Change is a feature of modern life; discuss and critically analyse how Essay

Change is a feature of modern life; discuss and critically analyse how a nurse can manage change in order to deliver effective patient care - Essay Example The presentation of current conditions regarding the above issue is also followed with views of literature on the specific subject with an effort to choose and evaluate the most appropriate model for the presentation of the nurse-patient relationship as been formulated under the influence of change in the internal and the external organizational environment. Change management is the process [1] of developing ‘a planned approach to change in an organization’. In this context it can be assumed that its main objective is ‘to maximize the collective benefits for all people involved in the change and minimize the risk of failure of implementing the change’. For the above reasons, it has been found that the discipline of change management ‘deals primarily with the human aspect of change, and is therefore related to pure and industrial psychology’. There are several theories referring to the role and the structure of change management, the most known of which is that of Lewin. Lewin’s theory of force field analysis (Lewin 1951) is widely used in change management and can be used to help understand most change processes in organisations. In force field analysis change, is characterised as ‘a state of imbalance between driving forces (e.g. new personnel, changing markets, new technology) and restraining forces (e.g. individuals fear of failure, organisational inertia)’. Moreover, in order to achieve change ‘towards a goal or vision three steps are required: Third, once the change is complete the forces are brought back into quasi-equilibrium and re-frozen’. The above theory although explains the role of secondary forces in an organizational environment does not offer an adequate explanation regarding the criteria on which the ‘frozen, de-frozen’ procedures are going to be based. Moreover, it has been

Water gate scandal and Frost Nixon Research Paper

Water gate scandal and Frost Nixon - Research Paper Example The Newspapers response: The notable newspapers took this story by its horns and both the editorials, cartoonists, columnists and every person who could contribute contributed in their own way to discuss this topic in every way possible. Some of them went quite far in extent to criticizing the overall debacle and directly termed the parties involved as guilty. This incident was noticed in case of publication by Donnesbury comic strip which directly pointed finger at the then Attorney General John N. Mitchell. To some newspapers this was quite harsh and blunt and decided not to display this directly nor point finger directly by terming them guilty in open words. Washington post was one of the newspapers that decided to practice discretion and not to go all fronts war and open against the people involved in the murky episode that had frosted the political setup of the country. To some critiques, severe rules and norms of ethical codes and conduct would be violated and in fact were viol ated by displaying cartoons that directly pointed at individuals. Washington post was one of the newspapers that took this matter into account and decided not to publish content indiscriminately. Los Angeles times and Newsday were two other newspapers that took into account the matter of ethical codes and conduct consideration and decided not to publish everything that may come to hand. The one post that caused stir all over was the one in which attorney general was termed guilty, however since he was not proven as one as the entire case was on trial therefore most of the newspapers took back the cartoon section and decided not to publish it(Lemann, nicholas).While the cartoon did gain a lot of interest and attention,... The research paper makes sure we know that the depoch in the history of American politics is termed as one of the most disturbing, unwarranted and un afforded one which cost all the members involved in it heavily. The impact of the overall episode was so intense that it led to the resignation of an elected President and which had never happened in history before as in case of a similar political scandal. Then the paper introduces us to the term such as Frost Nixon interview. Frost Nixon interviews were part of the entire script and they were conducted by British members, after the incumbent president had taken refuge in his private life, he devoted considerable amount of time to this series and hence this series is named as frost Nixon interviews series. The paper also shares information, where the notable newspapers took this story by its horns and both the editorials, cartoonists, columnists and every person who could contribute contributed in their own way to discuss this topic in every way possible. The paper also shows us the consequences of the situation. The things did not end here, many dozen members of the governmental office were deprived of their ranks, various others imprisoned, thorough investigation stemmed in and at the end of it a lot was disclosed which none of the involved parties would have ever desired coming out to front. In conclusion, we see that what started off as a mere speculation by the security guard was something that would become a Hydra in longer run and would not extinguish until it took along with it the high ups of the day.

