Why Crocodiles Havent Changed Much in 200 Million Years

Why Crocodiles Haven't Changed Much in 200 Million Years Of all the reptiles alive today, crocodiles may be the least changed from their prehistoric forebears of the late Cretaceous period, over 65 million years ago- although the even earlier crocodiles of the Triassic and Jurassic periods sported some distinctly un-crocodile-like features, such as bipedal postures and vegetarian diets. Along with pterosaurs and dinosaurs, crocodiles were an offshoot of the archosaurs, the ruling lizards of the early to middle Triassic period; needless to say, the earliest dinosaurs and the earliest crocodiles resembled one another a lot more than either resembled the first pterosaurs, which also evolved from archosaurs. What distinguished the first crocodiles from the first dinosaurs was the shape and musculature of their jaws, which tended to be much more deadly, as well as their relatively splayed limbs- as opposed to the straight, locked in legs of theropod dinosaurs. It was only well into the Mesozoic Era that crocodiles evolved the three main traits with which theyre associated today: stubby legs, sleek, armored  bodies, and marine lifestyles. First Crocodiles of the Triassic Period Before the first true crocodiles emerged on the prehistoric scene, there were the phytosaurs (plant lizards): archosaurs that looked very much like crocodiles, except that their nostrils were positioned on the tops of their heads rather than the tips of their snouts. You might guess from their name that phytosaurs were vegetarians, but in fact, these reptiles subsisted on fish and marine organisms in freshwater lakes and rivers worldwide. Among the most noteworthy phytosaurs were Rutiodon and Mystriosuchus. Oddly enough, except for the characteristic  location of their nostrils, phytosaurs looked more like modern crocodiles than the first true crocodiles did. The earliest crocodiles were small, terrestrial, two-legged sprinters, and some of them were even vegetarians (presumably because their dinosaur cousins were better adapted to hunting for live prey). Erpetosuchus and Doswellia are two leading candidates for the honorific of first crocodile, though the exact evolutionary relationships of these early archosaurs are still uncertain. Another likely choice is the reclassified Xilousuchus, from early Triassic Asia, a sailed archosaur with some distinct crocodilian characteristics. Whatever the case, its important to understand just how confusing the facts on the ground were during the middle to late Triassic period. The portion of the supercontinent Pangea corresponding to modern-day South America was crawling with dinosaur-like crocodiles, crocodile-like dinosaurs, and (presumably) early pterosaurs that looked like both crocodiles and dinosaurs. It wasnt until the start of the Jurassic period  that dinosaurs began to evolve along a distinctive path from their crocodile cousins and slowly established their worldwide dominance. If you went back in time 220 million years ago and were swallowed whole, you probably couldnt tag your nemesis as a crocodile or a dinosaur. Crocodiles of the Mesozoic and Cenozoic Eras By the start of the Jurassic period (about 200 million years ago), crocodiles had mostly abandoned their terrestrial lifestyles, probably as a response to the terrestrial dominance achieved by dinosaurs. This is when we begin to see the marine adaptations that characterize modern crocodiles and alligators: long bodies, splayed limbs, and narrow, flat, tooth-studded snouts with powerful jaws (a necessary innovation, since crocodiles feasted on dinosaurs and other animals that ventured too close to the water). There was still room for innovation, though. For example, paleontologists believe that Stomatosuchus subsisted on plankton and krill, like a modern gray whale. About 100 million years ago, toward the middle of the Cretaceous period, some South American crocodiles had begun to imitate their dinosaur cousins by evolving to enormous sizes. The king of the Cretaceous crocodiles was the enormous Sarcosuchus, dubbed SuperCroc by the media, which measured about 40 feet long from head to tail and weighed in the neighborhood of 10 tons. And lets not forget the slightly smaller Deinosuchus, the deino in its name connoting the same concept as the dino in dinosaurs: terrible or fearsome. These giant crocodiles probably subsisted on equally giant snakes and turtles- the South American ecosystem, on the whole, bearing an uncanny resemblance to Skull Island from the film, King Kong. One way in which prehistoric crocodiles were indeed more impressive than their terrestrial relatives was their ability, as a group, to survive the K-T extinction event that wiped the dinosaurs off the face of the earth 65 million years ago. Why this is so, remains a mystery, though it may be an important clue that no plus-sized crocodiles survived the meteor impact. Todays crocodiles are little changed from their prehistoric ancestors, a telling clue that these reptiles were, and remain, extremely well adapted to their environment.

