1.   They explore mechanisms of nature through concepts including the butterfly effect, Gaia, attractors and punctuated equilibrium.

2.   But what they have come to believe is that any errors arising from their equations are tiny compared to the giant inaccuracies thrown up by the butterfly effect.

3.   How strongly these forecasts diverge from each other over time gives scientists a handle on the current strength of the butterfly effect.

4.   Just that the butterfly effect is not where the trouble lies.

5.   Some cynics suggest that the butterfly effect has served as a fig leaf for meteorologists, conveniently hiding the embarrassing flaws in their models.

6.   The classic example, called the butterfly effect, asks whether a butterfly flapping its wings in Brazil could cause a tornado in Texas.