The Organisational Challenges Faced By Debenhams Commerce Essay

The Organisational Challenges Faced By Debenhams Commerce Essay The following report looks at an organisation (Debenhams) the authors employer, its profile, culture and how the current economic climate has affected its profile and culture What is an organisation? Organisations are social arrangements for achieving controlled performance in pursuit of collective goals, Buchanan and Huczynski (1997). The collective goals at Debenhams are aimed at, identifying, creating and maintaining satisfying relationships with customers resulting in value for both the customer and the organisation. Profile Debenhams Plc is a public limited company. Founded in 1778 as Flint Clark, Debenhams operated as an independent company until its hostile takeover by the Burton Group in the late 1980s. In 1998 Debenhams regained its independence when it was demerged from the Burton Group, which subsequently changed its name to Arcadia Group plc. The Groups principal activity is selling of fashion clothing and accessories, cosmetics and products for use in the home. It retails womenswear, menswear, homewares, health and beauty, accessories, lingerie and childrenswear. The Group trades from department stores and small store formats .Brands include Designers and Debenhams, including third-party brands. The Group has 161 department stores including 10 Desire by Debenhams stores, across the United Kingdom and Ireland with approximately 11 million square feet of trading space and around 27,000 employees. The Group has a portfolio of more than 55 own brands such as Debut, Maine New England, Red Herring and Thomas Nash including 25 Designers of Debenhams brands. Company brands account for about 70% of sales. Debenhams also offers a wedding gift service, in-store restaurants and cafes. The company has 51-plus international franchise stores in 19 countries including, Bahrain, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Turkey and will soon be opening 8 in Denmark. Debenhams also extends its customer reach by making direct sales through its website. Debenhams is company that is registered and trades its shares on the London Stock Exchange (LSE). Its registered office is at: 1 Welbeck St London W1G 0AA United Kingdom The companys key people are the Chairman: John D. Lovering, CEO: Rob Templeman and Deputy CEO and Director: Michael Sharp. Structure An organisation structure according to Mintzberg (1979) is the sum total of the ways in which it divides its labour into distinct tasks and then achieves coordination between them An organisation structure determines task allocation, reporting lines, and formal coordination mechanisms and interaction patterns. According to Basset and Carr (1996) an organisations structure should emphasise flexibility of response to market and environmental forces, this is accomplished by appropriate variability in the leadership role to fit the circumstances. As a retail organisation, Debenhams emphasises its structure in response to market and environmental forces by identifying and developing new talents to suit whats happening in the market and the retail and business environment in general. Wright and Burns (1998) state that, organisation structures largely depend on what kind of business the organisation is e.g. primary (e.g. extraction of raw materials, secondary, (e.g. conversion of raw materials to finished goods) and tertiary (e.g. services). The structure of an organisation is also affected by ownership and number of employees in the business. Debenhams is a public owned company. Its functional organisation based on product/brand but has a flat organisational structure headed by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and organises employees into different departments selling different products The functional structure groups employees together based upon the functions of specific jobs within the organization. Melissa Bushman (2007). The author belongs to the Home department where they deal in home wares including wedding gifts. Other departments include Mens wear and Womens wear. The dividing of employees according to departments in Debenhams allows managers to exert con trol on a smaller number of employees, making it easier to manage, be more efficient and allows for easy communication between employees and management. Culture The culture of an organisation refers to the unique configuration of norms, values, beliefs, ways of behaving and so on that characterize the manner in which groups and individuals combine to get things done, Eldridge Crombie (1974). At Debenhams they have a unique configuration of norms, values and beliefs that characterize the manner in which they work as a group to get things done. They have a way which sets them apart from others. Drennan (1992) defines culture as, how things are done around here. It is how things are done at Debenhams that makes them who they are. Its about their brand, their people and how they market themselves. Schein (1990) suggests a view of organisational culture based on distinguished three levels of culture, from the shallowest to the deepest artefacts and creations, values and basic assumptions. The Debenhams culture is about excellence, its about design and innovation. The culture at Debenhams goes with the times but its traditions remain intact and h ave been so for two centuries. Debenhams culture is based on being a premium department store retailer. A family friendly store who supply designer labels at affordable prices. The best statement to Debenhams culture is its people. Retail is a fast-moving, exciting business where teamwork really makes an impact. At Debenhams they think everyone can have an impact on their success. Wherever you go in Debenhams you will meet friendly, welcoming people who will care about your well being and support your development but also expect you to be a valuable member of the team. If you want to push your boundaries and take the initiative, they help you do it. Whether you are a sales advisor or merchandiser, Debenhams growth and breadth of opportunity and focus on personal development makes it the ideal place to develop your career. From the sales floor where people can influence customers to behind the scenes roles, every person can influence the performance of Debenhams. Our senior management team listens and acts on feedback. At Debenhams they want people who have a real passion for what they do, people who are self-motivated. People who will use their initiative to act on the freedom they are given and will drive their own development. Sutherland Canwell (1997) say if employees share the cultural values of the organisation then they will be more likely to be committed to it. At Debenhams employees are committed to the organisation as they believe and share in its culture and values. Certain organisations stress the importance of personal initiative and achievement; indeed they reward employees for personal performance. On the other hand, other organisations positively encourage competition between departments or sub-division of the organisation, Sutherland et al (1997). The Debenhams culture stresses personal initiative and achievement and at the same time positively encourages competition between departments of the organisation. Both individual and team initiative and growth are encouraged. The culture in Debenhams is one that is caring, daring, enabling and encourages sharing. According to Blanchard and Bowles (1998) and their Gung Ho culture, an organisation should aim to create a culture of committed employees who love what they do by adhering to the following three principles: Worthwhile work driven by goals and values- An organisation should focus on worthwhile work, use of case studies, review goal standards for individuals and team members. Putting workers in control of achieving the goal. Cheering each other on- the power of feedback, rewards and recognition and action planning. The Gung Ho process aims to address the following: Improve morale and productivity Reduce employee turnover Develop a sense of purpose Improve creativity and innovation Improve service to internal and external customers Empower individuals and teams The author feels Debenhams their employer, fulfils principles as described in the Gung Ho process by Blanchard et al (1998). This is so because the work is driven by goals and values. Good standards are maintained through regular training and review of individuals and team members. By setting reasonable and realistic targets workers are put in control and are able to achieve set goals and even outdo themselves by going beyond. The organisation recognises the power of feedback by holding regular meetings where everyone participates. It also recognises the importance of rewards and action planning. Rewards help boost morale and productivity while action planning and develop a sense of purpose. Current Economic Climate and how it might affect profile and Culture The past eighteen months has seen the economy of the UK and the rest of the world badly hit and seriously bruised by the credit crunch. The current economic climate could have great impact on the profile and culture of Debenhams as an organisation. These impacts could be Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal, shortened to PESTEL. PESTEL Analysis of Debenhams Political changes-E.g. a change in government or a change in government policy. Government plans to implement the scheduled VAT increase (back to 17.5 per cent) on New Years Day. To change every price in all of its 161 stores at that time would take 250,000 man hours. Debenhams has been encouraged by governments decision on Local Employment Partnership Scheme (LEP) to create employment and will create 1200 jobs between 2010 and 2011and receive government assistance in meeting its training needs. Economic changes-Relate to changes in the wider economy such as rises in living standards or the general level of demand, rises or falls in interest rates, etc. UK markets have been affected by economic concerns through the credit crunch. Lower available income will impact and strategic focus may need to change to lower priced basic products with less focus on higher priced brands suggesting a switch in price architecture. The economy is predicted to grow out of recession in the coming year. As the US economy, the worlds biggest has started growing the growth of exports to that country will create more jobs in the UK economy and as a consequence more consumers will buy the Debenhams brand. The continuous fall in the value of the Pound Sterling against the Euro is likely to bring in more tourists from the EU and beyond who will purchase Debenhams products at a competitive price. As most of the world recovers from the current economic crisis. Debenhams are likely to spearhead their expansion into the international market, introducing new customers to new brands in an exciting retail environment. Social changes-Relate to changes in wider society such as changes in lifestyles e.g. more women going out to work, changes in tastes and buying patterns. Debenhams has added customer ratings and reviews to its online shop to enhance its customers online shopping experience and drive sales. Debenhams customers dont just have to rely on a brands professional opinion they will also now be able to hear what fellow shoppers think. The group is also improving its web site, adding features such as social networking capability, video and catwalk/outfit projection, an online outlet that leads to current offers and promotions, a facility that allows customers to shop by size, as well as product reviews and surveys. The call for fair trade is also another thing that Debenhams has to observe. For example Debenhams restaurants now stock only Douwe Egberts Good Original Coffee. Every cup of Good Original Coffee can be traced back to the farm where it was grown and has been certified by Utz Kapeh, a global non-governmental organisation. This is ensuring we are helping farmers look after their workers, their families and the environment in which they live and work. Technological changes-Relate to the application of new inventions and ideas such as the development of the Internet and websites as business tools. New internet and television technology which use special effects in advertising will make Debenhams products known and attractive to more customers as more people are now making use of the internet. Debenhams has opened online stores due to advancement in technology of the internet and can now sell its products without using shop space. This will allow it to compete favourably in this harsh environment. Positive performance online is helping lift yearly profit at Debenhams, this is despite the harsh economic turmoil in the domestic and international market Environmental changes-Relates to what is happening with respect to the ecological and environmental aspects. Debenhams have also joined calls to reduce impact on global warming by driving a Store energy saving plan, reviewing timings for lights, escalators and air conditioning. Overnight shifts have been reduced with light focussed only in the areas its needed. As a result of these efforts the organisation has achieved the Energy Efficiency Accreditation awarded by the energy Institute. Debenhams is now contributing to a national fund which will help to develop specific WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) collection centres to ensure that more WEEE gets recycled. Debenhams offer a collection service on a like for like basis, for example if you buy a washing machine we can take away your old one. All the appliances we collect are then sent to be recycled. More eco friendly measures have to be implemented, for instance Debenhams have developed a more eco-friendly packaging for the bra collars on Lingerie, by using a new type of board and are now able to maintain the print quality, whilst introducing 20% recycled content. Legal changes-Relate to changes in legislation. This may impact employment, access to materials, quotas, resources, imports/exports, taxation etc. Debenhams has been affected by the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive from the government and is doing its bit to help care for the environment. The directive states that as a retailer we are responsible for increasing the amount of WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic equipment) that is recycled in the UK. Debenhams reactions to the current economic climate Trigger events like the credit crunch affect organisations in many different ways. Towards the end of 2008, Debenhams struggled as customers were no longer buying much of their products as the economy slid into recession. The current economic climate is likely to impact on Debenhams profile and culture. The report by Graeme Wearden, in the Guardian of (21st October, 2008) gives a clear example of how the current economic climate has affected Debenhams. Debenhams has slashed its dividends after a sharp fall in sales during the past few weeks as the economy deteriorates, Debenhams is planning cost-cutting measures to reduce debt of  £994m, which it admitted was causing uncertainty over its future. It also plans to strip out  £15m of costs, and is cutting almost  £40m from its capital expenditure. The profile of the organisation might change as it could be more difficult to raise funds for new ventures or expansions and also might reduce the current size of the company as there could be downsizing. The negative trends in the economy also might affect the culture of Debenhams as its employees will be operating in a culture of uncertainty. However, the negative trends in the economy have had some positive effects on Debenhams as reported in the Waterford Today (6th January, 2009). On the day (6th January 2009) Debenhams released its interim management statement for the 18 weeks to the 3 January 2009, it also reported that sales of designer gear normally associated with boom times rather than bust, are back in vogue thanks to a new type of shopper, the recessionista. Spring/Summer 09 at Debenhams draws the latest influences from catwalks around the globe with a strong focus on wearability all with famous name designer influences but with high street price tags. ClickPress (14th January 2009)The retailer reported double digit sales growth across its Designer at Debenhams offer in the run up to Christmas, as well as seeing sales and profits increase and market share gains in all major clothing categories, while reducing its debt. The current economic climate has shaken Debenhams, but the Debenhams culture that encourages initiative has seen them shake off the initial fall in sales which shrunk the organisations profile and brought a culture of uncertainty as Debenhams struggled to survive. Whilst Debenhams is a premium department store retailer the external factors of banks going bust, rising unemployment adversely affected their operations. The public could no longer afford their products. The organisation strategized and came up with the idea of selling designer labels with famous name influences but sold at high street prices. Despite the credit crunch Debenhams has been able to maintain its culture of hard work and excellence through its people. The outgoing Chairmans words sum up the Debenhams culture. John Lovering said: I am proud of what Debenhams has achieved over the last six years whilst I have served as chairman.  We have set direction for a sound future. Debenhams is a well managed, properly financed company with a clear and successful strategy and a number of exciting development opportunities. I hope my successor enjoys the role as much as I have. Debenhams has taken advantage of the recession; its combination of quality, price and design in its products has continued to attract customers. Sky News (17 March, 2009). The companys profile will expand as in 2010 theyll open eight new stores bringing the total number to 161 stores across the UK and will employee 1200 new people. The culture of the organisation has altered slightly as the perceived credit crunch crisis initially shook the organisation and drastic measures had to be implemented, the crisis brought a culture of uncertainty across Debenhams. The measures implemented have seen the UKs second biggest department store chain continue to take market share from its competitors in all major product categories. Sky News (March, 2009). The culture change which has taken place at Debenhams is what Brown (1998) terms, specific evolution, which is the adaptation of particular organisational functions (such as research and development, data processing and marketing), to fit the environment. People at Debenhams had to adapt to the credit crunch and found working ways to rise above the crisis. The Debenhams culture has been sustained through new pattern- maintenance symbols, beliefs and structures. Debenhams has been able to weather the storms of the credit crunch because of proper planning and effectively managing todays business risks. Reuvid (2005) points out that organisations should spend time researching the possibility of a risk occurring and the probability of that risk occurring and interrupting businesss flow, then find ways to reduce and mitigate these risks. The organisation should continuously be evaluating the overall risk management infrastructure and investments necessary to look beyond financial statement, risk to enterprise and external risks should not be undervalued and cannot be underscored enough. The organisation needs to protect itself from excessive risk. This should be top priority for management and the audit team. They should understand the extent to which the company is exposed to financial, operational or strategic risks. Because of its preparedness and strategic use both of its financial, creative talent and its human capital Debenhams has survive d the worst recession in decades and remains standing strong.

