10 Facts About Lagomorphs

10 Facts About Lagomorphs Rabbits, hares, and pikas, collectively known as lagomorphs, are known for their floppy ears, bushy tails and impressive hopping ability. But theres more to lagomorphs than fluffy fur and a bouncy gait. Rabbits, hares, and pikas are versatile mammals that have colonized a wide range of habitats throughout the world. They serve as prey for many species and as such play an important role in the food webs they occupy. In this article, youll learn interesting facts about rabbits, hares,  and pikas and find out about their unique characteristics, their life cycle, and their evolutionary history. Lagomorphs are divided into 2 basic groups Lagomorphs are a group of mammals that includes two basic groups, the pikas, and the hares and rabbits. Pikas are small, rodent-like mammals with short limbs and rounded ears. When they crouch down, they have a compact, almost egg-shaped profile. Pikas prefer cold climates throughout Asia, North America and Europe. They often inhabit mountainous landscapes. Hares and rabbits are small to medium-sized mammals that have short tails, long ears, and long hind legs. They have fur on the soles of their feet, a characteristic that gives them added traction when running. Hares and rabbits have acute hearing and good night vision, both adaptations to the crepuscular and nocturnal lifestyles of many of the species in this group. There are about 80 species of lagomorphs There are about 50 species of hares and rabbits. Well-known species include the European hare, snowshoe hare, Arctic hare and eastern cottontail. There are 30 species of pikas. Today, pikas are less diverse than they were during the Miocene. Lagomorphs were once thought to be a group of rodents Lagomorphs were once classified as a subgroup of rodents due to similarities in physical appearance, the arrangement of teeth and their vegetarian diet. But today, scientists believe that most similarities between rodents and lagomorphs are the result of convergent evolution and not due to shared ancestry. For this reason, lagomorphs have been promoted within the mammalian classification tree and now ran astride rodents as an order in their own right. Lagomorphs are among the most intensely hunted of any animal group Lagomorphs serve as prey for a wide variety of predator species around the world. They are hunted carnivores (such as bobcats, mountain lions, foxes, coyotes) and predatory birds (such as eagles, hawks, and owls). Lagomorphs are also hunted by humans for sport. Lagomorphs have adaptations that enable them to elude predators Lagomorphs have large eyes that are positioned on either side of their head, giving them a field of vision that encircles them completely. This gives lagomorphs a better chance of spotting approaching predators since they have no blind spots. Additionally, many lagomorphs have long back legs (enabling them to run quickly) and claws and fur-covered feet (which give them good traction). These adaptations give lagomorphs a better chance of escaping predators that get too close for comfort. Lagomorphs are absent from only a few terrestrial regions throughout the world Lagomorphs inhabit a range that includes North America, Central America, parts of South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. In some parts of their range, especially islands, they were introduced by humans. Lagomorphs are absent from Antarctica, parts of South America, Indonesia, Madagascar, Iceland and parts of Greenland. Lagomorphs are herbivores Lagomorphs eat plants of various forms including grasses, fruits, seeds, herbs, buds, leaves and even bits of bark they strip off of deciduous and coniferous trees. They are also notorious for eating cultivated plants such as grains, cabbage, clover, and carrots. Since the plant foods they eat are nutrient-poor and difficult to digest, lagomorphs eat their droppings, thus causing the food material to pass through their digestive tract twice to maximize the number of nutrients they are able to extract. Lagomorphs have high reproductive rates Reproductive rates for lagomorphs are generally quite high. This offsets the high mortality rates they often face due to harsh environments, disease, and intense predation. The largest lagomorph is the European hare The European hare is the largest of all lagomorphs, reaching weights of between 3 and 6.5 pounds and lengths of more than 25 inches. The smallest lagomorphs are the pikas Pikas include the smallest of all lagomorphs. Pikas generally weigh between 3.5 and 14 ounces and measure between 6 and 9 inches long.