Intercultural Communication and Ecclesial Intergration African Research Paper

Intercultural Communication and Ecclesial Intergration African American - Research Paper Example A decade later, the African slaves were taken to New York, known as New Amsterdam by then (African American History Timeline, n.p.). By the year 1690, all the colonies of USA had African slaves. The African slaves in USA were later given American citizenship when USA became independent in 1776. In the year 1739, the African slaves at Stono, in North Carolina revolted against the oppressions that their masters subjected them to. This revolt is known as Stono revolt (African American History Timeline, n.p.). This revolt, however, did not stop the oppression of the African slaves by their masters. The importation of African slaves was banned by the USA Congress in the year 1808. In the 19th century, many Africans immigrated to American in USA in search of greener pasture; many of the African immigrants later became American citizens. The African immigrants, therefore, constitute a significant percentage of African Americans. Although Catholicism was brought to America in the early 16th century by the Spanish explorers, African American Catholics, however, could not be identified and defined as a distinct group of Catholics in the United States until in the mid 19th century (Fisher, 52). This fact can be attributed to the oppression and the marginalization that the Africans had experienced in the USA. In the mid of 19th century, the slaves of the Catholic planters were baptized into Catholicism in the Maryland state (Fisher, 52). The formation of the first African American Catholic community in USA can be attributed to the migration of slave owners from Maryland to Kentucky in the early 19th century. With the migration of slave owners in the early 19th century, the African slaves formed their community in the Nelson County area. With the formation of a community of African American slave community, the African American Catholics became a distinct group of American Catholics. The African American Catholics, therefore, gained prominence in the early 19th

Paralegal studies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Paralegal studies - Essay Example l level between the two of them and explain to him that her response is not on behalf of the firm and in the event of any arising matter then both the firm and she would not be responsible nor liable. If however the policies set by the firm to guide paralegals is against that then she should completely restrain from responding to Larry though explain to her in a professional and friendly way that would not make the firm lose her as a client. If Fran chooses to respond to Larry’s question then Larry can later on hold the firm responsible for any eventualities that may arise since its Larry that was introduced to her as the firms’ paralegal unless during the time of introduction the firm outlined specific functions and contacts that Larry is allowed to make with Fran. On the other hand, if Fran opts not to respond to Larry’s question then they are at a risk of possibly losing him as a client since under normal circumstance he expects the firm to look out for her in legal matters and by extension other issues around her; a function that can easily be accomplished by the firm’s paralegal who is Fran. Ethics regulating attorneys in relation to their paralegals and the clients they represent require that attorneys introduce their paralegals to their clients and outlining the extent of assistance the paralegals would offer and the level of contact. In the case of Lucy and Will, both the attorneys did not introduce their paralegals to their clients. As the case proceeds, Roger who is Lucy’s paralegal realizes that Green was a client of his previous employer an information that he does not share with his attorney - Lucy. Ethics required that Roger to disclose that information to Lucy, an action that he opted to ignore. Green being a client of his former employer a long time ago was not an excuse for him not to abide by the ethics governing their conduct. He ought to have shared the information with Lucy and let Lucy be the one to determine its usefulness or

