Physiological Adaptations of the Plesiosaur for ?Holding its Breath? :: essays research papers

Physiological Adaptations of the Plesiosaur for ‘Holding its Breath’ One hundred and fifty million years ago, large aquatic species of reptile such as the Plesiosaur dominated the ocean, and were pre-eminent predators of the sea. The branch of now extinct Plesiosaurs, or ‘near lizards’, evolved into variant closely related species specialised to take different niches in the food chain. Such species of Plesiosaur include the phenotypically similar Plesiosauroid and Pliosauroid. The physiological adaptations of the long necked variant, the Plesiosauroid, as it relates to deep sea diving, will be addressed in depth. Oxygen breathing lungs are a universal trait of class reptilia. As such, it would have been necessary for the Plesiosauroid - a marine reptile, to return to the ocean surface to inhale air. Oxygen expenditure in reptiles is proportional to strenuosity of locomotion (Frappell, Schultz & Christian, 2002). Therefore the Plesiosauroid must have held physiological traits that enabled the species to avoid oxygen deficit while hunting deep-sea dwelling prey. This essay will outline the hypothesised respiratory, circulatory, pulmonary and sensory attributes of the Plesiosauroid as they relate to diving. These hypotheses will be supported by investigating the physiological adaptations of the Plesiosaur’s biological analogues, and the prospect of similar adaptations in the former will be speculated upon. Reptiles have a low metabolic rate: they consume energy, and therefore oxygen, slowly. According to Robinson (1975), Plesiosauroids were enduring swimmers with lower flipper aspect ratios and drag-causing long necks. Massare (1988) made the same conclusion, since the hydrodynamic properties of the Plesiosauroids indicate the species moved no faster than 2.3 metres every second. Therefore, the species was confronted by a conundrum: it sought to dive hundreds of metres to hunt its prey yet was constrained, by virtue of its body shape, to travel at slow speed. Invariably, the animal would have been required to forgo oxygen for periods of more than a minute, while keeping the presence of mind to hunt. Fortunately, when making its descent of hundreds of metres, the Plesiosauroid would have been able to exploit traits possessed by many of the reptile class. Many reptiles hold the ability to temporarily slow their heart rate to reduce their oxygen consumption, via bradycardia. This effect may be caused by low temperatures, such as is found deeper in the ocean, or may be voluntarily triggered by the animal. There would be no need for the Plesiosauroid to retain all of its oxygen-consuming faculties during the long descent.

