What is studied in the science of cryogenics?

Cryogenics - humans, body, used, process, Earth, form, energy, methods, gas Cryogenics Cryogenics Photo by: deepspacedave Cryogenics is the science of producing and studying low-temperature    conditions. The word cryogenics comes from the Greek word cryos , meaning "cold," combined with a shortened form of the    English verb "to generate." It has come to mean the    generation of temperatures well below those of normal human experience.    More specifically, a low-temperature environment is termed a cryogenic    environment when the temperature range is below the point at which    permanent gases begin to liquefy. Permanent gases are elements that    normally exist in the gaseous state and    were once believed impossible to liquefy. Among others, they include    oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and helium. The origin of cryogenics as a scientific discipline coincided with the    discovery by nineteenth-century scientists that the permanent gases can be    liquefied at exceedingly low temperatures. Consequently, the term "cryogenic" applies to temperatures from approximately −100°C (−148°F) down to absolute zero (the    coldest point a material could reach). The temperature of any material—solid, liquid, or gas—is a    measure of the energy it contains. That energy is due to various forms of    motion among the atoms or molecules of which the material is made. A gas    that consists of very rapidly moving molecules, for example, has a higher    temperature than one with molecules that are moving more slowly. In 1848, English physicist William Thomson (later known as Lord Kelvin;    1824–1907) pointed out the possibility of having a material in    which particles had ceased all forms of motion. The absence of all forms    of motion would result in a complete absence of heat and temperature.    Thomson defined that condition as absolute zero. Words to Know Absolute zero: The lowest temperature possible at which all molecular motion ceases.     It is equal to −273°C (−459°F). Kelvin temperature scale: A temperature scale based on absolute zero with a unit, called the     kelvin, having the same size as a Celsius degree. Superconductivity: The ability of a material to conduct electricity without resistance. An     electrical current in a superconductive ring will flow indefinitely if a     low temperature (about −260°C) is maintained. Thomson's discovery became the basis of a temperature scale based    on absolute zero as the lowest possible point. That scale has units the    same size as the Celsius temperature scale but called kelvin units (abbreviation K). Absolute zero is represented as 0 K, where the term    degree is omitted and is read as zero kelvin. The Celsius equivalent of 0    K is −273°C, and the Fahrenheit equivalent is −459°F. One can convert between Celsius and Kelvin scales by    one of the following equations: °C = K − 273 or K = °C + 273 Cryogenics, then, deals with producing and maintaining environments at    temperatures below about 173 K. One aspect of cryogenics involves the development of methods for producing    and maintaining very low temperatures. Another aspect includes the study    of the properties of materials at cryogenic temperatures. The mechanical    and electrical properties of many materials change very dramatically when    cooled to 100 K or lower. For example, rubber, most plastics, and some    metals become exceedingly brittle. Also many metals and ceramics lose all    resistance to the flow of electricity, a phenomenon called    superconductivity. In addition, helium that is cooled to very nearly    absolute zero (2.2 K) changes to a state known as superfluidity. In this    state, helium can flow through exceedingly narrow passages with no    friction. History Cryogenics developed in the nineteenth century as a result of efforts by    scientists to liquefy the permanent gases. One of the most successful of    these scientists was English physicist Michael Fa


What is the favorite food of the giant panda?

Bamboo and Panda Bears Bamboo, Favorite  Food of Pandas   Bamboo is the favorite food of Giant Panda bears. It is grown all over the    Panda's habitat. But it also can and is grown in many other parts of the    world. In th U.S., many varieties have been imported and flourish in home    gardens. They are popular in home gardens where Japanese or asian setting    are desired. For others, they just like the challenge of growing something    different. Bamboo Trivia: An adult Giant Panda eats 45 pounds of bamboo per day. Bamboo can be grown in most climates. It also requires little care and attention,    thriving and spreading profusely through it's root system . It is strongly    recommended that gardeners create a barrier two to three feet deep around    the planting area to contain the spread of the roots to areas beyond where    the plants are desired. Not only is bamboo grown as an ornamental plant, but the shoots are edible.    If you eat a variety of chinese food, chances are you have eaten bamboo.    Like rice, it has little flavor of it's own and takes on the flavor of the    food it is cooked with. While nutritional value is low, it is a good source    of fiber. Low nutritional value is one reason Giant Pandas need to eat so    much of it. Bamboo shoots command a fairly high market price so it can make    a good cash crop. Bamboo makes great gifts. It is a sign of luck. It is a sign of love.    Put it all together on Valentine's Day and you are "lucky in love". For a    nice selection for Valentine's Day, other events, or just for you. Did You Know? Bamboo leaves are poisonous. So, think twice about planting    if you have young children. More Information:


Environmental Enrichment for Marmosets | Animal Welfare Institute Environmental Enrichment for Marmosets Universities Federation for Animal Welfare  The Old School, Brewhouse Hill,  Wheathampstead, Herts AL4 8AN INTRODUCTION Marmosets and tamarins are small (250-500 g) South American monkeys of the family Callitrichidae. They are forest living species with squirrel-like locomotion and, unlike typical monkeys, most of the digits have claws instead of nails. They live in small troops, most members of which are closely related; there is one breeding female and usually several other adult non-breeding females. There is some controversy among field workers as to whether they are monogamous or polyandrous (several males mating one female). The single breeding female has been observed, in the wild, to mate with several males in the troop, but it is not known whether matings with males other than the dominant proved fertile.  The natural food of marmosets and tamarins consists of fruits, nectar, shoots and insects, young birds and bird's eggs. The animal protein intake is high. The short tusked marmosets (Callithrix and Cebuella) feed extensively on the gum produced by some species of forest tree which they access by gouging with a scoop formed by the lower incisors and shortened canine teeth. The tamarins (Saguinus and Leontopithecus) do not gouge but may feed opportunistically on gum oozing from wounds on trees. Field studies have shown that callitrichids spend up to 60 per cent of their time actively foraging.  Unlike other monkeys, marmosets give birth to two or more young in a litter. Parental care, which includes carrying, grooming and sharing food with infants, is undertaken by all adult and adolescent members of the troop.  The potentiality for using marmosets as breeding animals for biomedical research is well recognised and there are now numerous laboratory breeding colonies. Where the marmoset is a suitable model, its small size and high reproductive capacity have proved valuable assets, and the common marmoset is the only species of monkey used in the laboratory where supply is totally independent of wild caught stock.  There are of course some disadvantages to the marmoset, it is monogamous under captive conditions, so that equal numbers of males and females have to be kept in the breeding colony. Although marmosets are rarely capable of rearing more than two young, in over 60 per cent of captive births more than two young are born; in the case of triplets, supplementary feeding or hand rearing may be used to promote the survival of all three young. While triplets are commonest, females have been known to give birth to as many as five infants. Where there are four or five in a litter, however, they are usually undersized and fail to thrive. In indoor facilities the diet must be supplemented with vitamin D3 or an ultra-violet light source be provided.  These facts will probably be familiar but they form an essential background to any discussion of environmental enrichment in marmosets.  THE NEED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT  Many mammals, and probably some of the more intelligent birds, are known to suffer if their environment is too restricted. The evidence that their behavioural needs are not being met is based on the occurrence of abnormal behaviour in the form of inactivity, apathy or stereotyped behaviours such as pacing or running around in circles.6 These symptoms are most pronounced where primates are housed singly and the emotional state of the animal can best be described as boredom.  In nature, a marmoset leads a busy and varied life; it is adapted to a complex environment and foraging alone is elaborate and involves the selection of seasonally varying vegetable food items and hunting insect prey. Survival depends on skill and ingenuity and constant vigilance to identify aerial, arboreal and ground predators, which may be mobbed. Marmosets have a wide repertoire of vocalisations which they use to convey messages both within and between troops.  The commonly used metal laboratory cage 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.8 m with


Which plant has flowers but no proper leaves?

Learn How To Care for House Plants | Teleflora AFRICAN VIOLET plant care A healthy African violet will bloom for nine months and then rest for three. Despite their delicate appearance, they are not difficult to care for. Keep their soil moist to dry and allow it to dry out between waterings to encourage blooming. Because water can damage their leaves, always water them from the bottom by placing the container in a tray of water. Allow the plant to absorb the water for about 30 minutes. Place your African violet in moderate to bright, indirect light, and avoid exposing them to sudden temperature changes. Pinch off wilted blossoms and leaves to encourage blooming, and fertilize monthly or when the plant is actively growing new leaves and buds. Shop for Blooming Plants AGLAONEMA "Chinese Evergreen" plant care Aglaonema, also known as Chinese evergreen, are very tolerant plants that do well in a range of environments. They prefer medium to low light in a warm room with slightly higher humidity, but they'll adapt to a spot that's slightly dryer and brighter (they make nice plants for the bedroom or bathroom). Allow their soil to dry out a bit between waterings (though, avoid letting it become bone dry), and gently clean off their leaves on a regular basis. Aglaonema, also known as Chinese evergreen, are very tolerant plants that do well in a range of environments. They prefer medium to low light in a warm room with slightly higher humidity, but they'll adapt to a spot that's slightly dryer and brighter (they make nice plants for the bedroom or bathroom). Allow their soil to dry out a bit between waterings (though, avoid letting it become bone dry), and gently clean off their leaves on a regular basis. AMARYLLIS plant care The amaryllis is native to warmer climates. The showy funnel-shaped blossoms stand atop a single stalk stem. Occasionally the flowers' weight will require some support for the stem. A simple bamboo stake and raffia tie can support the stem and be a decorative addition to the plant. Some amaryllis are frequently given as a gift in bulb form. Place your amaryllis in a bright, warm room at first, but when buds appear and begin to color, move it to a cooler spot to prolong blooming time. Water it moderately, keeping the soil moist but not soggy, and avoid letting it sit in water. Once it stops flowering, continue to give your amaryllis four hours of full sunlight so allow the leaves to collect solar energy to nourish the next year's blooms. Cut off the flowers once they fade, and cut down the stems to their base when they wither. Be sure to water and care for it as long as it has leaves, then let the leaves wilt naturally (but don't remove them). Keep the dormant bulb in its pot in a cool, dry place, and then replace the top inch or two of soil and start watering it when it begins to sprout again. ARECA PALM plant care Areca palms are generally hardy plants and prefer medium to bright light. Keep their soil moist but not soggy. If you allow the soil to become too dry, areca palms wilt dramatically, but it's easy to revive them with just a little water (though some of their fronds may turn yellow). Trim back palm fronds that become damaged or turn brown. AZALEA plant care Azaleas prefer cool, well-lit spots (out of direct sunlight) with temperatures between 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the soil frequently, and keep it moist but not soggy; never allow it to dry out completely. Allow new growth to develop, and regularly remove any dead flowers. When it's finished flowering, you can replant your azalea in a larger container or move it outdoors, as long as there's no risk of frost. Some cultivated varieties of azaleas are designed for inside use only. Others are "hardy" varieties that can be planted in the garden in warmer climates. Be sure to ask your florist what type of azaleas they carry. BONSAI plant care Display your bonsai in a spot that gets a good amount of bright, indirect light. Keep its soil moist to dry, watering it every 2-3 days from the bottom by submerging its planter in water (just to the top of


What name is given to animals that eat both flesh and plant material?