Proposal on Energy Audit Essay Example for Free

Proposal on Energy Audit Essay Proposal Energy Audit: An energy audit is an inspection, survey and analysis of energy, flows for energy conservation in a building, process or system to reduce the amount of energy input into the system without negatively affecting the output(s). Energy audit identifies opportunities for financial savings by elimination of wasteful use of electricity, coal and fuel oil, without affecting the process or quality of product. Need for Energy Audit: It has been established that Energy savings of the order of 5 to 20% are possible by optimizing use of Energy with better house keeping, low cost retrofitting measures and use of Energy efficient equipment at the time of replacement, renovation or up gradation. Pakistan Electrical Energy Scenario: Electrical power is indeed the blood supply to the muscles of our industrial and informational societies. We take the ready availability of electricity for granted as a source of light, propulsion, heat and refrigeration and only seem to notice its importance if it is suddenly unavailable. Our information and telecommunications systems, our transport systems and modern medicine all depend on electricity as an energy source. The economic engine and the wheels of industry, agriculture and business need energy to move forward. On the social aspect, energy consumption per capita is a key indicator of the quality of life of the citizens and community. Unfortunately in Pakistan, in spite of all claims and rhetoric by all governments, real solutions to meet the energy equirements of the nation have never been formulated or achieved. As a consequence, Pakistan’s economic, industrial and social growth has been greatly constrained. Due to an increasing gap in energy demand versus capacity. The crisis, of course, needs long-term energy generation solutions. But it also needs immediate energy conservation. And one important way of doing this is through Energy audit HESCO Profile HESCO is a public utility company, providing electricity to the entire Sindh province, except for Karachi and parts of the Thatta district. HESCO was incorporated in 1998 under the Companies Ordinance 1984. My research leads to Energy Audit of particular Industry that comes in Hyderabad Circle of Hesco. Area of Operations of HESCO Hyderabad Circle-I (5 Divisions, 22 Sub-Divisions) Hyderabad Circle-II

Wuthering Heights ch 1-3 analysis Essay -- Emily Bronte

In Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, what first appears to be an overabundance of descriptions about a mansion in nineteenth century England easily turns into a myriad of sentiment, hatred, and love among the protagonists. The work can be classified as an unprecedented satire, using indirect actions of its characters to convey a forthright message regarding human misdeeds. The first few pages of the book presents two main characters, Mr. Heathcliff and Mr. Lockwood, where both serve an important role in intensifying the plot. They have nearly opposite personalities, as Heathcliff is a humble, reserved landlord while Lockwood is an arrogant, agitated fellow. It can also be inferred that through some of the actions Lockwood engages in that he represents an immoral figure that mankind should grow to despise, in a time where benevolent behavior and personality is highly valued. Consequently, this kind of behavior serves to condemn him in an irreverent way, as a plethora of contempt eag erly follows him nearly every place he travels to. The first three chapters of the novel mainly serves to romanticize the setting in which an atmosphere of imagination can be achieved amongst readers. It is important that such an effect be established, so that one can effortlessly picture the scenario in his or her mind, thus developing a greater appreciation for the novel. However, it is not simplicity that defines Wuthering Heights, but rather the incessant barrage of personal beliefs and prejudice scattered throughout the chapters. Evidently, expression is a ubiquitous language that the novel is written in, as nearly every page is arduously filled with emotion so palpable that it transports the reader to a state of actualization, where fiction ... ...sified as a satire, for some of the complex arguments presented within regarding human atrocities are too resounding to absorb. Yet all of this is accomplished via a clever combination of indirect characterization and vivid imagery, as both serve to tell its part of the story in an unprecedented way. Through dialogue alone, Bronte achieves the fact that Lockwood is an impudent person, only capable of making matters worse when a solution is critical. The picturesque imagery used throughout the first chapters is no less important. Only through vivid descriptions can the mood, plot, setting, and tone be conveyed effectively bringing readers ever more closer to the characters. In Wuthering Heights, Bronte uses a style of writing focused intensely on detail and indirect descriptions, creating a unique and dynamic atmosphere where the possibilities are simply limitless.