Recommended Business Writing Style Guides

Recommended Business Writing Style Guides MOST RECOMMENDED The Gregg Reference Manual:A Manual of Style, Grammar, Usage, and Formatting, 11th EditionWilliam A. Sabin, McGraw-Hill, 2011 The Gregg Reference Manual is intended for anyone who writes, edits, or prepares material for distribution or publication. For over fifty years this manual has been recognized as the best style manual for business professionals who want to master the on-the-job standards of business professionals. FOR NEWSLETTERS AND BLOGS The Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media LawEdited by Darrell Christian, Sally Jacobsen, and David Minthorn, Associated Press, 2010 The Associated Press Stylebook, first published in 1977, clarified the news organization's rules on grammar, spelling, punctuation, and usage. Now in its sixth edition, the Stylebook is the standard style guide for most U.S. newspapers, magazines, public relations, and consulting firms. FOR PROOFREADERS The Chicago Manual of Style, 16th EditionThe University of Chicago Press, 2010â€Å"Chicago† is the bible of book publishers. We refer to â€Å"Chicago,† but it is a specialist’s volume. Unless you’re a professional editor or proofreader, this style guide is not needed by most business writers. FOR EVOLVING LANGUAGE Garner's Modern American Usage, 3rd EditionBryan A. Garner, Oxford University Press, 2009I like this resource because it includes a "Language-Change Index," which indicates how well accepted a term is, ranging from Stage 1, widely considered incorrect, to Stage 5, universally accepted as correct. Because business writing language is ever-evolving, this is a helpful guidebook to determine if a usage is now acceptable. FOR UK AND US ENGLISH STYLE DIFFERENCES The Economist Style Guide, 2011 Edition This guide contains a very helpful section on American and British English. American and British business writing is essentially identical. There are spelling and minor punctuation differences, that this text illustrates perfectly. By the way, you should construct documents in your style. If you are British and writing to an American, for example, use British English, rather than American English. Do not use idiomatic expressions or vague phrasings, of course. There is never any significant misunderstanding between UK and US English, as long as one avoids idiom and writes clearly. Trying to adopt a style and voice that is not your own rings false. INTERNAL STYLE GUIDE Do you wish to compile style guidelines, unique to your organization? For example, you may have specific terms you want used with consistency in all documents. Many organization compile an internal style guide, and share it with all employees. Many thanks to the ASTD LinkedIn group for sharing a generic internal style guide, which you can use as a model. (Yet, another reason you should join LinkedIn if you have not yet done so!) Download a copy of this Business Writing Style Guide Internal Template.

Telephone interview for the London Borough of Newtown2 Essay

Telephone interview for the London Borough of Newtown2 - Essay Example Both qualitative and quantitative data are summarized in this report, to give a clear understanding of people’s responses obtained. 1. Confirming Caretaking Services The first question in the interview was the base to rest of the questions as it caters people’s direct responses about caretaking services being offered. The interview was not carried out further if the respondent answered No to the question to confirm that their estate provides caretaking services. On this question to confirm estate services of caretaking, a greater number of people responded positively, saying that their estate local authority does offer caretaking services to its residents. From the 400 interviews being taken, 266 responded in positive while the rest 134 said that the local authority does not provide such services. This data leads to the finding that there are around 33% of people who carry the impression of the local authority, being non- active in their estate cleaning and caretaking s ervices (Venter & Waldt, 2007). 2. Responses in Cleaning services For residents who responded ‘Yes’ to the first question, the interview was proceed further to ask them about their opinion on the quality of services being offered. This question addresses the cleaning services in the estate and which are the areas in which needs to be worked on by the local authority. ... i. Removal of Litter Waste of litter and junk stuff in passageways and roads is one core problem for many people as it creates hindrances in traffic flow in lanes and walkways (United Nations Environment Programme, 2013). So this question was catered right after the respondent affirmed about the services of the estate. Out of the 400 respondents, 165 were satisfied with the litter removing services of the estate. On the contrary, 101 residents were dissatisfied from this service and suggested that there is a big room for improvement in this area of cleaning. The rest 134 residents being interviewed gave the response of no opinion. Two findings that can be made from this data are that, the people responding no opinion to this question are not fully dissatisfied as then they would have a stand in against of the removal of litter service. Hence, it can be said that a bigger majority of people are content with this service being offered. Second majority are the people who are neither com pletely satisfied nor dissatisfied, but can be considered to be inclined towards satisfaction. Then a minority of people, making around 25% of the total interviewees, falls in the category of dissatisfied residents in cleaning and removal of litter (Guillain, 2008). ii. Cleaning of Bin Areas The next part of the question was related to the cleaning of bin areas of the locality. These are the areas where trash bins are located, and people trash their junk and rubbish into theses bins. When these bins are not emptied on regular intervals, then people drop their trash beside the bins or in the passageway, which creates health and environment problems due to exposure of