What are some animals that eat meat and plants? | Reference.com What are some animals that eat meat and plants? A: Quick Answer Animals that eat meat and plants are called omnivores, of which humans are a prime example. Some other animals that are omnivores are bears, skunks, squirrels and red foxes. Full Answer Some reptiles, fish and insects also feed on plants and animals. For instance, the opaleye fish eat both seaweed and the small organisms that live in the seaweed. Box turtles feed on flowers and berries as well as fish and frogs. Ants are opportunistic eaters, feeding on nectar and seeds when possible and other insects if the opportunity arises. Racoons, another example of an omnivore, display characteristics of both carnivores and herbivores. They have sharp teeth for ripping flesh and flat molars for grinding up plants. Omnivores are readily adaptable animals, allowing them to live in extreme conditions. If meat is not available, omnivores can live on plants and vice versa. This is because omnivores can digest both protein and fiber, while carnivores receive no nutritional value from plant material. Omnivores, along with carnivores, are part of the third trophic level. The first trophic level, which includes most plants, are called autotrophs because they produce their own food. The second trophic level includes herbivores, which eat autotrophs. Species in the third trophic level rely on organisms in the second trophic level for food completely or partially.


Which flightless marine birds of the southern hemisphere live in rookeries?

Penguin Facts: Species & Habitat Penguin Facts: Species & Habitat By Alina Bradford, Live Science Contributor | September 22, 2014 04:30pm ET MORE Credit: Dr. Robert Ricker, NOAA/NOS/ORR Penguins are torpedo-shaped, flightless birds that live in the southern regions of the Earth. Though many people imagine a small, black-and-white animal when they think of penguins, these birds actually come in a variety of sizes, and some are very colorful. For example, crested penguins sport a crown of yellow feathers. Blushes of orange and yellow mark the necks of emperor and king penguins. What look like bright yellow, bushy eyebrows adorn the heads of some species, such as the Fiordland, royal, Snares and rockhopper penguins. The macaroni penguin's name comes from the crest of yellow feathers on its head, which looks like the 18th-century hats of the same name. A light yellow mask covers the face of the yellow-eyed penguin around the eyes. An Adélie penguin on Penguin Island, which forms part of the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica. Credit: Gemma Clucas According to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS), there are 19 species of penguin. (Some experts, however, say the eastern rockhopper is a subspecies of the southern rockhopper.) [ Gallery: Photos of 18 Penguin Species ] The smallest penguin species is the little (also called little blue) penguin. These birds grow to 10 to 12 inches (25.4 to 30.48 centimeters) tall and weigh only 2 to 3 lbs. (0.90 to 1.36 kilograms). The largest penguin is the emperor penguin. It grows to 36 to 44 inches (91.44 to 111.76 cm) tall and weighs 60 to 90 lbs (27.21 to 40.82 kg). Where do penguins live? Considered marine birds, penguins live up to 80 percent of their lives in the ocean, according to the New England Aquarium . All penguins live in the Southern Hemisphere, though it is a common myth that they all live in Antarctica. In fact, penguins can be found on every continent in the Southern Hemisphere. It is also a myth that penguins can only live in cold climates. The Galapagos penguin, for example, lives on tropical islands at the equator. What do penguins eat? Penguins are carnivores; they eat only meat. Their diet includes krill (tiny crustaceans), squid and fish. Some species of penguin can make a large dent in an area's food supply. For example, the breeding population of Adélie penguins (about 2,370,000 pairs) can consume up to 1.5 million metric tons (1.5 billion kg) of krill, 115,000 metric tons (115 million kg) of fish and 3,500 metric tons (3.5 million kg) of squid each year, according to Sea World . The yellow-eyed penguin is very tenacious when foraging for food. It will dive as deep as 120 meters (393.70 feet) up to 200 times a day looking for fish, according to the Yellow-Eyed Penguin Trust . Mating & baby penguins A group of penguins is called a colony, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. During breeding season, penguins come ashore to form huge colonies called rookeries, according to Sea World. Most penguins are monogamous. This means that male and female pairs will mate exclusively with each other for the duration of mating season. In many cases, the male and female will continue to mate with each other for most of their lives. For example, research has found that chinstrap penguins re-paired with the same partner 82 percent of the time and gentoo penguins re-paired 90 percent of the time. At around three to eight years old, a penguin is mature enough to mate. Most species breed during the spring and summer. The male usually starts the mating ritual and will pick out a nice nesting site before he approaches a female. After mating, the female emperor or king penguin will lay a single egg. All other species of penguins lay two eggs. The two parents will take turns holding the eggs between their legs for warmth in a nest. The one exception is the emperor penguin . The female of this species will place the egg on the male's feet to keep warm in his fat folds while she goes out and hunts for several weeks. When penguin chicks are ready to hatch, they use their beak


"Which species of decapod has varieties called ""fiddler', 'spider' and 'hermit'?"

decapod | crustacean | Britannica.com crustacean 3-22-2013 Alternative Title: Decapoda Decapod, (order Decapoda), any of more than 8,000 species of crustaceans (phylum Arthropoda) that include shrimp, lobsters, crayfish , hermit crabs, and crabs. Masked crab (Corystes cassivelanus), Belgian coast. Hans Hillewaert The presence of five pairs of thoracic legs (pereiopods) is the basis for the name decapod (from the Greek meaning “10 legs”). Members of the order exhibit great diversity in size and structure. The macrurous (shrimplike) species, which can be as small as 1 cm (0.5 inch), have elongated bodies with long abdomens, well-developed fan tails, and often long, slender legs. The brachyurous (crablike) types, which in the case of spider crabs can have spans of almost 4 metres ... (100 of 840 words) MEDIA FOR:


Which digestive organ is well-developed in grass-eating herbivores, but is only vestigial in humans?

Anatomy and Physiology of Animals/The Gut and Digestion - Wikibooks, open books for an open world Anatomy and Physiology of Animals/The Gut and Digestion From Wikibooks, open books for an open world original image by vnysia cc by Contents After completing this section, you should know: what is meant by the terms: ingestion, digestion, absorption, assimilation, egestion, peristalsis and chyme the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of a herbivorous, carnivorous and omnivorous diet the 4 main functions of the gut the parts of the gut in the order in which the food passes down it The Gut And Digestion[ edit ] Plant cells are made of organic molecules using energy from the sun. This process is called photosynthesis. Animals rely on these ready-made organic molecules to supply them with their food. Some animals (herbivores) eat plants; some (carnivores) eat the herbivores. Herbivores[ edit ] Herbivores eat plant material. While no animal produces the digestive enzymes to break down the large cellulose molecules in the plant cell walls, micro-organisms' like bacteria, on the other hand, can break them down. Therefore herbivores employ micro-organisms to do the job for them. There are three types of herbivore: The first, ruminants like cattle, sheep and goats, house these bacteria in a special compartment in the enlarged stomach called the rumen. The second group has an enlarged large intestine and caecum, called a functional caecum, occupied by cellulose digesting micro-organisms. These non-ruminant herbivores include the horse, rabbit and rat. Humans also have a cecum and can be classified as the third type of herbivorous class, along with orangutans and gorillas. Plants are a primary pure and good source of nutrients, however they are digested very easily and therefore herbivores have to eat large quantities of food to obtain all they require. Herbivores like cows, horses and rabbits typically spend much of their day feeding. To give the micro-organisms access to the cellulose molecules, the plant cell walls need to be broken down. This is why herbivores have teeth that are adapted to crush and grind. Their guts also tend to be lengthy and the food takes a long time to pass through it. Eating plants have other advantages. Plants are immobile so herbivores normally have to spend little energy collecting them. This contrasts with another main group of animals - the carnivores that often have to chase their prey. Carnivores[ edit ] Carnivorous animals like those in the cat and dog families, polar bears, seals, crocodiles and birds of prey catch and eat other animals. They often have to use large amounts of energy finding, stalking, catching and killing their prey. However, they are rewarded by the fact that meat provides a very concentrated source of nutrients. Carnivores in the wild therefore tend to eat distinct meals often with long and irregular intervals between them. Time after feeding is spent digesting and absorbing the food. The guts of carnivores are usually shorter and less complex than those of herbivores because meat is easier to digest than plant material. Carnivores usually have teeth that are specialised for dealing with flesh, gristle and bone. They have sleek bodies, strong, sharp claws and keen senses of smell, hearing and sight. They are also often cunning, alert and have an aggressive nature. Omnivores[ edit ] Many animals feed on both animal and vegetable material – they are omnivorous. Most primates are herbivorous but a few, such as chimpanzees and humans, belong to this category as do pigs and rats. Their food is diverse, ranging from plant material to animals they have either killed themselves or scavenged from other carnivores. Omnivores lack the specialised teeth and guts of carnivores and herbivores but are often highly intelligent and adaptable reflecting their varied diet. Treatment Of Food[ edit ] Whether an animal eats plants or flesh, the carbohydrates, fats and proteins in the food it eats are generally giant molecules (see chapter 1). These need to be split up into smaller ones befo


Which are the only birds able to fly backwards?