The Importance of Stress Management Essay -- Exploratory Essays Resear

The Importance of Stress Management   Ã‚     Stress today can be described as "that which disturbs a person's mental and physical well-being" (Morrison 1).   Common symptoms of stress include chronic fatigue, changes in appetite, drug and/or alcohol abuse,   difficulty sleeping, body aches, and changes in emotions (Cooper 1-2).   And although stress is something that is inevitable, it can be controlled.   Just about everything we do today creates stress, both good and bad.   In the face paced and technological world we live in, stress management is key to survival as well as sanity.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Stress can be caused from numerous things for example, a death in the family, divorce, or loss of a job.   But stress is also attributed to smaller things such as bouncing a check or sitting in a line of traffic.   Though most people refer to stress as the negative things, stress can also be positive.   Marriages or births are just two examples of the many positives that contribute to our stress levels (Morrison 2).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   According to Morrison, "7 out of 10 people surveyed said they felt stressed in a typical workday" (Morrison 1).   On-going stress can result in many problems be it physically, mentally, socially, and intellectually.   Morrison also reports "70-80% of all visits to the doctor are for stress-related illnesses" (Morrison 1).   Approximately 50% of all illnesses today can be attributed to stress (Morrison 1).     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Stress management is becoming a very important factor in today's society as well as in the business world.   $200 billion dollars is spent every year by North American businesses on account of stress.   Employees that are frequently absent cost companies money.   The unreliable help and the lack ... ... of stress.   The better we can adapt to life changes and stressful situations, the better off we will be emotionally, behaviorally, physically, and mentally. Works Cited Carter, Carol, Joyce Bishop, and Sarah Lyman Kravits.   Keys to Success. Prentice Hall: Upper Saddle River, NJ; 2001. Cooper, Phyllis G.   Stress Management.ClinicalReferenceSystems.<http://galenet.Galegroup.com/servlet/HWRC/hits?rlt=1&c=3&year2=&year1=&tcit=1_1_0_0. p.1497; 2000.  Ã‚   In Brief-How Women Handle Stress: Is There A Difference? Harvard Mental Health   Letter.   Aprv17i10pNA:<http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/HWRC/hits?rlt=2&c=104&year2=&year1=&tcit=1_1_0_...> 2001. Morrison, Deborah.   Get a Grip on Stress.   Healthy & Natural Journal. Feb v8 i1 p50:<http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/HWRC/hits?rlt=2&c= 40&year2=&year1=&tcit=1_1_0...> 2001.

Ethnicity And Police Essay

September 4, 2005 six days after hurricane Katrina devastated the city of New Orleans, six New Orleans police officers loaded into the back of a Budget rental truck and stormed the Danziger Bridge in the eastern area of the city. The officers were responding to a call of shots fired and an officer was down, in reality police officers escorting a civilian convoy on the I-10 high rise made a distress call over the police radio of shots fired on the Danziger Bridge and made the impression that an officer was down. A group of at least nine officers were in the truck all from the 7th districts make shift station. Claimed once they approached the bridge they received gun fire from civilians, which made them open fire. Civilians on the bridge claim they were ambushed by the officers in the truck. The officers shot eight unarmed citizens fatally wounding two 17 year old James Brissette and 40 year old Robert Madison who was mentally disabled. The officers were wrong in doing so, because they did not verify any citizens carrying weapons nor did they identify themselves as police officers. The officers opened fire on the civilians under the assumption they were carrying weapons. By doing so the officers did not follow standard procedures (Nola, 2005). The New Orleans Police Department investigated the shootings internally, but victims of the shootings felt that justice was not served. The Bartholomew and Madison families who were the victims along with an outcry from citizens of New Orleans led the Federal Bureau of investigations to investigate the city’s police department. During the federal probe of the shootings, evidence was found that officers were not justified in the death of the two individuals, and the internal probe by investigators attempted to cover the evidence. Two years after the incident officers were arrested and indicted on murder charges, but the charges were dropped due to mishandling by the dist rict attorney’s office. Two weeks later the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigations  took over the case. Robert Faulcon along with five other police officers faced charges ranging from corruption, violation of civil rights, and weapons charges. Before the case went to trial the federal prosecution offered a series of plea bargains to the suspected officers because the case had been â€Å"cold† when they received it. On August 5, 2011 nearly six years after hurricane Katrina struck the city of New Orleans Robert Faulcon appeared in federal court, United States district judge Kurt Engelhart presided over the hearings (FBI, 2012). Robert Faulcon who fatally shot Robert Madison in the back with a shotgun testified that he never saw anyone on the bridge point a gun or fire at him, and that he never identified himself as a police officer or told Madison to stop. Two innocent people died and several others were wounded that day on the Danziger Bridge by the police officers whose jobs were to protect their lives of the innocent. After testimonies from prosecution and defense the former officers were found guilty on all charges. Robert Faulcon was sentenced to sixty five years in federal prison. Sergeant Kenneth Brown was sentenced to 40 years in prison, Sergeant Robert Gesivius also received 40 years in prison, and Officer Anthony Villavaso received a 38 year sentence. Sergeant Authur Kaufman who was the lead investigator on the case, received a six year sentence for covering up the crimes during the investigation, and one officer was exonerated of the charges (Chicago Citizen, 2010). An attorney for the Department of Justice described the case as â€Å"one of the most significant police misconduct incidents since the Rodney King beating.† The New Orleans police department has a long history of corruption and violence. With the prosecution of these officers citizens hope that this will end the final chapter. And that they can begin to trust the officers sworn to protect them. References (2010, December 15). Former New Orleans Police Officer Sentenced for Role in Danziger Bridge Shootings. Chicago Citizen – Chatham Southeast Edition. p. 3. (September 4, 2005). Police shoot eight on New Orleans bridge. Associated press. Retrieved from. http://www.nola.com/katrina/index.ssf/2005/09/police_shoot_8_on_new_orleans_b