Philosophy of Science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Philosophy of Science - Essay Example Secondly, his ideas on scientific imperialism are viewed as being important in the argument against science. There have been numerous studies showing that the use of science in the societal setting has not always been advantageous. In fact, there are some studies that show that scientific legitimacy was used to establish unnecessary and unpopular initiatives on populations. Thirdly, conflicts arise between well- established scientific theories leading to confusion in their interpretation and application. He states that Newtonian perspectives on the concept of gravity were rebellious as it went against Galileo’s beliefs. This shows that science is simply an ideology that society should be shielded from (Feyerabend 65). Historians support Feyeraband’s claims by stating that prominent scientists in the past including Galileo would probably oppose the modern day science. According to Feyerabend, science should be reformed and it should also be less authoritarian. Science is a treasured source of knowledge and should not be contaminated with ideologies of different kind. All ideologies should not be taken too seriously and if possible, it would be beneficial if it was read as fairytales. Science should be formally separated from the state just as the church is separated from the state. Science may be influential to the society but only within the limits in which the political and other pressure groups are permitted to exert influence on the society. Science is not a closed book but it is an intellectual discipline where examination and criticism of ideas can be done by anyone. The organs of state should therefore not hesitate to reject or criticize the scientific inventions when the need arises (Feyerabend 61). The consequence of the view, as I see it, would be that the government should not be allowed to fund scientific research. This is because, when allowed to interact with research, past examples have shown that governments are

Argumentative Essay: Gun Control Violates The Second Amendment of the Constitution :: Second Amendment The Right To Bear Arms

The U.S. should not have gun control laws. The Second Amendment to the Constitution states that, â€Å"A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.† This amendment has been around since 1791, and there has been gun control almost as long as it's been around. The National Rifle Association is an advocate of the Second Amendment and an opponent of those who propose restrictions on guns. Even Presidents Reagan and Bush are members, and Nixon, Eisenhower, and Kennedy were also members. Why do people feel the need to own a handgun? One reason is heritage. For as long as this country has been around, there have been gun owners, to defend themselves and to hunt for food. Buying, owning, or carrying a handgun doesn't hurt anyone. Until a person commits a crime, he/she is free to choose what he/she wants to do. Even if guns were completely banned from the U.S.A., people would still find a way to get them. Criminals would get guns. They would have their way, and there would be nothing we could do about it. We would have no way to defend ourselves. What is gun control to you? To me, it is the unconstitutional regulation and banning of guns to try to keep the crime rates in this country down. Does it work? Some gun laws are okay and they may work to some extent, but not to the extent that was intended. As for most of these gun laws such as the Brady Law, it serves no purpose. It is only there to make our lawmaking bodies and those of us who are too naive to see the truth feel better. Do you really think that the Brady Law keeps handguns out of the hands of criminals?

