawing

3D rendering of a genus-2 torus (two-holed donut) A genus-2 surface is like a donut – but with two holes!

A special branch of mathematics called topology studies these types of structures.

Topologists will deconstruct, or "flatten out" these elements to study them without needing 3D models. The squid illustration shows a flattened depiction of a genus-2 surface. The letters and arrows on the edges note how to reconstruct it.

You just learned some new math! Welcome to the AMS. Keep exploring!

Learn more at the AMS
AMS Logo
Squid Image courtesy Richard Evan Schwartz from Playing with Shape and Form: A Glimpse of Topology
Genus-2 image: Oleg Alexandrov, Public Domain

This page adjusts for low-light environments. Welcome to AMS Airport Mode ✈️