Music and Identity

The human mind is a shapeless and constantly shifting entity of its own, far surpassing our conscious understanding and in order to create a sense of solidity we develop identity. Identity is difficult to define as it is still subject to large philosophical and psychological debate but is given a broad definition in order to satisfy the many different views as â€Å"maintaining a state of continuity of self and remaining same over time†.The formation of identity and the many ways in which is is formed is subject to even more theological debate but for the purposes of this essay I have chosen to break it down into four main categories: experiences, expression, reflexivity and recognition. Music like most forms of creative expression is an extension of the self and in turn a reflexion as it gives tangibility to our thoughts, emotions and ideas. Music operates on multiple layers of self-identification, as it can highlight ethnic, gender and cultural traits. Music has been a part of human identity since the dawn of man.From ritual dances of ancient tribal peoples to the war songs of ancient Greece and Rome to the more developed forms of music of the Renaissance. It was during the late Renaissance that music began being printed and distributed cheaply and became accessible to a wider audience, it was during this period that a social schism was created that reinforced the separation of higher and lower class, as music of the people or â€Å"Folk† music became popularized in the lower class and â€Å"Classical† music maintained within the aristocracy, each type with its own socially defining associations.The Baroque era had a huge impact on music because music was observed as a planned composition meant to instill specific emotions and ideas in the listener. Where previously there had been no real fashioning of music, a musical language was developed using a powerful rhetoric of notes meant to guide the emotional experience. The Classical Period b egan in the 1750’s and was the freeing of the composers from the private employment of the aristocracy, which allowed for public concerts and aided in the popularization and growth of the orchestra.Technological developments have since had some of the largest impact on music as composers could begin to record and playback and through this, perfect their individual sound. Music is a constant reflexion of cultural trends, an efficient example of the potency of music in creating identity would be the swinging sixties. It was a time of cultural rebellion, millions of youth across the world developed a renewed sense of individual liberty, pooling together and creating a community and new ideals through music.Music had never before been attributed such strength to shape the belief system of youth culture so directly. The song â€Å"My Generation† by Pete Townsend of the who written in 1965 is a perfect example of how music works in classification. It was written by the group to express the cultural differences that emerged between their generations and previous ones who could not understand the shift of belief systems. Music is an auditory form of communication utilizing tones in a continuous structure way.In the book Lost in Music: Culture, Style and the Musical Event, John Shepherd writes that â€Å"It can be asserted that because people create music, they reproduce in the basic structure of their music the basic structure of their own thought process†. If music is the expression of the individuals thought process and individuals are conditioned and molded by the society in which they live, then it would only be logical to conclude that music can be used as a social indicator.Expression in forming the identity is used to convert thoughts into physical form and is also known as verbalization. Lyrics are a very important aspect of songs as they create a new relationship to a piece. They can deliver a very precise and direct message and therefore hold significance to the listener as they choose to indulge the message when they listen to it and are in turn influenced by it. Music has rapidly become more diverse as new styles emerge, each with its own category whether it be hip-hop, rock, classical, country etc.The artists are often the models used to create the lifestyle of the music, this can be explicitly noted in goth rock and hip-hop as some listeners actively exhibit characteristics of the artists. Each kind of music brings about a particular set of values and preconceptions. There are also ethnic divisions in music, as music develops distinctly around the world different styles are created by different cultures, these kinds of music become the musical foundation of people living and reinforce national identity. Music and Identity The human mind is a shapeless and constantly shifting entity of its own, far surpassing our conscious understanding and in order to create a sense of solidity we develop identity. Identity is difficult to define as it is still subject to large philosophical and psychological debate but is given a broad definition in order to satisfy the many different views as â€Å"maintaining a state of continuity of self and remaining same over time†.The formation of identity and the many ways in which is is formed is subject to even more theological debate but for the purposes of this essay I have chosen to break it down into four main categories: experiences, expression, reflexivity and recognition. Music like most forms of creative expression is an extension of the self and in turn a reflexion as it gives tangibility to our thoughts, emotions and ideas. Music operates on multiple layers of self-identification, as it can highlight ethnic, gender and cultural traits. Music has been a part of human identity since the dawn of man.From ritual dances of ancient tribal peoples to the war songs of ancient Greece and Rome to the more developed forms of music of the Renaissance. It was during the late Renaissance that music began being printed and distributed cheaply and became accessible to a wider audience, it was during this period that a social schism was created that reinforced the separation of higher and lower class, as music of the people or â€Å"Folk† music became popularized in the lower class and â€Å"Classical† music maintained within the aristocracy, each type with its own socially defining associations.The Baroque era had a huge impact on music because music was observed as a planned composition meant to instill specific emotions and ideas in the listener. Where previously there had been no real fashioning of music, a musical language was developed using a powerful rhetoric of notes meant to guide the emotional experience. The Classical Period b egan in the 1750’s and was the freeing of the composers from the private employment of the aristocracy, which allowed for public concerts and aided in the popularization and growth of the orchestra.Technological developments have since had some of the largest impact on music as composers could begin to record and playback and through this, perfect their individual sound. Music is a constant reflexion of cultural trends, an efficient example of the potency of music in creating identity would be the swinging sixties. It was a time of cultural rebellion, millions of youth across the world developed a renewed sense of individual liberty, pooling together and creating a community and new ideals through music.Music had never before been attributed such strength to shape the belief system of youth culture so directly. The song â€Å"My Generation† by Pete Townsend of the who written in 1965 is a perfect example of how music works in classification. It was written by the group to express the cultural differences that emerged between their generations and previous ones who could not understand the shift of belief systems. Music is an auditory form of communication utilizing tones in a continuous structure way.In the book Lost in Music: Culture, Style and the Musical Event, John Shepherd writes that â€Å"It can be asserted that because people create music, they reproduce in the basic structure of their music the basic structure of their own thought process†. If music is the expression of the individuals thought process and individuals are conditioned and molded by the society in which they live, then it would only be logical to conclude that music can be used as a social indicator.Expression in forming the identity is used to convert thoughts into physical form and is also known as verbalization. Lyrics are a very important aspect of songs as they create a new relationship to a piece. They can deliver a very precise and direct message and therefore hold significance to the listener as they choose to indulge the message when they listen to it and are in turn influenced by it. Music has rapidly become more diverse as new styles emerge, each with its own category whether it be hip-hop, rock, classical, country etc.The artists are often the models used to create the lifestyle of the music, this can be explicitly noted in goth rock and hip-hop as some listeners actively exhibit characteristics of the artists. Each kind of music brings about a particular set of values and preconceptions. There are also ethnic divisions in music, as music develops distinctly around the world different styles are created by different cultures, these kinds of music become the musical foundation of people living and reinforce national identity.

