Gaps, or spaces, refer to the areas between objects or elements where there is an absence of matter. These gaps can be found in various contexts, such as in architecture, where they may serve as pathways or ventilation, or in nature, where they can create habitats for wildlife. In mathematics, gaps can represent intervals on a number line where no values exist, such as between two whole numbers. Understanding gaps is essential in fields like geometry, physics, and statistics, as they help in analyzing patterns, structures, and distributions.