Human Infrastructure of Toyota Production System

In order to produce world-class, quality automobiles at competitive price levels, Toyota has developed an integrated approach to production which manages equipment, materials, and people in the most efficient manner while ensuring a healthy and safe work environment (Toyota web page). The Toyota Production System is built on two main principles: Just-In-Time† production (the manufacturing and conveyance of only â€Å"what is needed, when it is needed, and in the amount needed), and â€Å"Jidoka. (to the ability to stop production lines, by man or machine, in the event of problems such as equipment malfunction, quality issues, or late work). Underlying this management philosophy and the entire Toyota production process is the concept that â€Å"Good Thinking Means Good Product. † From the systems perspective, the human infrastructure is a set of processes and structures within TPS. Key elements of that human infrastructure are: a. Effective utilization of every member’s time. b. Total participation at all levels . Encouragement of ingenuity Toyota has developed a system where the human infrastructure works harmoniously with the rest of the operating system. Some of the attributes of Toyota’s human infrastructure are intensive training, rapid problem solving skills, and teamwork. The expectation was that problems will be solved promptly, completely, and systematically. A review of the Toyota’s Georgetown, Kentucky, Plant case indicates the above key elements of human infrastructure were evident at various degrees. TMM did receive intensive training from TMC, starting a year ahead of plant opening, one-on-one, as well as having TMC trainers remain in Kentucky for a few years. However, as indicated in the case, team member’s time was not always effectively utilized. In some tasks, such as when a car had a seat problem the team leader pulled the andon cord to signal Ok and then tagged the car to alert Quality and moving the car to the Code 1 clinic area to see if the problem was correctable there. This process does not present value added and is in contradiction to Jidoka principles. As Friesen found out on his walk between Final 1 and Final 2, the workers interviewed only knew of a few seat incidents, which was contradictory to the data posted at work stations. This indicates very little involvement of the workers in the root cause investigation. The majority of defects indicate missing parts and material flaws. Application of the â€Å"Five Whys† exercise could very well indicate a supplier issue. The TMM case does not mention of any instance where team member ingenuity was encouraged or demonstrated in solving any of the prevailing issues that are causing the Andons. The only instance where the group leader, Shirley Sargent, had reported the problem with the rear seat hook, months had elapsed and she yet had to receive an explanation or participate in possible solutions. Another issue that would need to be investigated and analyzed is the steady increase, and disparity of Andon pulls between the 1st and 2nd Shift Rear Seat teams. This could indicate that non-standardized procedures are used or training deficiencies among the teams. Doug Friesen is correct in applying Jidoka in â€Å"going and seeing† the problem. There are key elements of the human infrastructure, such as: active encouragement of ingenuity, and worker participation in the solutions, that would help in the solutions. Also, a seat supplier kaizen is in order to identify NVA tasks, analyze the effectiveness of pulling problem cars off line for repairs, and prepare for the needs for the additional 18 seat variations expected for the Japan and Middle East markets.

Influence Of Society On A Teenager - 1039 Words

Every generation has a set of values that they believe make a person beautiful. In the 1980’s it was considered beautiful to be a curvy woman. A woman with a large chest and full hips was the ideal women, such as Selena Quintanilla. The difference between then and now is, women could escape this if needed. Today it is impossible to ignore the stick thin, supermodels, such as Kendall Jenner. They are on TV, Clothing stores, and magazines. The influence of society on a teenager is so much that man expects a woman to be a stick thin model or they are considered â€Å"plump†. The average fashion model weighs 108 to 130 lbs in proportional to height. The average woman weighs 142 to 166.2lbs. One study showed that 44% of middle school girls who frequently read articles about dieting were twice as likely to try fasting and dieting and were three time more likely to try self-introduced vomiting than girls who didn’t read this article (Recovery and Support Network, 2008 ). This proves that society does have a big influence on women and man. The role of society pressures for thinness, causing individuals to suffer from anorexia and bulimia. Anorexia and bulimia nervosa are two common eating disorders. They both result in a poor caloric intake. In anorexia, the poor calorie intake is due to inadequate eating. In bulimia, the person vomits soon after a meal without digestion and absorption. They are many similarities as well as the difference between anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.Show MoreRelatedCan Teens Withstand Media s Influence Of Substances?1174 Words   |  5 Pages Can teens withstand Media’s influence of substances? Teenagers are the future, destined to become something great in this world and become productive adults. Though teenagers are the future of society, they are also sill in the development stage meaning even the slightest of influences can impact them greatly and alternate what they are striving to become. 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