Creating Good Emergency Lesson Plans

Creating Good Emergency Lesson Plans Teachers are required to have a set of emergency lesson plans so that in the event of an emergency there is no interruption in the delivery of instruction. There can be any number of reasons to need emergency plans: a death in the family, an accident, or a sudden illness. Since these types of emergencies can arise at any time, emergency lesson plans should be not be associated with lessons that are part of a sequence. Instead, emergency lesson plans should be related to topics covered in your classroom, but not part of core instruction.    Regardless of the  reason for your absence, your substitute plans should always include information critical to the operation of the classroom. This information should be duplicated in the emergency lesson folder. For each class period, there should be class lists (with parent phone numbers/e-mail), seating charts, times for a variety of schedules (full day, half-day, specials, etc) and a general comment on your procedures. The fire drill procedure and a copy of the student handbook should be included in the folder as well as any special school procedures. While still keeping a students right to privacy in mind, you may also leave general notes to prepare the substitute for any special needs students. You may also provide the names and teaching assignments of those educators near the classroom in the event your substitute might need immediate assistance. Finally, if your school has a substitute log-in for computer use, you may leave that information or a contact for the substitute to request a log-in. Criteria for Emergency Lesson Plans The criteria that should be used in developing a good emergency lesson is similar to what you might leave for a scheduled absence. The plans include: Type of learning: emergency lesson plans should not include new learning, but rather work with concepts or principles that students already understand in your  subject area.  Timelessness: Because emergencies  can occur anytime  during the school year, these plans should address concepts important to the discipline, but not tied to a specific  unit. These plans should also be revisited during the school year and adjusted based on what topics students have covered.Length: In many school  districts, the recommendation is that emergency lesson plans should support a substitute for a minimum of three days.  Accessibility: The materials in emergency lesson plans should be prepared so that students of all levels of ability will be able to complete the work. If the plans call for group work, you  should leave recommendations on how to organize students. Substitute plans should be contain translated materials for English Language Learners if there is a need.  Resources: All materials for the  emergency lesson plans should be prepared and, if possible,   left in the folder. All papers should be copied in advance, and a few extra copies added in the event the classroom numbers have changed. There should be directions as to where other materials (books, media, supplies, etc) can be located.   While you want to make sure that your students are engaged in meaningful activities, you also should anticipate the amount of work you will receive when you return. Your first reaction may be to stuff the folder with many different worksheets to keep students occupied. Returning to school to face a folder filled with busy work does not benefit you or your students.   A better way to help the substitute is to provide materials and activities that engage students and can extend over a period of time.    Suggested Emergency Lesson Plans Ideas Here are some ideas that you can use as you create your own emergency lesson plans: There are always extended questions from chapters in your textbook that you may never get to during the school year.   The extended response  questions (sometimes titled further study...) sometimes take more time than a class period or they may be more challenging and involve  applying skills students already have  in solving authentic or real-world problems. There may be scenarios for students to try. A model of what is expected should be provided to the substitute.There may be articles that are related to your discipline with questions that students can answer. If there are no questions with the reading, you can use these four close reading questions that meet the Common Core Literacy Standards. You should leave an example to model for students so that they should know to provide evidence from the text for each question.What is the author telling me?  Any hard or important words? What do they mean?  What does the author want me to understand?How does the author play wit h language to add to meaning? Depending on the media available in your school, you may want to use short videos (TED-ED Talks, Discovery Ed, etc. ) that are often followed by questions. If questions are not available, the same questions used for an article (see above) can be used in responding to media. Again, you may want to leave a model response for students to see.If your students are capable to do writing enrichment activities independently, and depending on the student access to research tools, you could leave a visual (painting, photo, or graphic) that is related to your discipline and have the substitute use the Question Formulation Technique. The visual can be a current event photo, an infographic for math, or a painting of a landscape for a storys setting.This technique allows students to ask their own questions and build off their peers’ questions. In this activity, the substitute would ask students to formulate as many questions as they can about the visual. Have the students  write down ever y question exactly as it is stated; then have the students  determine which questions can be answered and which need more research. The substitute can lead the class in  prioritizing the questions. Then, the students can choose one (or more), and do the research in order to respond. Leaving the Plans While emergency lesson plans will not cover material you are currently working on in your class, you should use this opportunity to extend their knowledge about your discipline.   It is always a good idea to mark the location of your emergency lesson plans in a place different than your regular  substitute folder.   Many schools ask for the emergency lesson plans be left in the main office. Regardless, you might not want to include them in the folder so as to avoid confusion.   When emergencies come up and remove you from the classroom unexpectedly, it is good to be prepared. Knowing that you have left plans that will engage your students will also minimize inappropriate student behavior, and returning to deal with discipline problems will make your return to the classroom more difficult. These emergency lesson plans may take time to prepare, but knowing that your students have meaningful lessons while you are not available can take the stress out of the emergency and make your return to school more smooth.