What Bird Can Fly Backwards? - It May Suprise You About The Weasel What Bird Can Fly Backwards? Most living things we see on a daily basis (including other people) have the ability to both move forward and backwards. Do our airborne bird counterparts get to experience the same luxury? As it turns out, 99% of all birds lack the ability to fly backwards. This inability is mostly a function of a bird’s wings. Most birds have a wing structure that includes extra strong muscles that pull their wings downward. These same birds usually have much weaker muscles designed to pull their wings back up as they rely on wind resistance to do most of the work. While some birds may give the visual perception of flying backwards, most still lack the ability to do so without assistance from wind. Ospreys, kestrels, kingfishers, and cuckoo are often mistaken for a bird species that are magically flying backwards in this manner. Some birds can move backward slightly using a fluttering method. This is common among herons , egrets , warblers , and flycatchers . There exists only one species of bird that can reliably fly both forward and backward with precision without relying on the assistance of wind. In fact, this bird species can fly side to side, hover, and mostly move what can best be described as a “flying ninja.” We are referring to the Hummingbird: the most nimble and tactical species of all birds. How Does the Hummingbird Fly Backwards The hummingbird has a unique muscle and wing structure that gives them a level of flight control that other birds envy (or at least we do). You can think of a hummingbird as a miniature helicopter. Like a helicopter, the hummingbird can hover, fly right to left, left to right, diagonal, forwards, and yes, even backwards. The hummingbird has the ability to rotate its wings in circles making a figure eight. Based on the configuration of the figure eight as shown below, the hummingbird can change directions at will. So not only does the hummingbird fly backwards, it does so with great speed and grace. In fact, they fly at a speed of up to 30 mph! If you ever observe one, you will without a doubt notice their quickness. You may also notice that their wings move so quickly that they are just a blur. This blurred effect is a result of their wings flapping between 15 t0 100 times per second to maintain the kind of agility to allow them to fly backwards. Birds that Fly Backwards: Interesting Facts The heart rate of a hummingbird can reach over 1,000 beats a minute. The fast-paced wing flapping creates a humming noise, which gives them their name. 1/3rd of a hummingbirds total weight comes from the muscles it uses to fly. Hummingbirds are constantly eating in order to fuel their flight agility; they have the highest metabolisms of all birds. In one day, a hummingbird will eat twice its body weight to survive. Luckily for the hummingbird, they expend the same amount of energy moving forward as they do moving backwards!


Photosynthesis is carried out in which part of the cell?

The Cell, Respiration and Photosynthesis A Primer on Photosynthesis and the  Functioning of Cells   Photosynthesis Photosynthesis is the process by which organisms that contain the pigment chlorophyll convert light energy into chemical energy which can be stored in the molecular bonds of organic molecules (e.g., sugars). Photosynthesis powers almost all trophic chains and food webs on the Earth.  The net process of photosynthesis is described by the following equation:  6CO2 + 6H2O + Light Energy = C6H12O6 + 6O2 This equation simply means that carbon dioxide from the air and water combine in the presence of sunlight to form sugars; oxygen is released as a by-product of this reaction.    PGA is a phosphoglyceric acid, a three carbon (C-C-C) organic acid. Grana are the stacked membranes that contain chlorophyll. RuBP is the five carbon (C-C-C-C-C) sugar-phosphate. Rubisco is the enzyme ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase. It is the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of CO2 to the organic acid, PGA. It is the most abundant enzyme on Earth.  During the process of photosynthesis, light penetrates the cell and passes into the chloroplast. The light energy is intercepted by chlorophyll molecules on the granal stacks. Some of the light energy is converted to chemical energy. During this process, a phosphate is added to a molecule to cause the formation of ATP. The third phosphate chemical bond contains the new chemical energy. The ATP then provides energy to some of the other photosynthetic reactions that are causing the conversion of CO2 into sugars.  While the above reactions are proceeding CO2 is diffusing into the chloroplast. In the presence of the enzyme Rubisco, one molecule of CO2 is combined with one molecule of RuBP, and the first product of this reaction is two molecules of PGA.  The PGA then participates in a cycle of reactions that result in the production of the sugars and in the regeneration of RuBP. The RuBP is then available to accept another molecule of CO2 and to make more PGA.  Which wavelengths of the solar spectrum drive photosynthesis?   The wavelengths of sunlight between 400nm and 700nm are the wavelengths that are absorbed by chlorophyll and that drive photosynthesis.   Energy Incident on a Leaf Photosynthesis is not a very efficient process. Of the sunlight reaching the surface of a leaf, approximately:   Respiration is the opposite of photosynthesis, and is described by the equation: C6H12O6+6O2 ----------> 6CO2+6H2O+36ATP Simply stated, this equation means that oxygen combines with sugars to break molecular bonds, releasing the energy (in the form of ATP) contained in those bonds. In addition to the energy released, the products of the reaction are carbon dioxide and water.  In eukaryotic cells, cellular respiration begins with the products of glycolysis being transported into the mitochondria. A series of metabolic pathways (the Krebs cycle and others) in the mitochondria result in the further breaking of chemical bonds and the liberation of ATP. CO2 and H2O are end products of these reactions. The theoretical maximum yield of cellular respiration is 36 ATP per molecule of glucose metabolized.  **  Note that photosynthesis is a reduction-oxidation reaction, just like respiration (see the primer on redox reactions from the lecture on Microbes). In respiration energy is released from sugars when electrons associated with hydrogen are transported to oxygen (the electron acceptor), and water is formed as a byproduct.  The mitochondria use the energy released in this oxidation in order to synthesize ATP.  In photosynthesis, the electron flow is reversed, the water is split (not formed), and the electrons are transferred from the water to CO2 and in the process the energy is used to reduce the CO2 into sugar.  In respiration the energy yield is 686 kcal per mole of glucose oxidized to CO2, while photosynthesis requires 686 kcal of energy to boost the electrons from the water to their high-energy perches in the reduced sugar -- light provides this energy.


What is the name of the protective outer layer of trees?

The Protective Layer – Peace and Healing A Perspective of Traditional and Non-Traditional Methods of Healing The Protective Layer November 12, 2011 by Dan Williams, Psy.D.,P.A.-C. | 0 comments Our skin, the largest organ of our body. It protects us from the elements as well as helping with our body temperature. If one has ever cut down a tree you have noticed the protective layer of the bark. Also an insulator as well as a protector of nutrients that flow up the trunk. Damage the bark significantly and you see a scar for the rest of the tree’s life. Even our brain has a protective outer layer called dura mater, “tough mother.” The protection of many animals, trees, plants and even insects have protective outer layers to escape predators as well as protection from the elements. What about our emotions, our soul, our spirit? What is the protective layer of our emotions? Is it any wonder that paramedics, police officers, and those in active combat become calloused or to the contrary do not, and suffer PTSD, post traumatic stress disorder. It IS our very perception of self, combined with experience and our success, as well as failure that protects our soul our living spirit. When met with repetitious life trauma, emotional devastation repeatedly we may weaken, however this is also the process that develops character. The outer layer that protects our spirit, our soul, our emotional demeanor is our perception of life and how we chose to handle it. Nothing more, nothing less. Why the surge on self help books, the quest for the “right” religion, the need to question our belief versus listening to a loved one try and convince us to accept a certain religious paradigm. When pushed to the limit of stress. When we feel we are ready to break. When the emotion upheaval is so heavy upon our ability to cope, we may rely on others to converse. When we hang up the phone, leave the therapy session or begin to walk our walk of life….in the end it is always “YOU” that goes to bed at night when the covers are tucked up under your chin. Recognize the protective layer is your perception, your attitude, your belief. It is the make or break in terms of happiness and success when dealing with stress and life trauma. If one has a shattered or weak perception of self, it takes minimal understanding to see one shaken, one rattled and disoriented on which path to take. We sometimes over compensate and build a very calloused layer to protect the wounded soul. The emotional bark becomes thicker and at times impenetrable.  It is up to us to soften the outer layer with time, personal growth and trusting others. Yes, it takes time. Sometimes, like the tree hit by lightning, the scar remains and rears it’s ugly head in the form of anger, tears, or condescending behavior. Sarcasm, the wonderful defense to softness. It is humorous, but when used frequently is a defense mechanism to avoid. The avoidance of closeness. I know few people that would want to hug a hawthorn tree with it’s wooden barbs emitting out from the trunk as if it were a  Medieval  weapon. Humans can grow these thorns as well as remove them. We have the opportunity to become guarded and protective. We also have the ability to let the guard down and become soft and giving. The balance. Ah, the balance. Humans must learn and understand their own protective layer. The skin of their soul. The bark around their spirituality. It is important to protect ourselves, however too much protection and we live emotionally lonely lives, where we can rationalize our very existence. We can convince ourselves we are happy, when we are not. Understand the importance of your protective layer and how it changes with certain individuals. Decide how you want to live. Maybe you need to be more protective of your soul and just maybe you need to open up and become more vulnerable. Either way, recognize the protective layer and your responsibility in owning it.


What liquid do plants need for photosynthesis?