Pocahontas, Powhatan, Opechancanough

Introduction:Take that part of the history, when the first interactions between the native Indians and the British settlers. Mostly, it began with the initial hesitation, mutual distrust, pitched battles ensued, lots of bloodshed resulted with loss of human lives on either side, the true and noble emotions of the human beings played their part, love episodes between the white man and black beauties happened. Did it help to smooth the relations between then tribes and the settlers, or worsened the situation resulting in more mistrust and bloodshed. Many constrains come in the path of writing the history of the sixteenth century and what really happened in Jamestown, in the absence of authentic historical records   as for the conditions and contributions of the native Indians. British historians have sidetracked many facts, according to Helen Rountree and she has tendered archeological evidences to prove her findings.The Lives Changed:Pocahontas is regarded as the most famous Native American who ever lived, hailed from the native tribes. But as documented by the historians, during the process of settlement of Jamestown and for two subsequent centuries, the great Tribal Chiefs, Powhatan and Opechancanough took the front seats. Pocahontas demanded lots of attention for different reasons. Opechancanough captured the British captain John Smith. To save his skin and perhaps his life from his unpredictable captor, John Smith came out with certain original ideas to impress his captors in that land of uncertainties for the early adventurous settlers.He gave his captor a compass, and told him the details about a spherical earth which revolved around the sun. He had apprehensions whether his captor was a cannibal in which case Smith’s life was in danger. That was a wrong assumption– he was no cannibal but he ‘knew’ that the earth was flat. John Smith was duly presented before the paramount chief Powhatan. The meeting had positive results as for John Smith. He got an opportunity to meet Powhatan’s daughter Pocahontas. Thinking him to be a good individual and believing that he had a firm ally, he released Smith from captivity. Within the next few decades his people were the subjects of the British Crown.The 400th anniversary of Jamestown’s founding:Helen Rountree is a nationally renowned scholar of Native Americans. Historians could not get much of the events that shaped the lives of Powhatan or Opechancanough, but Rountree’s book fills up this lacuna.  Ã‚   Pocahontas steals the limelight as for the remarkable life that she lived. All the three historical figures have been adequately covered in the book. The initial introduction, the interaction period and the final confrontation between the natives with the English settlers have been taken into account. An interesting turn to the events of the era was the intriguing diplomacy following     the marriage of Pocahontas and John Rolfe. This personal event was against the social traditions then practiced by the tribal. During Opechancanough’s reign the native sovereignty came to an end.The essential difference between the writing and recordings of the British Historians and Helen Rountree:The book written from the ethno-historical angle, Rountree has utilized two important tools required for honestly constructing historical facts—anthropology and written records. The writers among the white settles did their own job. Their writings remained unchallenged, whether right or wrong, because there was not another writer, who could tell facts. By no account English can be termed as heroes. They were Tassantassas (strangers), squatters and invaders. The truth must be told, feels Rountree and she has constructed her recordings in an authentic manner on the basis of facts and evidences.When romance scores over history:History is an interesting subject; history with romance is very interesting. Historical fiction novels are good playing ground for the imaginative movies to sprout. For one thing, the historical characters lay quietly in their graves and they are not likely to challenge your version of their romance. John Smith, known in his day as a bad boy, would not have done anything good for the fifteen years young Princess Pocahonas, the daughter of Chief Powhatan. Did she play a role to save John Smith’s who was imprisoned by the Tribal Chief—can’t say but her contribution to lessen the tension between the colonists and the natives was noticeable and mentioned prominently by the historians. She married Jon Rolfe, a British nobleman. She learned to speak English. She adopted the Christian religion.She moved to London and became a lady. In the meantime, Powhatan tried and did his best for unity between the natives and colonists. He seemed to have succeeded for a while but later the conflicts resumed.The systematic and scientific approach to writing by Helen Rountree:Rountree wri tes without any prejudice, and calls spade a spade. She has termed the British settlers as invaders and rightly so. The book intensely covers the period from 1607 to 1644.She has highlighted three important points, a) Virginia Company’s settlement in Jamestown, b) deterioration of relations between colonists and natives and c) the wars of 1622 and 1644. She has given detailed description about the pre-invasion life of the tribes, highlighting the importance of  Ã‚   rituals in their life. She has mentioned the different lifestyles and environments, and shown how values were entirely different. The contents of the book give the overall picture of the founding of Jamestown from the Indian point of view.â€Å"Jamestown's founding approaches, nationally renowned scholar of Native Americans, Helen Rountree, provides in a single book the definitive biographies of these three important figures. In their lives we see the whole arc of Indian experience with the English settlers â⠂¬â€ from the wary initial encounters presided over by Powhatan, to the uneasy diplomacy characterized by the marriage of Pocahontas and John Rolfe, to the warfare and eventual loss of native sovereignty that came during Opechancanough's reign.† (Three†¦.)  Rountree, with her scholarly approach gives facts about seventeenth-century Powhatan culture. It is being appreciated by the scholars for the wealth of understanding it brings.   The lay readers like it for the personable prose and lively narrative structure. Her interpretations are backed up by careful, acceptable research-based reasoning and extensive knowledge.To get the truth, sieving the biased and none-sided approach of the British historians is a tough task and Rountree has managed her job well, despite hard constrains. Powhatan lacked a written language. She has relied upon evidence derived from archaeology. She has highlighted Powhatan’s own vocabulary of seasons linked to different forms of food g etting. One feels of getting the other side of the story—the real story! â€Å"In particular, the three main subjects of the book all begin to emerge—Powhatan and Openchancanough from their relative obscurity, and Pocahontas from the myths that have surrounded her since at least the nineteenth century. Just in time for 2007, they appear with all of the complexity of character and motivation that the history books have typically reserved for only a few of the â€Å"strangers† like John Smith.† (Virginia†¦.)Hollywood portrayals:â€Å"When Disney Studios released the 1995 movie, Pocahontas, Dr. Rountree subsequently devoted many interviews to debunking the myths surrounding the young girl who, today, plays such a pivotal role in the American imagination.† Recently Hollywood movie â€Å"The New World† is released. This movie is an adult version of the Pocahontas and John Smith romance.  Ã‚   The four hundredth anniversary of Jamestownâ₠¬â„¢s founding was inaugurated, May 2006, that will last for 18 months.Conclusion:Helen Rountree’s credits and achievements through this book can be summed up thus. She has thrown fresh light on the life and culture of the native Indians. One is able to understand Jamestown in a better perspective. The indigenous voices are heard. She has shown how important are the lives of Pocahonas, Powhatan and Openchancanough to understand what happened in and to Jamestown in the sixteenth century.References Cited:Rountree, Helan C. Book: Pocahontas, Powhatan, Opechancanough: Three Indian Lives Changed by Jamestown. Publisher: University of Virginia Press; Edition (June 15, 2006) ISBN-10: 0813925967: ISBN-13: 978-0813925967Article: Three Indian Lives Changed by Jamestown. Target.comwww.target.com/gp/product/0813925967) Retrieved on 17th September 2007.Virginia Magazine of History and Biography: Article: Powhatan, Opechancanough: Three Indian Lives Changed by Jamestown...www.vahistorical. org/publications/review_rountree.htm – 9k – Retrieved on 17th September 17, 2007