Comparative ecology of urban and rural foxes Essays

Comparative ecology of urban and rural foxes Essays Comparative ecology of urban and rural foxes Essay Comparative ecology of urban and rural foxes Essay Abstraction The ruddy fox ( Vulpus vulpus ) is an adaptable animate being that can be found anyplace with equal nutrient and shelter, it is hence non surprising that they have adapted from a rural to an urban scene. Few surveies have straight compared urban and rural fox ecology. This reappraisal had two primary aims ; ( 1 ) To depict habitat use by urban and rural foxes and ( 2 ) to discourse the fluctuation in their diet, population kineticss, causes of mortality, societal organisation and behavior by associating these fluctuations to differences in their home ground. Many similarities were observed between the urban and rural fox. It was concluded that the characteristics which determine the distribution and copiousness of foxes may differ depending on their home ground. The diets of urban and rural foxes are proposed to be distinguished by differences in grade instead than differences in sort. In urban countries where dense populations of foxes live in close propinquity there must besides be greater societal engagement than in the less associated rural fox communities. Population denseness is of import when sing the spread of epizootic diseases and the timing and grade of population dispersion. 1. Introduction Over the past century additions in human population denseness have escalated the procedure of urbanization ( Mc Kinney, 2002 ) . Organisms are now confronted with a scope of fresh conditions because of the alterations of the natural environment in which they normally thrive. This can potentially impact both their life rhythm and forms of behavior ( Dickman and Doncaster, 1987 ) . In recent old ages the consequence of urbanisation on the ruddy fox ( Vulpes Vulpess ) has been of peculiar involvement. The construct that ecological interactions of animate beings may differ harmonizing to the type of home ground they occupy is non new. Differences will originate depending on the nature of the animate being s habitat interactions and their life history. For illustration, the grey squirrel ( Sciurus carolinensis ) and the raccoon ( Procyon lotor ) are strongly influenced by urban variables such as propinquity to houses, unreal feeders, or other physical constructions ( Flyger, 1970 ; Harris 1986 ) . The fox s successful accommodation from a rural to an urban environment is non surprising as they are timeserving animate beings that are distributed across a broad diverseness of home grounds. In Russia and Europe they can be found in the north-polar tundra, and have been reported on sea ice 100km North of the nearest land ( Harris, 1986 ) . Foxs are to be found due souths in most European home grounds. They live from western Asia to eastern Japan and due souths into the comeuppances of North African. Throughout most of the mainland home grounds in North America the same species of fox is found ( Hutchins at Al, 2003 ) . The broad distribution of the ruddy fox, the diverseness of home grounds in which it can be found and the velocity with which foxes have colonised countries such as Australia are all indicants of its adaptability ( Harris and Yalden, 2008 ) . This reappraisal has two primary aims: 1. To depict habitat use by urban and rural foxes. 2. To discourse the fluctuation in their diet, population kineticss, causes of mortality, societal organisation and behavior by associating these fluctuations to differences in their home ground. 2. Habitat Utilization. In both urban and rural environments foxes are most abundant in diverse home grounds that offer a broad assortment of nutrient and screen ( Goldyn, 2003 ; Harris and Rayner, 1986 ; Mac Donald A ; Sillero, 2004 ) . They exercise pick in choosing a topographic point to populate within the limitations imposed by their societal behavior ( Lloyd, 1980 ) . There are two proposed grounds for the success of the ruddy fox across its broad distribution: 1. Size The fox is little plenty to be unnoticeable, yet big plenty to be able to travel long distances when necessary. Therefore, it can easy colonize new countries and hunt countries where resorts are scattered ( Harris, 1986 ) . 2. Lack of specialisation The ruddy fox can boom in a assortment of locations as it has no peculiar home ground demands ( Lloyd, 1980 ) . 2.1. Rural Habitat. The general perceptual experience of a rural home ground suited for fox habitation is a diverse landscape dwelling of chaparral and forest ( Llyod, 1980 ) . However, rural home grounds besides include mountains ( above the treeline ) , moorlands, costal dunes and agricultural home grounds such as cultivable and pastoral farming areas. Foxs have shown a pronounced penchant for little cone-bearing forests in highland countries that are free of anthropogenetic influence and afford good shelter ( Goldyn, 2003 ) . Large cone-bearing plantations are by and large hapless scrounging countries for the fox ; nevertheless, while land flora remains they are besides good home grounds ( Harris and Yalden, 2008 ) . The chief factor act uponing the location of rural foxes is the availably and distribution of nutrient shelter is by and large non a restricting resource ( Goldyn, 2003 ) . Lairs have a important significance for foxes, non merely as engendering topographic points, but besides as a shelter for grownups during the whole twelvemonth ( Meia and Weber, 1993 ) . The rural fox digs dens in a broad assortment of home grounds including ; Bankss ; enlarged old coney burrows ; disused or occupied badger cobble ; besides natural holes in stone crannies and drains ( Harris 1977a ; Harris 1986 ) . Vegetative screen and H2O need to be within or shut to denning sites for this species. They should besides be located near countries with a good quarry base as females rarely range more than half a stat mi from their lairs ( Hoover and Wills, 1987 ) . In farming area countries foxes have shown a penchant for denning sites that are undisturbed by worlds. Wood borders and woodlots are virtually sole home grounds where fox lairs are situated ( Lariviere, 1966 ) . In farmlands next to wooded countries merely a minority of foxes will turn up in an unfastened home ground such as cultivable land. Goszozynski s survey ( 1985 ) showed that in an country with 21 % forest coverage ; merely 2 % of all lairs were located in unfastened home grounds. However Goldyn ( 2003 ) found that in farming areas where wood screen is missing, foxes can successfully accommodate to wholly different conditions, making high lair sites. The Bankss of drainage ditches, marsh Bankss and boundary strips between Fieldss were besides often used as den locations. This is declarative of the adaptable nature of the fox in a sub-optimal home ground. 2.2. Urban home grounds. For the intent of this reappraisal an urban home ground will mention to any home ground within a built up country that does non happen of course outside it. Urban home grounds include gardens, Parkss, barrens, route brinks, railroad paths and graveyards ( www.wildberks.co.uk ) . Urban home grounds have become ecosystems in which mammal populations have adapted their life style in order to last. These disconnected ecosystems provide engendering sites, nutrient and shelter for foxes ( Macdonald and Newdick, 1982 ) . In the yesteryear there has been some confusion as to which wonts are of import for the urban fox. It was noted by Llyod ( 1968 ) that urban foxes may populate in gardens, but normally they shelter in daylight in forests, Parkss, graveyards, and overgrown sites such as stray constructing secret plans . Later Harris ( 1977a ) noted that the daytime remainders of most importance are quiet gardens ( irrespective of size ) and similar domestic home grounds, he proposed that Parkss and public unfastened infinites were of small importance ; this is apparent in Table 1. Habitat variables appear to hold consistent effects on the distribution of foxes. Similar to flim-flam found in rural countries, the urban fox is most normally found in countries of diverse home ground. In an urban environment diverse home grounds include countries where industry, commercialism or council rented lodging predominate ( Harris and Rayner, 1986 ) . In London the handiness of suited home grounds for daytime harb orage is an of import modification factor for the distribution of and Numberss in fox populations ( Harris, 1977a ) . Habitat Number of Specimens Percentage of specimens Percentage of surburban land usage Resedential home grounds gardens, garden sheds, basements, houses 226 59.79 40.19 Industrial home grounds sewerage Stationss, mills, builders paces, babys rooms 28 7.41 3.72 Vacant land, usually without public entree 32 8.47 6.01 Parks and public unfastened infinites 33 8.73 10.53 Hospitals 9 2.38 1.10 Allotments 20 5.29 1.29 Cemetries 10 2.65 0.74 British rail and belowground lines 9 2.38 2.29 Golf classs 5 1.32 No information Sports evidences and school Fieldss 3 0.79 2.29 Rubbish tips 2 0.53 0.59 Airports 1 0.26 1.58 Road deceases 22 Other home grounds 29.67 Sums ( excepting route deceases ) 378 100.00 100.00 Table 1: Harris ( 1977a ) collected and recorded the location of 400 urban fox cadavers in London. This information illustrated the comparative importance of the assorted urban home grounds as daytime harborage. It has besides been suggested by several writers that railway lines may be a peculiarly of import home ground for the urban fox. Radio-tracking in Edinburgh revealed that the types of home grounds visited by foxes mostly reflected their handiness. Railway lines were peculiarly of import to chase foxes as tracts between parts of their scope ( Treweila and Harris, 1990 ) . In London regular perturbation is the chief factor regulating the distribution of lairs. The bulk of natal lairs are situated in undisturbed home grounds including under garden sheds, quiet gardens and railroad embankments. Few litters are raised in lairs in countries of public entree ; this is illustrated in Table 2 ( Harris, 1977a ) . Rural foxes have besides shown a penchant for denning sites that are undisturbed by worlds ( Goldyn, 2003 ) . Situation Number of Specimens Percentage Under garden sheds with raised floors 36 37.1 Under concrete floors of garages, out-buildings, and raised floors of summer-houses and portable huts 10 10.3 In air-raid shelters 1 1.0 In drains 1 1.0 In Bankss of Earth e.g. at underside of gardens, railroad embankments, etc, 29 29.9 In level land 9 9.3 In flower-beds, rock gardens 6 6.2 In compost tonss, hemorrhoids of trash, woodpiles 5 5.2 Entire 97 100.0 Table 2: Sitting of suburban fox lairs used for rise uping greenhorn ( Harris, 1977a ) . 