UCSB Science Line UCSB Science Line Why do plants need water? Answer 1: All living things need water to stay alive, and plants are living things! Plants, however, need much more water than many living things because plants use much more water than most animals. Plants also contain more water than animals - plants are about 90% water. The amount of water a plant needs depends on the type of plant, how much light the plant gets, and how old the plant is. When plants are not watered properly they wilt. This is because of something called turgor, which is water pressure inside the cells that make up the plant's skeleton. Water enters a plant through its stem and travels up to its leaves. When a plant is properly hydrated, there is enough water pressure to make the leaves strong and sturdy; when a plant doesn't get enough water, the pressure inside the stems and leaves drops and they wilt. Plants also need water for photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is what plants do to create their food, and water is critical to this process. Water enters a plant's stem and travels up to its leaves, which is where photosynthesis actually takes place. Once in the leaves water evaporates, as the plant exchanges water for carbon dioxide. This process is called transpiration, and it happens through tiny openings in the plant's leaves, called stomata. The water from the leaves evaporates through the stomata, and carbon dioxide enters the stomata, taking the water's place. Plants need this carbon dioxide to make food. Transpiration - this exchange of water for carbon dioxide - only occurs during the day when there is sunlight. This is why you might find dew on plants in the morning. The plants contain a lot of water because all night long water has been entering through the stem and being pulled into the leaves where it can't evaporate. Since the water doesn't evaporate at night, the water has no where to go so it remains on the leaves as dew. When water evaporates from a plant during transpiration it cools the plant, in the same way the humans sweat to cool off in the heat. A mature house plant can transpire its body weight daily. This means it gives off a lot of water! If people needed that much water, an adult would drink 20 gallons of water a day. Answer 2: Actually, all living things need water because life requires a LOT of chemical reactions. The chemicals are usually dissolved in water. Also, plants put the water together with carbon dioxide to make sugar. This takes energy, which plants get from light. Water also helps plants stand up tall, even when they aren’t made of wood. They don’t have bones, but they do have cell walls and water pressure. Water comes up from the roots, but carbon dioxide doesn’t. How do you think plants get carbon dioxide? Thanks for asking, Answer 3: The plants need water because the reactions that take place in the cell to make energy require a watery medium. Answer 4: Plants need water for the same reason that all living things do: to dissolve the chemicals they use to do their biology. Plants also use a water current up the plant for transport, which evaporates water out the leaves, so they need water for that reason, too. Lastly, water is used to make sugar, and plants store energy in the form of sugar. Click Here to return to the search form. Copyright © 2015 The Regents of the University of California, All Rights Reserved.


Bats | Basic Facts About Bats | Defenders of Wildlife Bats Basic Facts About Bats Bats are the only mammals capable of true flight. With extremely elongated fingers and a wing membrane stretched between, the bat’s wing anatomically resembles the human hand. Almost 1,000 bat species can be found worldwide. In fact, bats make up a quarter of all mammal species on earth! Diet 70% of bats consume insects, sharing a large part of natural pest control. There are also fruit-eating bats; nectar-eating bats; carnivorous bats that prey on small mammals, birds, lizards and frogs; fish-eating bats, and perhaps most famously, the blood-sucking vampire bats of South America. Population While some bat populations number in the millions, others are dangerously low or in decline. Range Did You Know? A single little brown bat can eat up to 1000 mosquitoes in a single hour, and is one of the world's longest-lived mammals for its size, with life spans of almost 40 years. Bats can be found almost anywhere in the world except the polar regions and extreme deserts. Behavior Echolocation Some bats have evolved a highly sophisticated sense of hearing. They emit sounds that bounce off of objects in their path, sending echoes back to the bats. From these echoes, the bats can determine the size of objects, how far away they are, how fast they are traveling and even their texture, all in a split second Bats find shelter in caves, crevices, tree cavities and buildings. Some species are solitary while others form colonies of more than a million individuals. Did You Know? Giant flying foxes that live in Indonesia have wingspans of nearly six feet! Overwintering To survive the winter some species of bat migrate, others hibernate, and yet others go into torpor (regulated hypothermia that can last from a few hours to a few months). Reproduction Gestation: 40 days - 6 months (bigger bats have longer gestation periods) Litter Size: Mostly one pup For their size, bats are the slowest reproducing mammals on Earth. At birth, a pup weighs up to 25 percent of its mother’s body weight, which is like a human mother giving birth to a 31 pound baby! Offspring typically are cared for in maternity colonies, where females congregate to bear and raise the young. Male bats do not help to raise the pups


Larval forms | Article about Larval forms by The Free Dictionary Larval forms | Article about Larval forms by The Free Dictionary http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Larval+forms Also found in: Dictionary , Thesaurus , Medical , Wikipedia . larva, independent, immature animal that undergoes a profound change, or metamorphosis, to assume the typical adult form. Larvae occur in almost all of the animal phyla; because most are tiny or microscopic, they are rarely seen. They play diverse roles in the lives of animals. Motile larvae help to disseminate sessile, or sedentary, animals such as sponges sponge, common name for members of the aquatic animal phylum Porifera, and for the dried, processed skeletons of certain species used to hold water. Over 4,500 living species are known; they are found throughout the world, especially in shallow temperate waters. ..... Click the link for more information. , oysters oyster, bivalve mollusk found in beds in shallow, warm waters of all oceans. The shell is made up of two valves, the upper one flat and the lower convex, with variable outlines and a rough outer surface. ..... Click the link for more information. , barnacles barnacle, common name of the sedentary crustacean animals constituting the infraclass Cirripedia. Barnacles are exclusively marine and are quite unlike any other crustacean because of the permanently attached, or sessile, mode of existence for which they are highly modified. ..... Click the link for more information. , or scale insects. Larvae of parasites may be dispersed by penetrating the skin of new hosts; other parasite larvae live in intermediate hosts that are normally eaten by the final host, in which the adult parasites develop. The larvae of other parasites live in and are dispersed by intermediate hosts such as mosquitoes mosquito , small, long-legged insect of the order Diptera, the true flies. The females of most species have piercing and sucking mouth parts and apparently they must feed at least once upon mammalian blood before their eggs can develop properly. ..... Click the link for more information. , gnats gnat, common name for any one of a number of small, fragile-looking two-winged flies of the suborder Nematocera, order Diptera, which includes the families Tipulidae (crane flies), Bibionidae (hairflies), Ceratopogonidae (biting midges), Chironomidae (true midges), Cecidomyidae ..... Click the link for more information. , or leeches leech, predacious or parasitic annelid worm of the class Hirudinea, characterized by a cylindrical or slightly flattened body with suckers at either end for attaching to prey. ..... Click the link for more information. ; when the blood meals are taken from the final host, the parasite larvae are introduced into the blood or skin. Parasitic infections can often be reduced by eliminating the larval hosts. Vertebrate Larvae Among vertebrates vertebrate, any animal having a backbone or spinal column. Verbrates can be traced back to the Silurian period. In the adults of nearly all forms the backbone consists of a series of vertebrae. All vertebrates belong to the subphylum Vertebrata of the phylum Chordata. ..... Click the link for more information.  a number of fishes fish, limbless aquatic vertebrate animal with fins and internal gills. Traditionally the living fish have been divided into three class: the primitive jawless fishes, or Agnatha; the cartilaginous (sharklike) fishes, or Chondrichthyes; and the bony fishes, or Osteichthyes. ..... Click the link for more information.  pass through larval stages; the larva of the eel eel, common name for any fish in the order Anguilliformes, and characterized by a long snakelike body covered with minute scales embedded in the skin. Eels lack the hind pair of fins, adapting them for wriggling in the mud and through the crevices of reefs and rocky shores. ..... Click the link for more information.  is interesting because it is flat and transparent. The tadpole, the familiar larva of the amphibian amphibian, in zoology, cold-blooded vertebrate animal of the class Amphibia. Th


Which bird, a member of the cuckoo family, is often seen dashing along the highways of the southern USA and Mexico... hence its name?

/programmes/b04t0vqb Mauritius Kestrel Michael Palin presents the Mauritius kestrel from the island of Mauritius. Today the calls of several hundred Mauritius kestrels ring out across the forests and farmland of the island, so it's hard to believe that as recently as the early 1970s, only four birds could be found in the wild. These smart chestnut falcons were almost wiped out by a cocktail of threats ...destruction of their evergreen forests, pesticides and the introduction of predators such as monkeys, mongooses, rats and cats. When a species is so critically endangered there aren't many options, and conservationists decided that their only choice was to take some of the wild Mauritius kestrels into captivity. By 1993, 300 Mauritius kestrels had been released and by November of that year there were as many as 65 breeding pairs in the wild. Now the kestrels are back, hovering above the landscapes that nearly lost them forever. Michael Palin presents the Mauritius kestrel, from the island of Mauritius. Michael Palin presents the Mauritius kestrel from the island of Mauritius. Today the calls of several hundred Mauritius kestrels ring out across the forests and farmland of the island, so it's hard to believe that as recently as the early 1970s, only four birds could be found in the wild. These smart chestnut falcons were almost wiped out by a cocktail of threats ...destruction of their evergreen forests, pesticides and the introduction of predators such as monkeys, mongooses, rats and cats. When a species is so critically endangered there aren't many options, and conservationists decided that their only choice was to take some of the wild Mauritius kestrels into captivity. By 1993, 300 Mauritius kestrels had been released and by November of that year there were as many as 65 breeding pairs in the wild. Now the kestrels are back, hovering above the landscapes that nearly lost them forever. Thu, 12 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000 102 /programmes/b04t0vp4 Ostrich Michael Palin presents the avian record breaking ostrich in the Kalahari Desert. Ostriches are ornithological record-breakers. The black and white adult male ostrich is taller and heavier than any other living bird, reaching almost 3 metres in height and weighing a whopping 150 kilograms. Females are smaller but lay the largest eggs of any bird. The ostrich's eye measures 5cm in diameter and is the largest of any land vertebrate. Ostriches live in the wide open landscapes of central, eastern and South-West Africa. As well as being tall and observant, Ostriches also minimise their chances of being predated on, by living in groups and sharing lookout duties, or staying close to sharp-eyed antelope and zebra herds. They can also use their powerful legs to try and outrun a predator, reaching speeds of up to 70 kilometres per hour which makes them the fastest avian runner. Michael Palin presents the ostrich, an avian record-breaker, in the Kalahari Desert. Michael Palin presents the avian record breaking ostrich in the Kalahari Desert. Ostriches are ornithological record-breakers. The black and white adult male ostrich is taller and heavier than any other living bird, reaching almost 3 metres in height and weighing a whopping 150 kilograms. Females are smaller but lay the largest eggs of any bird. The ostrich's eye measures 5cm in diameter and is the largest of any land vertebrate. Ostriches live in the wide open landscapes of central, eastern and South-West Africa. As well as being tall and observant, Ostriches also minimise their chances of being predated on, by living in groups and sharing lookout duties, or staying close to sharp-eyed antelope and zebra herds. They can also use their powerful legs to try and outrun a predator, reaching speeds of up to 70 kilometres per hour which makes them the fastest avian runner. Wed, 11 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000 104 /programmes/b04t0vl3 Asian Koel Michael Palin presents the Asian koel's arrival to an Indian orchard. This long-tailed glossy blue-black bird, is a well-known British harbinger of spring, and like it's British counterpart


What grow as parasites and saprotrophs, contain no chlorophyll, and reproduce by means of spores?