A Review of A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking

The field of Science, particularly cosmology or the physical science concerning the history and evolution of the Universe, is truly an interesting and remarkable subject matter. However, understanding and eventually appreciating the significance of the said discipline are another aspects.Hence, it is valuable that such field is introduced, explored, evaluated and fully realized in both analytical and fascinating ways. This is because it is only under such circumstances that a complicated matter like Science, specifically the facts relating to the creation and development of the Universe, is simplified and ultimately recognized of its purpose and essence.Presented with such situation, it is now practical to ask how can people and the society in general is able to simplify a complex and apparently an intriguing field like Science. In particular, the challenge of effectively presenting the historical account and all the essential details about the beginning and evolution of the Universe may be difficult to achieve.This is where a non-traditional approach to the field is necessary helpful. That is, the technicalities of the origin and eventual development of the Universe are presented in ways understandable to lay people or the non-scientific public. The successful transformation of Science, from a complicated to a simple field or subject, manifests the undeniable effectiveness on the part of a person or material that aimed to modify Science or the study of the Universe.The said condition was the efficient effort undertaken by theoretical physicist and author Stephen Hawking in his 1988 book â€Å"A Brief History of Time.† The said literary work succeeded in presenting the field of Science, particularly the circumstances regarding the start of the Universe, in a manner only true physics is able to do and provide.Apart from such strict scientific presentation however, the author and his book are best to be acclaimed for the ability to illustrate, explain and eventually made people understand the topic in simple manner. The important scientific features of the book definitely serve as its assets but it is therefore one's impression especially towards the simplicity of the book that makes the material ultimately valuable.Valuable FeaturesAt the onset, the important features of the Hawking book rely on its strict adherence to the scientific creation and evolution of the Universe.   As far as true-blooded physicists are concern, â€Å"A Brief History of Time† offers little or even nothing new details and insights about the study of physical science, the Universe in particular.For people who are new or unfamiliar especially those who are totally oblivious of the said subject matters, the book however definitely serves as a valuable material. In fact, Hawking through his book provides a venue where readers are comforted in their search for answers to scientific questions. This is because the technicalities of the topics featured in t he book were presented and explained in ways understandable to ordinary people.The features of the book include a general and wide look at the major concepts or theories on the field of theoretical physics. The book also features clear-cut presentations and explanations of complicated topics concerning the study of Physics like the origin of the Universe. Additionally, the author engages in attractive approach as the book shows inviting illustrations all throughout (Hawking, 1988).Specifically, the Hawking book features several valuable scientific topics. These include the Big Bang Theory, the law of gravity, black holes, time quality, light cones and answers to a string of scientific theories that even physicists have long been searching for.The book's clear presentation of deep science or the technical circumstances of the origin of the Universe and other physics-related concepts, in effect, shows the effectiveness of the author in the field that he masters. Through these features , the book succeeds in its purpose to strictly focus on key scientific topics. While the book presents the origin of time through the image of tortoise at the start, such attempt paves the way for the realization that people indeed learn about science because of its historical perspective (Hawking, 1988).Valuable ImpressionThe relevance of the book is apparent for it enables the readers to leave valuable impression or feeling towards the content and significance of the material. On a personal note, â€Å"A Brief History of Time† allows me to have a glimpse of the historical evolution of the Universe or the field of theoretical physics in general. The book offers real physics in a manner that is understandable to both science-oriented people and non-scientists. Beyond such effort, my important view and impression about the book is all about its effectiveness in simplifying the field of science to an ordinary reader like me.It is definitely important that a science material lik e the Hawking book strictly observes or follows the fundamentals of science. However, the public is fortunate enough that the material simplified the field and its concepts for a non-science person like me to understand and realize.Simply put, the value of this book is the author's ability and effectiveness in presenting and explaining scientific ideas like the origin and evolution of the Universe in simple as well as more perceivable and appreciating manners. Hence, beyond the book's technical approach and scientific adherence, it is its efficient modification of a rather complex subject matter that leaves a person with worthy impression of the book.ConclusionAnalyzing a book like Hawking's â€Å"A Brief History of Time† is truly worthy of one's time and effort. This is because reviewing the book makes one to recognize the significance of scientific concepts and most importantly, the usefulness of making a material easy or understandable to a non-scientist reader.The vital f eatures of the book are the initial factors why one will be absorbed in reading it further. Aside from these however, it is a reader’s impression or feeling about the book that makes one realizes more its value. That is, the fact that the book effectively simplified a complicated field is an ultimate factor in making a material valuable in the study and appreciation of the origin of the Universe.ReferenceHawking, S. (1988). A Brief History of Time. New York: Bantam.   