3. Diet As the fox is both a marauder and a scavenger, it is presented with a immense assortment of prospective nutrients ( Lloyd, 1980 ) . Their diet depends on both location and clip of twelvemonth ( Harris, 1986 ) . Foxs are known to exchange their diet to feed on whatever is abundant locally. They have adapted peculiarly good to worlds by scrounging in towns and runing in countries cleared for agribusiness ( Hutchins at Al, 2003 ) . It is of import to retrieve that in rural and urban countries a similar scope of nutrient types are likely to be eaten ; nevertheless, the proportions will change. For illustration urban foxes in London and Oxford have a loosely similar diet ; Harris ( 1981 ) found that scavenged points comprised 37 % of the diet of foxes in London, compared to 35 % in Oxford ( Doncaster et al, 1990 ) . Foxes in Oxford Ate more angleworms ( 27 % as opposed to 12 % ) and fewer birds and insects ( Harris, 1981 ; Doncaster et Al, 1990 ) . 3.1. Seasonal Variation in Diet Throughout the twelvemonth vertebrates play an of import function in the fox s diet across most of their scope ( Baker et al, 2006 ; Harris 1986 ) . The proportion of different mammals in their diet will by and large change harmonizing to their location and season. For illustration in agricultural countries sheep ( Ovis Ariess ) are largely eaten in winter and spring ; this approximately corresponds to the lambing season which extends from January to May ( Fairley, 1984 ) . In Britain the most of import mammal eaten in urban countries is the field field mouse ( Microtus agrestis ) , which is more abundant in their diet during the winter months ( Harris, 1986 ) . Fruits and berries are besides of seasonal importance to the fox. In the early fall foxes include blackberries, raspberries, whortleberries, cherries and hawthorn berries in their diet. They eat strawberries in great measures during the summer months ( Llyod, 1980 ) . Lever ( 1959 ) besides identified angleworms, bullets and snails as representing a little proportion of the fox s diet in the summer months. On domestic lawns there is a more regular supply of scavenged nutrients and a greater handiness ( though non needfully copiousness ) of angleworms than on unsmooth rural grazing lands ( Llyod, 1980 ) . As a consequence, seasonal differences in the diet of the rural fox are much more marked than in the urban fox, as there can be major fluctuation at different times of the twelvemonth ( Harris 1986 ) . 3.2. Scavenging In most home grounds scavenging is of import for the fox. In highland parts of West Scotland, where other nutrient beginnings were scarce, the fox was found to scavenge in an agricultural environment. Foxes fed mostly on sheep carrion and field field mouses ( 65 % of mass ingested ) , supplemented by cervid carrion, coneies and birds ( Hewson, 1984 ) . In Ireland rural foxes were besides found to scavenge on sheep afterbirths ( Fairley, 1984 ) . Scavenging is peculiarly of import to the urban fox as it supplements its diet with a high proportion and assortment of scavenged nutrient ( Doncaster et al, 1990 ) . In the Centre of metropoliss foxes eat more scavenged nutrient and fewer domestic pets, angleworms and wild animate beings than foxes found nearer to the suburban periphery. ( Harris, 1986 ) In London and Oxford scavenged nutrient or nutrient intentionally provided by homeowner s histories for over 35 % of their diet ( Harris, 1981 ; Doncaster at Al, 1990 ) . Foxs are known to bust ashcans for garbages ( www.thefoxwebsite.org ) and may besides on occasion raid bird tabular arraies ( Harris, 1986 ) . 3.3. The fox as a marauder Medium sized animate beings play an of import function in the diet of the rural fox throughout all seasons ; coneies for illustration may account for up to 74 % of their diet ( Baker et al, 2006 ) . In Ireland foxes tend to exchange to brown rats ( Rattus norvegicus ) when coney populations are reduced by myxamatosis ( Fairley, 1984 ) . The consumption of little gnawers is much lower in Ireland than in Britain. It is therefore possible that rats, hares and coneies are of greater importance to the rural Irish fox because of the restricted assortment of mammalian quarry, ( Fairley, 1970 ) in peculiar the absence of field field mouses in Ireland ( Lever, 1959 ) . In agricultural environments the ruddy fox is known to be one of the most of import marauders ( Lloyd, 1980 ) . A survey by Conova and Rosa ( 1994 ) on the diet of foxes on agricultural land in northwest Italy found that birds and little mammals made up more than 60 % of their diet. Game birds such as Anas platyrhynchoss ( Anas plutyrhynchos ) and pheasants ( Phasianus colchicus ) every bit good as domestic birds were preyed upon. In Brittan game birds ( chiefly pheasants ) , little mammals ( predominately field field mouses ) and big mammals comprise 11, 7 and 6 % of their diet, severally ( Baker et al, 2006 ) . In England and Ireland lambs are more susceptible to losingss than domestic fowl, this is due to the fact that they are legion and widely dispersed and frequently suffer from hapless farmings and exposure to severe climatic conditions ( Llyod, 1980 ) . In the urban matrix the marauding function of fox has non been abandoned, despite the fact that lambs and wild coneies are mostly absent from their diet due to miss of handiness. Alternatively, urban foxes prey on birds and little mammals to a greater grade than those in rural countries ( Doncaster et al, 1990 ) . Foxs are attracted to locations which have a diverse and abundant nutrient base, whether these beginnings are situated in the urban ecosystem or the encompassing countryside ( Dickman and Doncaster, 1987 ) . This is emphasised by similarities in the diets of urban and rural foxes ( Doncaster et al, 1990 ; MacDonald, 1981 ) . The diets of urban and rural foxes are distinguished more by differences in grade than by differences in sort as some populations of rural foxes may besides scavenge nutrient from small towns and farms ( Doncaster et al, 1990 ) . 4. Population Dynamicss 4.1 Density Fox population denseness is influenced by factors such as prey handiness and anthropogenetic culling ( Webbon et al, 2004 ) and varies depending on location ( table 3 ) ( Harris and Yalden, 2008 ) . Webbon et Al ( 2004 ) found that in rural hill countries, densenesss may be every bit low as 0.21 fox per km2 and extremum at 2.23 foxes per km2 on cultivable land. High densenesss were positively related with countries of cone-bearing forest, lowland fen and grassland pastures. In urban countries fox population denseness is normally higher than in similarly sized rural countries. The highest denseness of foxes of all time recorded was 37.0 adults/km2 in North West Bristol ( Baker et al, 2000 ) . This figure was recorded instantly before an eruption of mange. Fox Population Densities Rural ( Webbon et al, 2004 ) Urban Habitat Number of foxes per km2 Habitat Number of Foxes per km2 Arable land 0.79 2.23 Bristol before mange eruption ( Baker et al, 2000 ) 37.0 Pastural land 1.39 1.88 Bristol 2.5 old ages after mange eruption ( Baker et al, 2000 ) 7.0 Fringy Upland 0.82 London ( Page, 1981 ) 12.0 Highland 0.21 Cheltenham ( Harris and Smith, 1987a ) 8.96 11.2 Table 3: Population densenesss across urban and rural locations. 4.2. Dispersion The most of import factor impacting dispersion is population denseness. Trewhella et Al ( 1988 ) found that in countries of low fox denseness ( rural countries ) animate beings disperse farther than those from countries of high and average fox denseness ( urban countries ) . In really low fox denseness parts of Europe exceeding motions will transcend 100km: nevertheless, in Britain motions over 40 kilometers are rare, even in hill countries where fox Numberss are low ( Harris and Yalden, 2008 ) Not merely do urban foxes move shorter distances, but fewer of them really leave the place. Trewhella et Al ( 1988 ) found that by the terminal of their 2nd twelvemonth the concluding proportion of urban foxes that dispersed were 75.8 % for males and 37.8 % for females. The remainder for good stay on the place scope where they were born. Storm et Al. ( 1976 ) gathered informations on rural foxes and found the proportion of foxes scattering was slightly higher than in Trewhella s urban survey, amounting to 96 % for males and 58 % for females. Dispersion starts earlier in the countryside than in urban countries. Disturbance, particularly by fox hunting, may be peculiarly of import in dividing up a higher figure of fox households and speed uping the dispersion of juveniles ( Harris, 1986 ) . Dispersal begins in early fall and is mostly completed by the terminal of the twelvemonth ( Storm et al. , 1976 ) . In urban countries cubs that do scatter be given to make so rather late in the season ( December ) . This may be because most urban fox households are capable to less terrible perturbation ( Harris, 1986 ) . 5. Causes of Mortality 5.1. Human induced mortalities In both urban and rural populations worlds are responsible for a high proportion of fox deceases ( Table 3 ) . In urban countries route traffic is the chief cause of fox mortalities ( Baker et al, 2004 ; Harris and Smith 1987b ) . In 2004, 58 % of fox deceases in Bristol were route deceases ; the bulk being killed on major class roads ( e.g. expresswaies ) ( Baker et al, 2004 ) . In rural countries the bulk of deceases are caused by culling and runing foxes. In all parts of mainland Britain there has been a steady addition in the average figure of foxes killed by game wardens per km2 since 1960 ( Tapper 1992 ) , with four times as many killed per km2 in 1990 as in 1960. In rural Dorset 58 % of foxes were intentionally killed by runing and culling ( Reynolds and Tapper, 1995 ) . In a study of three rural parts in England foxes were culled in 70 95 % of farms ( Reynolds and Tapper, 1996 ) . Hunting with Canis familiariss took a figure of signifiers before the debut of the Hunting Act in 2004. 