Fungi kingdom - definition of Fungi kingdom by The Free Dictionary Fungi kingdom - definition of Fungi kingdom by The Free Dictionary http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Fungi+kingdom Related to Fungi kingdom: Protista kingdom fun·gus  (fŭng′gəs) n. pl. fun·gi (fŭn′jī, fŭng′gī) or fun·gus·es Any of numerous spore-producing eukaryotic organisms of the kingdom Fungi, which lack chlorophyll and vascular tissue and range in form from a single cell to a mass of branched filamentous hyphae that often produce specialized fruiting bodies. The kingdom includes the yeasts, smuts, rusts, mushrooms, and many molds, excluding the slime molds and the water molds. [Latin; perhaps akin to Greek spongos, sphongos, sponge.] fungus (ˈfʌŋɡəs) n, pl fungi (ˈfʌŋɡaɪ; ˈfʌndʒaɪ; ˈfʌndʒɪ) or funguses 1. (Plants) any member of a kingdom of organisms (Fungi) that lack chlorophyll, leaves, true stems, and roots, reproduce by spores, and live as saprotrophs or parasites. The group includes moulds, mildews, rusts, yeasts, and mushrooms 2. something resembling a fungus, esp in suddenly growing and spreading rapidly 3. (Pathology) pathol any soft tumorous growth [C16: from Latin: mushroom, fungus; probably related to Greek spongos sponge] fungic adj n., pl. fun•gi (ˈfʌn dʒaɪ, ˈfʌŋ gaɪ) fun•gus•es. any member of the kingdom Fungi (or division Thallophyta of the kingdom Plantae), comprising single-celled or multinucleate organisms that live by decomposing and absorbing the organic material in which they grow: includes the mushrooms, molds, mildews, smuts, rusts, and yeasts. [1520–30; < Latin: fungus; sponge ] fun•gic (ˈfʌn dʒɪk) adj. fun·gus (fŭng′gəs) Plural fungi (fŭn′jī, fŭng′gī) Any of a wide variety of organisms that reproduce by spores, including the mushrooms, molds, yeasts, and mildews. The spores of most fungi grow a network of slender tubes called hyphae that spread into and feed off of living organisms or dead organic matter. The hyphae also produce reproductive structures, such as mushrooms and other growths. Fungi are grouped as a separate kingdom in taxonomy. See Table at taxonomy . fungal adjective Did You Know? There's a fungus among us, as they say. And it's true—they are everywhere. You have no doubt eaten mushrooms, which are fungi. And you have eaten bread, made with yeast, another fungus. Old bread may grow mold, still another fungus. Athlete's foot and a variety of other infections are caused by fungi, but, on the good side, a fungus also produces the medicine penicillin. About 100,000 different species of fungi exist. When you see a light-colored splat on a tree or rock in the woods, it is probably a lichen, which is a fungus and an alga living in a symbiotic relationship, benefiting each other. Fungi are neither plants nor animals; they are different enough to be classified by scientists into their own unique kingdom. fungus (pl. fungi) A member of the kingdom Fungi, a group of nonmotile saprophytes and parasites. ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend: Noun 1. fungus - an organism of the kingdom Fungi lacking chlorophyll and feeding on organic matter; ranging from unicellular or multicellular organisms to spore-bearing syncytia organism , being - a living thing that has (or can develop) the ability to act or function independently immune reaction , immune response , immunologic response - a bodily defense reaction that recognizes an invading substance (an antigen: such as a virus or fungus or bacteria or transplanted organ) and produces antibodies specific against that antigen pileus , cap - a fruiting structure resembling an umbrella or a cone that forms the top of a stalked fleshy fungus such as a mushroom volva - cuplike structure around the base of the stalk of certain fungi hymenium - spore-bearing layer of cells in certain fungi containing asci or basidia Ceratostomella ulmi , Dutch elm fungus - fungus causing Dutch elm disease Claviceps purpurea , ergot - a fungus that infects various cereal plants forming compact black masses of branching filaments that replace many grains of the plant; source of medicinally important a


How Fish Gills Work How Fish Gills Work Today I found out how fish gills work. These fantastic little organs allow the fish to absorb oxygen from the water and use it for energy. Functionally, gills are not that dissimilar to the lungs in humans and other mammals. The main difference is how they are able to absorb much smaller concentrations of available oxygen, while allowing the fish to maintain an appropriate level of Sodium Chloride (salt) in their bloodstream. Gills work on the same principle as lungs. In the lungs, there are small sacs called alveoli that are approximately 70% capillaries. These capillaries carry deoxygenated blood from the body. As oxygen and carbon dioxide pass across the alveoli’s membrane, the capillaries take the newly oxygenated blood back to the body. Similarly, gills have small rows and columns of specialized cells grouped together called the epithelium. Deoxygenated blood in the fish is supplied directly from the heart to the epithelium via arteries, and even yet smaller arterioles. As seawater is forced across the epithelium membranes, dissolved oxygen in the seawater is taken up by tiny blood vessels and veins, while the carbon dioxide is exchanged. Gills themselves have a car radiator-like appearance. Most fish have 4 gills on each side, consisting of a main bar-like structure that has numerous branches as that of a tree, and those branches consisting of even smaller branch-like structures. This arrangement of cells allows for a very large surface area when the gills are immersed in water. Functionally, the mechanism for pumping water over the radiator-like gills seems to vary depending on the species of fish. In general, this is achieved by the fish lowering the floor of the mouth and widening the outer skin flap that protects the gills, called the operculum. This increase in volume lowers the pressure within the mouth causing the water to rush in. As the fish raises the floor of their mouth, an inward fold of skin forms a valve of sorts which doesn’t allow water to rush out. The pressure is then increased compared to the outside of the mouth and the water is forced through the operculum opening and across the gills. Gills themselves need a very large surface area to provide the fish with the necessary oxygen demands. Air is approximately 21% oxygen or about 210,000 parts per million. Water, on the other hand, only has about 4-8 parts per million of dissolved oxygen that the gills can extract. Because of this, if the fish did not have a large gill surface area to absorb as much oxygen as it can for it’s size, it would quickly suffocate. Cold blooded animals also tend to have a lower metabolism than their warm blooded counterparts. This aids them in their ability to handle environments of low available oxygen. Should the same size fish be warm blooded, the metabolism of the little swimmer would be increased to the point that the available oxygen would not be sufficient and little Nemo would perish. While the large gill surface area allows for sufficient exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen, it at the same time exposes the same large blood volume to the hypertonic (that is, saltier than thou) sea water, creating a situation in which fish must have a backup mechanism for expelling excess sodium that has been incidentally absorbed. Conversely, freshwater fish need to have an opposite mechanism allowing them to excrete excess water to keep their sodium levels appropriately high. Never mind about those anadromous gypsies who trounce back and forth, able to thrive in both fresh and salt water environments. We will just call them show offs and leave it at that. To deal with this sodium problem, inside the gill resides nifty little cells called chloride cells. These cells allow for the extrusion of any unwanted sodium. Freshwater fish tend to have less of these cells than do their seafaring counterparts. This, combined with the ability to have extremely diluted urine, allows fresh water fish to keep their sodium level appropriately high.


Which animal can move by jet propulsion?

What is a nautilus? Home Ocean Facts What is a nautilus? What is a nautilus? The nautilus is a mollusk that uses jet propulsion to roam the ocean deep. Writers, artists, and engineers have long marveled at the nautilus’s beauty and swimming abilities. The chambered or pearly nautilus is a cephalopod (a type of mollusk)—a distant cousin to squids, octopi, and cuttlefish. Unlike its color-changing cousins, though, the soft-bodied nautilus lives inside its hard external shell. The shell itself has many closed interior chambers or “compartments.” The animal resides in the shell’s largest chamber, while the other chambers function like the ballast tanks of a submarine. This is the secret to how the nautilus swims. The tissue in a canal called the siphuncle [sigh-funk-el] connects all of the interior chambers. As seawater pumps through the living chamber, the nautilus expels water by pulling its body into the chamber, thereby creating jet propulsion to thrust itself backwards and to make turns. While swimming up or down through the water column, the nautilus uses its siphuncle to suck fluid into, or draw it out of, the smaller sealed chambers, allowing the animal to adjust its overall buoyancy. According to fossil records, animals similar to the chambered nautilus have existed for about 500 million years. Although no regulations currently exist to protect them, the six living species of chambered nautilus appear to be in decline. They are trapped mostly for their attractive shells and also for the shell’s inner layer, called nacre, which is used as a pearl substitute in jewelry and trinkets. In 2013, NOAA Fisheries funded a University of Washington researcher to conduct population studies of the nautilus in Fiji and American Samoa. The research should provide a clearer picture of nautilus abundance in those areas. Search Our Facts


What name is given to the microscopic plants found in great numbers in rivers, lakes, and oceans?