Baroque Assignment

The period of art known as Baroque began in the late 16th century. The period introduced art that was complex, rich, and extravagant. This was a time when optimism was the law of the land and a more confident and self-assured attitude made itself known. This is reflected in most of the artwork in this period.Paintings in the Baroque period were more complex than sculpture, and it showed in almost every painting. (Gardner, 397, 402) The painting, â€Å"The Geographer† by Jan Vermeer, is an example of Baroque art in the 17th century.Encompassing the theme of cartography, the sea chart, globe, and the like, (Harden) the painting shows a man, interrupted from his work, looked out the window. It is interesting to note that the man in the painting might be Anthony van Leeuwenhoek. It has been said that the man in this painting fits the mold of an intelligent man, knowledgeable from literature and observation. (Gowing) This would certainly fit van Leeuwenhoek. In regards the the rest of the painting, there is an abundance of objects on the left, leading the viewer's eye to that area.It seems that the few objects on the right of the painting are unimportant. This painting embodies the four main characteristics of Baroque paintings: the use of diagonals, suspense, tenebrism, and snapshot quality. Diagonals play a major role in â€Å"The Geographer†. In fact, almost every line is at an angle to imply perspective. This gives the painting depth. Everything is on a diagonal, to the point where it almost looks as if the picture is slanted to one side.Other details to note are the compass in his hand moving at the same angle as his arm, creating movement in the direction of his other hand, creating a circle. Most of the movement of the piece leans to the left. Even the shadows seem to be at a diagonal. It seems as if the man in the painting is looking out the window at something. It looks as if he is disturbed, or shocked, with what he sees. Perhaps he was inter rupted from his work to witness something awful. This is the most exciting moment. The viewer can imagine what he is looking at, none of the possibilities pleasant.This is how the painting is suspenseful. One can only imagine what happened before, or what will happen after, this picture was painted, but one can be sure that this moment is the beginning of something exciting. Tenebrism is defined as a style of painting that uses violent contrasts of light and dark. In â€Å"The Geographer†, this is apparent. The strongest light source in the picture is on the left, adding even more emphasis to this side of the painting. The man's face is lit quite well, the viewer must be able to see his face for the viewer to understand his anguish.What he is working on is also well-lit. The wall, where nothing seems to be happening, also where there are no diagonals, is cast in shadow, making this wall unimportant. There seems to be stark lines of shadow, and then of light. (Harden) This con trast adds to the painting's shocked and disturbed feel. Looking at the painting reminds the viewer of looking at a photograph. The colors are rich, the strokes barely noticeable. However, more importantly, the painting resembles a photograph because of the emotion that is caught by the artist.It seems as though the artist painted this at top speed, just to catch the shocked look on the subject's face. Of course, it is impossible to paint that fast, and this is why it resembles a photograph. The characteristics of Baroque art in the 17th century show themselves in â€Å"The Geographer†. In an age of complexity, Vermeer took a subject and animated him with the use of shadow and light. The subject was captured in a state of shock, which leaves the viewer curious as to what he was looking at. Also, one cannot help but to notice the quality of the painting.In an age when optimism was the rule, this painting lends itself to a darker corner of the world, and Vermeer makes it work b eautifully. ? Gardner, Helen. Art Through the Ages. Chicago: Harcourt, Brace & World, Inc. 1959. ? Gowing, Lawrence. â€Å"Vermeer†. Essential Vermeer. 1950. 2001. 28 Jan 2009. http://www. essentialvermeer. com/cat_about/geographer. html ? Harden, Mark. â€Å"Jan Vermeer: The Geographer†. WebMuseum, Paris. 14 Oct 2002. 29 Jan 2009. http://www. ibiblio. org/wm/paint/auth/vermeer/geographer. html

The Cold War And The Soviet Union - 1858 Words

Though the Cold War was mainly between the two super powers, the United States and the Soviet Union, it also encompassed their European allies, split by the Iron Curtain. It divided the world into the Warsaw pact and the NATO, cementing Europe’s role in the Cold War though its alliances. The constant threat of the nuclear weapons meant that the Cold War became more psychological war rather than of military actions1. .The United States developed their nuclear weapons to strengthen their own military potential after WWII, but the Soviet Russia took this to be more an offensive tactic after the bombs the devastation of the atomic bombs dropped over Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. The Cold War then largely became an arms race, due to the†¦show more content†¦This brought together Great Britain, France, Italy, Canada, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, and Portugal together with the United States, creating N.A.T.O (North Atlantic Treaty Organis ation). This created a powerful alliance that threaten or contained the USSR’s power, which made them bring together all the Soviet bloc countries it dominated in Eastern Europe into the Warsaw Pact 2. With the Soviets creating and successful testing their first atomic bomb sooner than the Americans expected, it meant that the Americans had lost the strategic upper hand. The United States could no longer say that they had the power advantage from nuclear bombs, so set about creating more deadly weapon – ‘the H-Bomb’. Due to the threat of nuclear weapons, this stopped any involvement from the United States during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, that Russia crushed. The United States supported the ‘liberation of captive peoples’ 3within communist controlled areas, yet were unwilling to involve themselves in yet another war. (2) Due to the losses Europe experienced, Russia and the United States were on a power stage above the rest of the world, due to nuclear proliferation. Nuclear proliferation is ‘the spread of nuclear weapons, either by their acquisition by more states or other actors (horizontal proliferation), or their accumulation by established nuclear states