Action Plan

Ymere is one of the largest housing corporations in the Netherlands, active in the Northern Randstad. The organization manages about 82,500 houses, shops and commercial business accommodations, and develops new houses and social property on a large scale. This project, which they are working on, is created to improve the red light district and eventually eliminate any illegal prostitution and drug barons from the area. The idea is to achieve a structural change in this area, the image must change into a high quality and attractive entrance area that reflects the ambitions that Amsterdam has. The municipality of Amsterdam is working on putting the red light district in a different light and therefore is engaging and encouraging other companies that are situated in the area, to do so as well. The commissioning client is the Ymere housing corporation and they are responsible for managing a big building located on the Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal in the Amsterdam city centre. The project group is assigned to create a new concept for an ultimate club experience and because this area is an entertainment centre, Ymere wants to use this building to accommodate a very trendy club where visitors can gain a new and special experience. The concept for this club has to differ from the other clubs located in the area, so no more sex theatres such as â€Å"Casa Rosso† or â€Å"Yab Yum†, but more clubs which offers the visitors a high quality experience such as â€Å"The Supperclub† offers to their guests or â€Å"The (old) Roxy† used to. Knowing more about the assignment and the background of the project means that the project group can focus on the process that follows. We will be brainstorming for a new concept, participating in desk research and participating in field research by visiting two clubs in the Netherlands and two clubs virtually abroad. When the research is done the project group will document everything in a written advisory report for the commissioning client. In this report we will advise the commissioning client on an innovative concept for The Ultimate Club Experience. The advisory report will consist of several parts: 1. The professional supply and demand analysis 2. The observation assignment 3. Development of the concept (the brainstorming stage) 4. Development of the concept 5. English summary The advisory report will be presented and explained to the commissioning client, the consultant and tutor by the members of the project group, in a presentation. Project Objective On Friday 23 December the project group will have produced an Advisory Report consisting of a professional supply and demand analysis, the observation assignment, development of the concept including the brainstorming stage and a summary. These products are based on the creation of The Ultimate Club experience that will be located on the Niewezijds Voorburgwal. In week 2 of the year 2012 we will present our concept clearly and concisely to the commissioning client and give an advice on the realization of the club experience based on our research outcomes and arguments. Project Delineation The project group will prepare an extensive analysis on the supply and demand side of club experiences in Amsterdam and come up with ideas that fill the gap in the supply. The project group will do desk research and also field research regarding the same matter by making research observations on the consumers (gender statistics, the degree of satisfaction, etc. ) and set up interviews with club managers in order to get a better insight into the supply. The project group will not make contact with the consumers, for example through surveys or questionnaires.

The Later Roman Empire Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Later Roman Empire - Essay Example Stephen Williams and Gerard Friell discover why and how, contempt same political and military agitations, the western empire all but broke down and the eastern empire lived and amalgamated its strength confront of the incursive weak, barbarians, and immature imperial and machinations around the globe.   The article explores the threats from the huns, due to the fact of tribal power. The article discusses about the factors of durability during establishment of Roman Empire. It highlights the administrative, fiscal and diplomatic experience.The Rome That Did Not Fall examines the remarkable convalescence of the eastern empire, equating the straight and varying growths in east and west, and retracing the development of new accomplishments and schemes in the east_diplomatic, political, military and fiscal (Williams, Feriell 1). It gives a clear and explanatory discovery of the Roman Empire in fifth century.The end of the Roman Empire is written by BRYAN WARD. It discusses about the dec line of Roman Empire.   It highlites the factors and facts that are related to the decline of the Roman Empire. It covers both the sequential annihilation of the political, military, and economic and other related social schools of Rome and the barbarian encroachments that were concluded as its final sentence in Western Europe (Perkins 1).The Roman Empire decline was slow, it didn’t occur overnight. Many authors look this decline in several different perspectives. The slow decline took place over.... s raise the question about the importance of this date, this is not just because the legitimate emperor Julius Nepos, identified by the East Roman Empire, used to live in Dalmatia, until he was killed in 480. More significantly, the Ostrogoths who safely assumed themselves maintainers of the direct line of Roman traditions. And as Bryan noticed, the Eastern Roman Empire was losing its strength and continuously facing decline until the on May 29, 1453 when the Fall of Constantinople occurred. The author takes the new perspective of the Fall of Rome, by arguing that the caused the demise of the Empire. He has concluded that the fall of Rome was because of the political instability, reduced tax revenue and foreign invasion (Demandt 12). The invasion left long term damage on Rome. The invasion lessoned about the long term capability to equip the hordes with predictable outcomes. As regular invasions instigates provisional rebellion as self help by implementing imperial resources. He argu es that some people did not see the decline of the Rome as a bad thing for the involved. On the other hand, many authors consider the decline of the Rome as a disaster. The author also points the series of facts, and decision which caused the huge disaster in Rome (Jones 284). Western Europe has now recovered a lot but it took around thousand years and still there is room for recoveries. Rome still needs to recover a lot in order to retain its previous position back. The decline was a huge disaster and it needs more efforts and strong policies in all sectors in order to regain its position. Proper implementation of strong policies will surely help a lot in achieving the powering position of Rome (Heather 41). Western Europe has actually recovered a lot but it took a long to retain back its