Aquatic Plants and Lakes Ecology home > Water Quality > Aquatic Plants, Algae & Lakes > Native Freshwater Plants - Aquatic Plants and Lakes Native Freshwater Plants Aquatic Plants and Lakes Introduction Plants growing in our lakes, ponds, and streams are called macrophytes. These aquatic plants appear in many shapes and sizes.  Some have leaves that float on the water surface,while others grow completely underwater. In moderation, aquatic plants are aesthetically pleasing and desirable environmentally. Their presence is natural and normal in lakes, and in fact they are an important link in a lake's life system. In large quantities, plants can interfere with some water uses and may be seen as a problem. When lake users are confronted with too many plants in the wrong places, a common reaction is to remove the entire problem. Such hasty decisions are often made with little regard for the important role plants play in the water environment. Neglecting to see these interrelations often results in unintended impacts to wildlife, fish, and other forms of life. Unfortunately, the information required to make environmentally sound decisions is not always easily available. Without this information, how can anyone know what is best over the long term to do about aquatic plants? The purpose of this information is to provide some general but pertinent information and insights regarding aquatic plants:  (1) how they came to be where they are, (2) what beneficial contributions that they make to life in the lake, (3) how our activities can affect them, and (4) some things to consider if plant removal is planned. Acknowledgments: This information was taken from a brochure called About Aquatic Plants written by the Municipality of Metropolitan Seattle's (METRO) Water Resource Section (now King County). Life History of a Lake A question frequently raised regarding aquatic plants is why some lakes have them in abundance and others do not. An answer to this question lies in the explanation of the lake's aging cycle. Most of our local lakes came into being as a result of activity of glaciers in the most recent ice age, approximately 10,000 years ago. A lake bed is a natural depression or low spot in the terrain. In the Puget Sound lowlands they were often gouged out by movement of glacial ice. These depressions then became holding basins for water of the drainage area as it flowed toward sea level. As a lake detains water on its way downstream, it also becomes a settling pond for sediment.  Part of the sediment that settles in lakes is carried in by the flow of streams or other runoff, and part comes from the accumulation of the remains of organisms in the water and near the shoreline. Aquatic life includes visible plants and animals and also multitudes of microscopic plants and animals that can, over time, add significantly to the accumulation of sediment in the lake by dying and settling to the bottom. The microscopic plants in the water are nourished by plant nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) that originate in the watershed and are washed into the lake. Within the lake, a portion of these nutrients can be recycled indefinitely, while more continue to be washed in from the lake basin. Over time sediment accumulates in the lake as productivity gradually increases. When first formed, many of the lake beds were deep and clean (mostly free of sediment). Sediments that were first deposited were silty and had little organic material because there was little life in or around the lakes. Over time, hundreds or thousands of years, the sediment deposits became deeper and more favorable to the growth of rooted, aquatic plants (macrophytes). As these plants (and the microscopic life in the water, now also more abundant) died back at the end of each growing season or life cycle, they enriched the sediments with organic material. Since macrophytes tend to grow better in organically richer sediments, this process set up a cycle of more growth in the lake causing richer sediments and these in turn favored ev


What are the nocturnal, herding herbivores of Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea?

ANIMAL KINGDOM :: MARSUPIAL MAMMALS :: EXAMPLES OF MARSUPIALS image - Visual Dictionary Online Visual Dictionary Online next Tasmanian devil Carnivorous scavenging nocturnal marsupial with powerful jaws that allow it to devour its prey whole (flesh, bones, fur, feathers). opossum Omnivorous nocturnal marsupial of the Americas and Australia without a pouch; its fur is highly prized. wallaby Marsupial closely related to the kangaroo and living in Australia, Tasmania and New Guinea; certain species are prized for their fur. morphology of a kangaroo koala Tailless nocturnal marsupial of Australia; this solitary tree-dweller lives in eucalyptus forests and feeds on the tree&#8217s leaves. kangaroo Herbivorous marsupial with a highly developed tail; it lives in groups in Australia and Tasmania and moves rapidly by leaping.


Where in an animal would you find a mandible?

Jaw - definition of jaw by The Free Dictionary Jaw - definition of jaw by The Free Dictionary http://www.thefreedictionary.com/jaw n. 1. a. Either of two bony or cartilaginous structures that in most vertebrates form the framework of the mouth and hold the teeth. b. The mandible or maxilla or the part of the face covering these bones. c. Any of various structures of invertebrates that have an analogous function to vertebrate jaws. 2. Either of two opposed hinged parts in a mechanical device. 3. jaws The walls of a pass, canyon, or cavern. 4. jaws A dangerous situation or confrontation: the jaws of death. 5. Slang a. Impudent argument or back talk: Don't give me any jaw. b. A conversation or chat. intr.v. jawed, jaw·ing, jaws Slang 1. To talk vociferously; jabber. 2. To talk; converse. [Middle English jawe, jowe, perhaps from Old French joue, cheek.] jaw′less adj. (dʒɔː) n 1. (Zoology) the part of the skull of a vertebrate that frames the mouth and holds the teeth. In higher vertebrates it consists of the upper jaw (maxilla) fused to the cranium and the lower jaw (mandible). 2. (Zoology) the corresponding part of an invertebrate, esp an insect 3. (Mechanical Engineering) a pair or either of a pair of hinged or sliding components of a machine or tool designed to grip an object 4. slang c. moralizing talk; a lecture vb a. to talk idly; chat; gossip b. to lecture [C14: probably from Old French joue cheek; related to Italian gota cheek] ˈjawˌlike adj (dʒɔ) n. 1. either of two tooth-bearing bones or bony structures, the mandible or maxilla, forming the framework of the vertebrate mouth. 2. the part of the face covering these bones. 3. jaws, anything resembling a pair of jaws in shape or in power to grasp or hold. 4. one of two or more parts, as of a machine, that grasp or hold something or that attach to or mesh with similar parts. 5. Slang. an idle chat. v.i. 6. Slang. to chat; gossip. [1325–75; Middle English jawe, jowe < Old French joue; orig. uncertain] jaw′less, adj. jaw (jô) 1. Either of two bony or cartilaginous structures that in most vertebrate animals form the framework of the mouth, hold the teeth, and are used for biting and chewing food. The lower, movable part of the jaw is called the mandible. The upper, fixed part is called the maxilla. 2. Any of various structures of invertebrate animals, such as the pincers of spiders or mites, that function similarly to the jaws of vertebrates. jaw I will have been jawing you will have been jawing he/she/it will have been jawing we will have been jawing you will have been jawing they will have been jawing Past Perfect Continuous Noun 1. jaw - the part of the skull of a vertebrate that frames the mouth and holds the teeth bone , os - rigid connective tissue that makes up the skeleton of vertebrates maxilla , maxillary , upper jaw , upper jawbone - the jaw in vertebrates that is fused to the cranium alveolar arch - the part of the upper or lower jawbones in which the teeth are set alveolar process , alveolar ridge , gum ridge - a ridge that forms the borders of the upper and lower jaws and contains the sockets of the teeth skull - the bony skeleton of the head of vertebrates chop - a jaw; "I'll hit him on the chops" 2. jaw - the bones of the skull that frame the mouth and serve to open it; the bones that hold the teeth face , human face - the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear; "he washed his face"; "I wish I had seen the look on his face when he got the news" feature , lineament - the characteristic parts of a person's face: eyes and nose and mouth and chin; "an expression of pleasure crossed his features"; "his lineaments were very regular" 3. jaw - holding device consisting of one or both of the opposing parts of a tool that close to hold an object alligator clip , bulldog clip - a clip with a spring that closes the metal jaws chuck - a holding device consisting of adjustable jaws that center a workpiece in a lathe or center a tool in a drill holding device - a device for holding something pair of pliers , pliers , plyers - a gripping hand


Beavers, Beaver Pictures, Beaver Facts - National Geographic Size relative to a 6-ft (2-m) man Please add a "relative" entry to your dictionary. Beavers are famously busy, and they turn their talents to reengineering the landscape as few other animals can. When sites are available, beavers burrow in the banks of rivers and lakes. But they also transform less suitable habitats by building dams. Felling and gnawing trees with their strong teeth and powerful jaws, they create massive log, branch, and mud structures to block streams and turn fields and forests into the large ponds that beavers love. Domelike beaver homes, called lodges, are also constructed of branches and mud. They are often strategically located in the middle of ponds and can only be reached by underwater entrances. These dwellings are home to extended families of monogamous parents, young kits, and the yearlings born the previous spring. Beavers are among the largest of rodents. They are herbivores and prefer to eat leaves, bark, twigs, roots, and aquatic plants. These large rodents move with an ungainly waddle on land but are graceful in the water, where they use their large, webbed rear feet like swimming fins, and their paddle-shaped tails like rudders. These attributes allow beavers to swim at speeds of up to five miles (eight kilometers) an hour. They can remain underwater for 15 minutes without surfacing, and have a set of transparent eyelids that function much like goggles. Their fur is naturally oily and waterproof. There are two species of beavers, which are found in the forests of North America, Europe, and Asia. These animals are active all winter, swimming and foraging in their ponds even when a layer of ice covers the surface.


Which tissue carries sugary sap around the plant?

Transport in Plants Transport in Plants Carbon Fixation by Roots The main source of carbon for plants comes from the atmosphere as carbon dioxide and fixation of this carbon dioxide by leaves and other green parts of the shoot system in the presence of light as an energy source - the process of photosynthesis . Some of this fixed carbon is converted into fuels for respiration, such as glucose, some is stored as compact materials like starch, and some is used in building blocks, such as proteins, nucelotides and phospholipids, to build the plant body. Fixation is an odd word, and one that stems all the way back to alchemy. It makes perfect sense, however, when you think of gases as mobile, with their molecules constantly moving around by diffusion due to their thermal kinetic energy. Fixation means to render less mobile, and was historically depicted by clipping the 'wings' of the gaseous or volatile substance (by converting it into a solid or non-volatile liquid, for example). However, it is a little known fact that roots can also fix carbon. Roots do not photosynthesise, however, and they fix carbon in the absence of light with the use of enzymes. Ordinarily roots only fix enough carbon for their own secretory activities, with the bulk of carbon fixation occurring in the shoot system. Root-fixed carbon is used, for example, to produce root secretions which leak into the soil around the roots (the rhizosphere). These secretions probably have various functions, but appear to encourage plant-friendly microbes, signaling to mycorhizal fungi, for example, advertising the root and encouraging the fungus to form a symbiosis with it. These secretions are also thought to be important in helping to 'mobilise, plant nutrients - many nutrients are locked onto soil particles in an insoluble form and so can not be absorbed by  the roots until they have been dissolved or mobilised. In some herbaceous plants, it has been shown that roots can fix enough surplus carbon to contribute to shoot carbon, that is the roots export carbon that they fix and which is in excess of their own needs, into the shoot system. To what extent the roots contribute to the stem carbon of woody plants is not known. The Role of Root Pressure As well as contributing a small amount to the pressure gradient which drives xylem sap part-way up a tree, or perhaps to the top of some short plants, or even small trees, in certain conditions, root pressure possibly has several important functions. In very humid climates where evapotranspiration is too low to drive xylem flow, root pressure ensures that some xylem travels up the plant to deliver mineral nutrients from the roots to the shoot system. This root pressure may cause droplets of water to exude from vessels at the edges and tips of leaves (guttation) and some plants have special pores (hydathodes) at the ends of the veins to allow this water out (after the minerals are extracted from it by the cells). This flow due to root pressure also occurs in many plants at night, contributing to early morning due. It is also important in very early spring, supplying growing buds with minerals before the leaves have opened enough for evapotranspiration to take over as the main driving force. Root pressure may also help unblock cavitated vessels. Sugar in the Xylem In maples and birches, cold-tolerant trees, xylem sap is driven up the stem in winter and carries sucrose with it to fuel the developing flowers which open early before the leaves. The sucrose is loaded into the xylem from ray parenchyma and other storage cells in the xylem. This sap ascent can not be utilising the transpiration stream as no leaves are available in winter to drive it.  It occurs on warmer days that follow cold nights and is thought to involve a night-freeze, warm-day cycle of pressure changes in the trunk. At night the xylem sap freezes and this is thought to trap and compress gases in the xylem as the sap freezes. The daytime heat melts the ice in the xylem, expanding the trapped gases and generating a positive pressure to drive xylem sap flow up t


Which cells form the middle layer of plant leaves?

Leaf Structure, Function, and Adaptation About Watch and Favorite Watch Watching this resources will notify you when proposed changes or new versions are created so you can keep track of improvements that have been made. Favorite Favoriting this resource allows you to save it in the “My Resources” tab of your account. There, you can easily access this resource later when you’re ready to customize it or assign it to your students. Leaf Structure, Function, and Adaptation Leaves have many structures that prevent water loss, transport compounds, aid in gas exchange, and protect the plant as a whole. Learning Objective Describe the internal structure and function of a leaf Key Points The epidermis consists of the upper and lower epidermis; it aids in the regulation of gas exchange via stomata. The epidermis is one layer thick, but may have more layers to prevent transpiration . The cuticle is located outside the epidermis and protects against water loss; trichomes discourage predation. The mesophyll is found between the upper and lower epidermis; it aids in gas exchange and photosynthesis via chloroplasts . The xylem transports water and minerals to the leaves; the phloem transports the photosynthetic products to the other parts of the plant. Plants in cold climates have needle-like leaves that are reduced in size; plants in hot climates have succulent leaves that help to conserve water. Terms Full Text Leaf Structure and Function The outermost layer of the leaf is the epidermis. It consists of the upper and lower epidermis, which are present on either side of the leaf. Botanists call the upper side the adaxial surface (or adaxis) and the lower side the abaxial surface (or abaxis). The epidermis aids in the regulation of gas exchange. It contains stomata, which are openings through which the exchange of gases takes place. Two guard cells surround each stoma , regulating its opening and closing. Guard cells are the only epidermal cells to contain chloroplasts. The epidermis is usually one cell layer thick. However, in plants that grow in very hot or very cold conditions, the epidermis may be several layers thick to protect against excessive water loss from transpiration. A waxy layer known as the cuticle covers the leaves of all plant species . The cuticle reduces the rate of water loss from the leaf surface. Other leaves may have small hairs (trichomes) on the leaf surface. Trichomes help to avert herbivory by restricting insect movements or by storing toxic or bad-tasting compounds. They can also reduce the rate of transpiration by blocking air flow across the leaf surface . Trichomes give leaves a fuzzy appearance as in this (a) sundew (Drosera sp.). Leaf trichomes include (b) branched trichomes on the leaf of Arabidopsis lyrata and (c) multibranched trichomes on a mature Quercus marilandica leaf. Below the epidermis of dicot leaves are layers of cells known as the mesophyll, or "middle leaf." The mesophyll of most leaves typically contains two arrangements of parenchyma cells: the palisade parenchyma and spongy parenchyma . The palisade parenchyma (also called the palisade mesophyll) aids in photosynthesis and has column-shaped, tightly-packed cells. It may be present in one, two, or three layers. Below the palisade parenchyma are loosely-arranged cells of an irregular shape. These are the cells of the spongy parenchyma (or spongy mesophyll). The air space found between the spongy parenchyma cells allows gaseous exchange between the leaf and the outside atmosphere through the stomata. In aquatic plants, the intercellular spaces in the spongy parenchyma help the leaf float. Both layers of the mesophyll contain many chloroplasts. (a) (top) The central mesophyll is sandwiched between an upper and lower epidermis. The mesophyll has two layers: an upper palisade layer and a lower spongy layer. Stomata on the leaf underside allow gas exchange. A waxy cuticle covers all aerial surfaces of land plants to minimize water loss. (b) (bottom) These leaf layers are clearly visible in the scanning electron micrograph. The numerous small


Which antipodean bird is the largest member of the kingfisher family?

ANIMAL Teachers: Winged Ones: Kookaburra ANIMAL Teachers KOOKABURRA Resolving Family Issues The Kookaburra of Australia is the largest member of the Kingfisher Family. Unlike other members of the Kingfisher Family, Kookaburra lives in woodlands instead of near wetlands. Perched on a tree branch to spot prey, Kookaburra will swoop down and seize a tasty Insect in his long, dagger-like bill. Instead of Fish, Kookaburra eats Insects, Worms, and Reptiles. Known for his distinctive call, Laughing Kookaburra will sing in a loud chorus, ï¿½Koo-koo-koo-koo-koo-koo-kaa-kaa-kaaï¿½. Blue-winged Kookaburra sings a coarser call that ends abruptly. Some people have described Kookaburraï¿½s call as a rollicking laugh. What is strange about Kookaburraï¿½s call is how many people are familiar with it, without knowing. American filmmakers often feature Kookaburraï¿½s laugh as background noise for jungle scenes. What makes Kookaburra unusual is his family life. When his Young are fledged, They remain with their Parents to help raise the next group of Siblings. Kookaburra Brothers and Sisters will raise the second brood, while Parent Kookaburras raise the third brood. If one of the Parents dies, the Children continue to help the other Parent raise the rest of the Family. What people can learn from Kookaburra is how to be a good family member. Kookaburra can teach you how to resolve many family issues. Learn from Kookaburra what makes for a strong family. Important Kookaburra Teaching: Laughter and Joy ï¿½He has a distinctive laughing call that when heard makes one feel like laughing along with him. Stirring the joy that lives deep within your being. When you hear a Kookaburra remember to allow yourself to laugh, for laughter and joy are the very essence of our being.ï¿½ Copyright: ï¿½Wisdom of Australian Animalsï¿½, Ann Williams-Fitzgerald. Kookaburraï¿½s Teachings Also Include ï¿½A silent Kookaburra is a far more uplifting sign than the raucous laughter emanated by a chorus of mockery and taunt.ï¿½ Copyright: ï¿½Animal Messengersï¿½, Scott Alexander King. Kookaburraï¿½s Wisdom Includes: Strong Families


Which microscopic organisms form the basis of marine and freshwater food chains?

Food Chains and Webs | Teaching Great Lakes Science Teaching Great Lakes Science Search Food Chains and Webs All living organisms depend on one another for food. By reviewing the relationships of organisms that feed on one another, this lesson explores how all organisms— including humans—are linked. If students understand the relationships in a simple food chain, they will better understand the importance and sensitivity of these connections, and why changes to one part of the food chain almost always impact another. Grade level: 4-8th grades Performance Expectations: MS-LS2-1 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy and Dynamics. Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem. MS-LS2-2 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy and Dynamics. Construct an explanation about how the different parts of the food chain are dependent on each other. MS-LS2-3 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy and Dynamics. Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and flow of energy among living parts of the food chain. MS-LS2-4 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy and Dynamics. Construct an argument, supported by evidence gathered through observation and experience, showing how changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations. MS-LS2-5 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy and Dynamics. Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services. MS-ESS3-3 Earth and Human Activity. Answer questions about how pollution affects food chains by applying scientific principles to design a monitoring plan for minimizing the human impact on the environment. For alignment, see: NGSS Summary Lesson Objectives Describe the difference between herbivores, carnivores and producers. Answer questions about the interdependence of herbivores, carnivores and producers as members of a food chain. Answer questions about how pollution affects food chains.   Background A food chain is a simplified way to show the relationship of organisms that feed on each other. It’s helpful to classify animals in a simple food chain by what they eat, or where they get their energy. Green plants, called producers, form the basis of the aquatic food chain. They get their energy from the sun and make their own food through photosynthesis. In the Great Lakes, producers can be microscopic phytoplankton (plant plankton), algae, aquatic plants like Elodea, or plants like cattails that emerge from the water’s surface. Herbivores, such as ducks, small fish and many species of zooplankton (animal plankton) eat plants. Carnivores (meat eaters) eat other animals and can be small (e.g., frog) or large (e.g., lake trout). Omnivores are animals (including humans) that eat both plants and animals. Each is an important part of the food chain. In reality, food chains overlap at many points — because animals often feed on multiple species — forming complex food webs. Food web diagrams depict all feeding interactions among species in real communities. These complex diagrams often appear as intricate spider webs connecting the species. This lesson demonstrates that changes in one part of a food chain or web may affect other parts, resulting in impacts on carnivores, herbivores, and eventually on producers. An example of this might be the harmful effects of pollution. The point that should be made is that when something disrupts a food web, humans should try to understand and minimize the disturbance. Students should also come to recognize that humans, too, are part of this complex web of life.   Food Chains and Food Webs – Parts and Pieces Food Chains Producers Plants form the base of Great Lakes food chains. They’re called producers, because they make their own food by converting sunlight through photosynthesis. They also act as food, providing energy for other organisms. In the Great Lakes, most producers are phytoplankton, or microscopic floating plants. An example of phytoplankton is green algae. Large rooted plants, another type of producer, provide food and she


Which bird feeds with its head upside-down and its beak held horizontally beneath the water?