Toms shoes Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Toms shoes - Case Study Example By offering charity products profits increased. For 2011 alone, TOM’S shoes revenues from selling its shoes and eye care products amounted to $ 110 billion (Fashionbi, 2012). The products include black canvas, Argentina, and winter shoes. TOM’s Shoes’ revenues ensure free eye care to the needy. The corporate customers are all global groups, include those in Cambodia, India and Ethiopia. The distribution partners include SEVA, Visualiza and Childsight. Q3. TOMS shoes’ work strategy is to give away free shoes to the needy children (Youtube, 2013). For every shoe sold in TOM’s Shoes stores, one shoe is given free to the needy children around the world. Domestically, the company gives free shoes to the needy children of the 50 states. In addition, the company delivers free shoes needy children internationally, including Guatemala, Philippines, Tanzania, Uganda, and Pakistan. The benefits of giving away shoes and eyeglasses include making meaning in everyone’s lives, givers and receivers. With the donors’ helping Mycoskie, the poor children wear free shoes. With free shoes, the needy children can walk more comfortably and safely to school and other nearby locations. The company delivers the free shoes to giving partners. The giving partners identify and deliver the free shoes, eyeglasses and eye operations to needy children. Q4. Blake Mycoskie’s principles of entrepreneurship include creating demand for its quality products and services (TOMS, 2014). Mycoskie learned that business should be pure for profit and not for profit entities can engage in profit-generating activities. TOM’s Shoes both generates profits and contributes to charitable activities. Mycoskie’s management discipline is grounded on delivering quality shoe and eyeglass products and services. Mycoskie insists that resourcefulness (looking for eager donors of shoes and eye glass) and simplicity (delivering quality products and

Sitcom morality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Sitcom morality - Essay Example A number of cultural trends that are taken for granted today had their genesis in the 1950s. It was a time when large suburban developments took root, education became a national priority and television was introduced to the American public. It was a very â€Å"buttoned down,† conservative era, known for its suppression of social movements, such as the ones fought for civil rights and counter-culture music. Both, however, exploded in the 1960s, becoming the calling cards of that decade. â€Å"Leave It to Beaver† portrayed an iconic family, headed by a typical suburban couple, Ward and June Cleaver. Their two sons were Wally and his younger brother Theodore (Beaver). Presented from a child’s point of view, the show was filled with moral instruction and tips on the â€Å"proper† way to live one’s life. The value of a good education was a constant theme, reflecting the mores of the era. If anything, the family in â€Å"Married With Children† depicted the very opposite of the 1950s view, as the show consistently poked fun at conservative concepts of morality. Headed by Al and Peggy Bundy, with children Kelly and Bud, the sitcom openly mocked mainstream institutions like education, and became the very definition for the perceived immorality of the 1980s. While the dissimilarities between the two sitcoms are legion, they were also alike in a number of ways. Although not nearly as supportive as the Cleavers, the Bundys were known for sticking together to deal with outside threats to the family, despite their incessant internal bickering. Although infidelity is certainly bandied about in â€Å"Married,† neither Al nor Peggy is ever unfaithful, something that would have been all but unthinkable in the iconic â€Å"Beaver† setting. While the concept of the nuclear family was on the upswing in the 1950s, by the ‘80s and ‘90s it was definitely under assault. The proportion of traditional two-parent households declined significantly