Nature: Tickled pink by flamingo's visit - Houston Chronicle Nature: Tickled pink by flamingo's visit WONDERS OF NATURE By Gary Clark Published 5:30 am, Friday, May 28, 2004 Few birds have attracted as much public attention as the flamingo in Galveston Bay next to the Texas City Dike . But the question on everybody's mind, from hard-core birders to casual observers, is where did it come from? Decked out in pink plumes with a swanlike long neck and angular beak, the bird is called a greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) of the Caribbean variety. It normally congregates in large flocks at the Yucatán Peninsula and throughout the Caribbean and Bahamas down to northern South America. So what is a lone flamingo doing in Texas City? What it's doing right now is feeding on little marine organisms and putting on quite a show for spectators. Whether it's a wild bird is an unanswered question. Is it a captive flamingo that escaped from a zoo or water garden, or did it wander up to Texas from a wild Caribbean population? An answer will come from the Texas Bird Records Committee , a standing committee of the Texas Ornithological Society that analyzes reports of birds considered rare in Texas. A greater flamingo is certainly rare in Texas and anywhere in the United States. "The TBRC will primarily use two criteria to decide about the potential origin of the flamingo," said Mark Lockwood , the committee's secretary. "First is the condition of the bird, including its plumage, legs and beak. Captive birds often show signs of feather wear and can have damaged legs and beaks. Second is information from local aviculturists to make sure a captive bird didn't escape." The committee may have a decision within three months, after poring over photographs and written documentation by birders. To date, the committee has accepted into the record only four sightings of a wild flamingo. Those were from 1978 to 2001, south along the coast from Calhoun County to Kleberg County. The Texas City flamingo could become the first accepted record for the upper Texas Coast. Local expert birders believe it probably originated from a wild population. "I think the bird is wild because it is full-winged and doesn't appear to have been pinioned as are birds in captivity," said Dr. Dan Books , curator of vertebrate zoology at the Houston Museum of Natural Science . "Also, most captive birds in Houston are usually the Chilean or African flamingos, but this one is the Caribbean form of a greater flamingo." Dwight Peake of NASA notes that there is a large breeding colony of Caribbean flamingos on the northern Yucatán Peninsula. "Since flamingos often disperse after the nesting period, there's a good chance the flamingo came up on the recent strong southeasterly winds," he said. The bird at the Texas City Dike offers one of the best chances to see a potential wild flamingo in North America. To find it, drive onto the dike about a half mile to a pull-out on the left where volunteers from Galveston Audubon will show you the bird in spotting scopes. The greater flamingo strikes a handsome figure at nearly 5 feet tall, wading like a human angler but with less effort, in the shallows of the bay off the dike. It has characteristically thin pinkish legs, pinkish feathering, black flight feathers, and a beak grading from bone-color at the base to pale yellow in the middle and black at the end. The beak, which looks like a large sickle, is one way to distinguish a flamingo from the similarly pink-plumaged roseate spoonbills that reside on the Texas coast all year. Spoonbills have a spatula-shaped beak, and don't have the long, S-shaped sinewy neck of a flamingo. The Texas City flamingo looks like a young bird in its second year based on patterns such as a gray, scrawny neck and scapular feathers molting from white to pink. Flamingos take four years to acquire adult plumage. A characteristic pose of a flamingo at rest is its statuesque stance on one leg, a pose often exhibited by the Texas City bird. Otherwise, it spends its time sashaying through the water, stopping here and


What kind of a tongue does the okapi have?

Okapi (Okapia Johnstoni) - Animals - A-Z Animals Five groups that classify all living things Animalia A group of animals within the animal kingdom Chordata A group of animals within a pylum Mammalia A group of animals within a class Artiodactyla A group of animals within an order Giraffidae A group of animals within a family Okapia Comprised of the genus followed by the species Okapia johnstoni Most widely used name for the species Okapi The domestic group such as cat or dog Mammal The specific area where the animal lives Dense mountain rainforest The colour of the animal's coat or markings Red, Brown, Black, White The protective layer of the animal Fur How long (L) or tall (H) the animal is 1.5m - 2m (4.9ft - 6.5ft) The measurement of how heavy the animal is 200kg - 300kg (440lbs - 660lbs) The fastest recorded speed of the animal 60kph (37mph What kind of foods the animal eats Herbivore The food that the animal gains energy from Leaves, Shoots, Fruit Other animals that hunt and eat the animal Leopard, Serval, Human Whether the animal is solitary or sociable Diurnal How long the animal lives for 20 - 30 years The average number of babies born at once 1 The likelihood of the animal becoming extinct Near Threatened Horizontal white stripes on rear and legs Fun Fact: Eats more than 100 different types of plant! Okapi Location Okapi Okapi Classification and Evolution The Okapi is an elusive herbivore that is found in a small pocket of tropical mountain forest in central Africa . Despite it's Deer-like appearance the Okapi is actually one of the last remaining ancestors of the Giraffe , which is the tallest animal on Earth. Along with having a relatively long neck compared to it's body size , the most striking feature of the Okapi is the horizontal stripes that are particularly visible on their behinds and give this animal an almost Zebra-like appearance. The Okapi is very shy and secretive, so much so in fact that they were not recognised as a distinct species by western science until the earth 20th century. Although they are seldom seen by people, the Okapi is not an endangered species as they are thought to be fairly common in their remote habitats. Okapi Anatomy and Appearance Like it's distant and much larger ancestor, the Okapi has a long neck which not only helps it to reach leaves that are higher up, but also provides the Okapi with a tool to both defend itself and it's territory . The Okapi has a red-brown coloured coat of fur with horizontal, white striped markings that are found on their hind quarters and at the tops of their legs, and provide the Okapi with excellent camouflage in the dense jungle. They have white ankles with a dark spot above each hoof and very thick skin to help protect them from injury. The Okapi has a long head and dark muzzle with large set-back ears which enable the Okapi to detect approaching predators easily. The Okapi also has an impressively long tongue, which is not only black in colour but it is also prehensile meaning that it is able to grab hold of leaves from the branches above. Okapi Distribution and Habitat The Okapi is found in the dense tropical rainforests of north-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo generally at an altitude that can vary between 500 and 1,000 meters, although the majority of individuals are thought to inhabit areas at roughly 800 meters above sea level. They are incredibly shy and elusive animals and rely heavily on the very thick foliage around them to protect them from being spotted by predators . The Okapi can also be found in areas where there is a slow-moving fresh water source, but the range of the Okapi is very much limited by natural barriers, with unsuitable habitats on all four sides trapping these animals into the 63,000 square kilometre Ituri Rainforest . Around a fifth of the rainforest is today made up of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, which is a World Heritage Site. Although they are thought to be common in their native region, the Okapi has been severely threatened by habitat loss particularly from deforestation. Okapi Behaviour and Lifestyle The


Diet & Eating Habits Food Preferences And Resources In general, baleen whales feed low on the food chain, primarily eating zooplankton and small fishes, which they encounter in large swarms or schools. Right whales eat zooplankton (animal plankton). Their finely fringed baleen is able to strain from the water copepods (a type of small crustacean) and other small zooplankton. Krill (a family of small, shrimplike crustaceans) and copepods are major components of a right whale's diet. Rorquals generally eat larger prey than do right whales. Depending on species, they eat a variety small crustaceans, squids, and small schooling fishes. Blue whales eat mostly krill. Fin whales eat krill, copepods, squids, and variety of small schooling fishes. Humpback whales, Bryde's whales, and minke whales prey mostly on krill and small schooling fishes. Minke whales in the northern hemisphere prey mostly on small schooling fishes; those in the southern hemisphere prey mostly on krill. Sei whales eat copepods, krill and amphipods (another type of small crustacean). In the North Pacific and North Atlantic Oceans they also eat squids and small schooling fishes. Gray whales eat mainly invertebrates that live in bottom sediments, mostly amphipods and probably marine worms. It's likely that some whales' diets depend on food availability. Food Intake Most baleen whales spend about four to six months in the summer feeding intensively in high-latitude, productive waters. They spend the next six to eight months traveling and breeding. Scientists estimate that large baleen whales eat about 4% of their body weight each day during the feeding season. Food intake during the feeding season exceeds daily requirements, and excess energy is stored as fat, much of it in the blubber. A blue whale eats up to 3,600 kg (8,000 lb.) of krill each day for about 120 days. It is estimated to take 1,000 kg (2,200 lb.) of food to fill a blue whale’s stomach. Gray whales eat about 150,000 kg (340,000 lb) of food during a 130 to 140 day feeding period - a daily average intake of about 1,089 kg (2,400 lb.). It is estimated to take 300 kg (660 lb.) of food to fill a gray whale's stomach. Gray whales gain about 16% to 30% of their total body weight during a feeding season. Throughout the traveling and breeding season, baleen whales eat much less or not at all. Blubber gained during the feeding season sustains the whale during the winter months. A baleen whale's thick blubber layer stores fat; it is an energy reserve that is necessary during the traveling and breeding seasons. Winter daily feeding rate is only about 0.4% of body weight. Blubber makes up 27% of a blue whale's body weight, 23% of a fin whale, 21% of a sei whale, 29% of a gray whale, and 36% to 45% of a right whale. Method Of Collecting And Eating Food A right whale "grazes" by swimming slowly through swarms of small zooplankton (animal plankton) with its mouth open. At the surface this has been termed "skim-feeding", but right whales also feed under water. Water - and zooplankton - enter a right whale's mouth through a gap in the front baleen plates. Zooplankton is caught in the finely fringed baleen mat; water flows through the baleen and out the sides of the mouth. With long baleen plates and a huge mouth, right whales are adapted for straining immense amounts of food. Right whales usually feed singly, but a group of whales may swim and feed in a V-formation. Rorqual whales feed by gulping enormous mouthfuls of prey and water. As its mouth fills, a rorqual's throat grooves expand and its mouth cavity balloons outward. Then the whale brings its jaws together and contracts the throat grooves, forcing water out. Prey such as krill and small fishes are caught in the baleen mat as water is forced through the baleen and out the sides of the mouth. Rorquals may feed at the surface or deeper in the water. Humpback whales have been observed blowing "bubble nets" to help them feed. The whale dives down, then swims up in a spiral while releasing bubbles of air from its blowholes. The bubbles float up in a column, keep