21,000 25,000 foxes were killed yearly by about 200 registered battalions of foxhounds ; with terriers delving out 55,000 lairs and lurkers killing 10,000 foxes ( Harris and Yalden, 2008 ) . Urban Fox ( Harris and Smith, 1987b ) Rural Fox ( Reynolds and Tapper, 1995 ) Cause of decease % Killed Cause of decease % Killed Road accidents 61.65 Road accidents 7 Killed intentionally by people 17.45 Killed intentionally by people 58 Disease 10.5 Disease 5 Table 3: Major causes of decease for urban foxes in Bristol and rural foxes in Dorset. The figures are given as per centums and should be taken to bespeak the comparative importance of the different mortality factors. 5.2. Disease. Due to higher densenesss and closer propinquity, urban foxes are more susceptible to epizootic diseases such as mange and hydrophobias, this is apparent in table 3 ( Harris and Smith 1987b ) . Sarcoptic mange is a parasitic disease that spread across most of mainland Britain during the 1990s, this caused diminutions in both rural and urban fox populations ( Baker et al, 2000 ) . However this diminution was more noticeable in urban countries due to higher densenesss of foxes. In some populations, more than 95 % of persons died. Despite this, populations are easy retrieving ( www.thefoxwebsite.org ) . Harris ( 1977b ) demonstrated that spinal arthritis ( sponodylosis deformans ) , was present in a really high proportion of urban foxes, with an infection degree of 34.5 % . The mean age of the foxes used in the survey was merely one twelvemonth nine months. It is thought that development of this disease is related to their diet. Fox ( 1939 ) suggested that the state of affairs in urban foxes is unusual ; nevertheless this has non yet been confirmed by mention to big aggregations of skeletal stuff from other populations. 6. Social Administration and Behaviour 6.1 Districts Davies ( 1978 ) recognises territoriality where animate beings are spaced further apart than would be expected from a random business of suited home grounds . The size of fox district varies mostly between parts, depending on their home ground. However districts of the rural fox are by and large larger than their urban opposite numbers. In hill countries of Scotland districts can be up to 4000ha ( Lockie, 1964 ) ; in rural Dorset it has been averaged at 270ha ( Reynolds A ; Tapper, 1995 ) and as 520ha in Sitka spruce populations ( O Mahoney et Al, 1999 ) . In urban countries districts may be every bit little as 8.5ha, this is due to the handiness of anthropogenetic nutrient beginnings and the higher denseness of foxes populating in metropoliss. In Bristol the average district size is 27ha ( Baker et al, 2000 ) , 39 hour angle in Oxford ( Doncaster and Mac Donald, 1991 ) and 100ha in Edinburgh ( Kolb, 1986 ) . The floating motion of districts appears to be alone among urban foxes and has been studied in Oxford. City scopes were non spatially stable over months or even hebdomads. They moved in step-wise extensions to embrace new countries whilst at the same clip undertaking other parts of the scope to throw out old countries. ( Doncaster and Mac Donald, 1991 ) . Movement of place scopes may be a behavioral version that has developed since the invasion of foxes into urban countries. The mean sum of nutrient available in the metropolis is normally higher than in an equivalently sized rural country, but there is besides a much greater discrepancy in nutrient handiness ( Doncaster et al, 1990 ; MacDonald, 1981 ) . Foxes must on a regular basis research new countries and re-explore old 1s in order to do the optimal usage of the resources in an urban environment. In a big rural place scope this activity would non be feasible as it would necessitate far excessively much energy ; nevertheless thi s scheme survives and prospers in metropoliss because of the high denseness of different home ground spots. 6.2. Relation with Worlds Foxs have had a really assorted relationship with worlds. They are by and large unpopular with rural communities, game wardens, shepherds and the bulk of husbandmans ( Reynolds and Tapor, 1996 ) . Fox culling in rural countries is undertaken by several disparate involvement groups. The cardinal ground for husbandmans engagement in fox culling is the protection of farm animal or domestic fowl. Similarly, game wardens undertake culling to protect game on comparatively big farms ( Llyod, 1980 ) . In rural countries fox runing as a athletics is frequently of significant involvement. In some instances landholders and game wardens curtail their culling attempt to guarantee sufficient foxes are available for runing ( Heydon and Reynolds, 2000 ) . In contrast with this, urban foxes are welcomed by most occupants and are frequently supported through deliberate eating by homeowners ( www.thefoxwebsite.org ) . During the 1970 s and 80 s there was a big decrease in the figure of foxes killed by the local authorization, this was due to their increasing popularity in British metropoliss such as London ( Harris and Yaldin, 2008 ) . Damage caused by foxes in urban countries is by and large little ; nevertheless fox predation on domestic pets contributes to the debatable relationship between worlds and foxes. In relation to his survey of nutrient penchants in urban foxes, Harris ( 1981b ) questioned families in Bristol sing Numberss of domestic animate beings killed by foxes. 5,191 families took portion in the study. Of the families that owned cats merely 2.7 % had lost a cat to flim-flam, most of which were kitties. 7. Decision Foxs are found anyplace with equal nutrient and shelter ; their home ground can change widely in footings of clime and terrain, runing from the extremes of the north-polar tundra in Russia and Europe to the comeuppances of North Africa ( Hutchins at Al, 2003 ) . Since foxes have exploited every other suited home ground, it would be surprising if they had non become city-dwellers. Mac Donald and Nedwick ( 1982 ) have suggested that there is no rigorous division between rural and urban foxes ; wireless tracked foxes on a regular basis commuted between urban and rural countries. Nevertheless, populating in the metropolis requires particular versions. The characteristics which determine the distribution and copiousness of foxes may be different in urban and rural home grounds. The home grounds of most communities of rural foxes are determined by the availably and distribution of nutrient and by competition for it harmonizing to the denseness of foxes in an country ( Goldyn, 2003 ) . In an urban environment nutrient is non normally a confining resort as huge sums of nutrient are available for scavenging. Alternatively, shelter becomes a high precedence and their distribution is determined by the handiness of suited daytime safety ( Harris, 1977a ) . The diets of urban and rural foxes are by and large really similar, nevertheless the handiness of these nutrients differ between environments. The same contention over predation on adult male s farm animal exists in both countries, but in urban countries cats are substituted for lambs and domestic birds for domestic fowl ( Harris, 1981, Hewson, 1984 ) . The largest difference in their diets is the more regular supply of scavenged nutrients and the greater handiness of angleworms on domestic lawns than on unsmooth rural grazing lands ( Doncaster et al, 1990 ) . If given the chance, some populations of rural foxes may besides scavenge significant proportions of their nutrient from small towns and farms. In urban countries where dense populations of foxes live in close propinquity there must be greater societal engagement than in the less associated rural fox communities ( Baker et al, 2000 ; Webbon et Al, 2004 ) . The closer propinquity of high denseness urban fox populations consequences in higher susceptibleness to epizootic diseases than their rural counter parts ( Harris and Smith, 1987b ) . Density besides has an affect on dispersion ; by and large animate beings from low denseness rural countries disperse farther than those from high or average fox denseness urban countries ( Trewhella et al, 1988 ) . Not merely do urban foxes move shorter distances but fewer of them really leave the place ( Trewhella et al, 1988 ; Storm et Al, 1976 ) . In both rural and urban populations worlds are responsible for the bulk of fox deceases. However, they are perceived really otherwise in these home grounds. The bulk of urban fox deceases are inadvertent ( Baker et al, 2004 ) ; they are by and large welcomed and have provided people with a connexion to the natural universe. On the other manus, in a rural scene foxes are seen as an agricultural plague and the bulk of deceases are caused by culling and runing ( Heydon and Reynolds, 2000 ) . This reappraisal highlights the influence of urbanization on a extremely adaptable and timeserving animate being. Foxs have become improbably adept at eking out a life in today s universe and are profoundly entwined in our history and culture.This reappraisal finally shows that the full manner of life of the urban fox is highly similar to that of the rural fox ; any behavioral differences observed seem to fall within the known scope of responses of the fox to environmental stimulations. The particulars of their divergent ecology may differ depending on the home ground they occupy ; nevertheless the constructions of their ecologies remain the same. 8. Mentions Baker, P.J. , Funk, S.M. , Harris, S. , White, P.C.L. ( 2000 ) . Flexible spacial organisation of urban foxes, Vlpus vulpus, before and during an eruption of sarcoptic mange. Animal Behaviour, 59: 127 146. Baker, P.J. , Harris, S. , Robertson, C.P. , Saunders, G. and Whit, P.C.L. ( 2004 ) . Is it possible to supervise mammal population alterations from counts of route traffic casualties? An analysis utilizing Bristol s ruddy foxes ( Vulpus vulpus ) as an illustration. Mammal Review, 34: 115 130 Baker, P.J. , Furlong, M. , Southern, S. , Harris, S. ( 2006 ) . The possible impact of ruddy fox predation in agricultural landscapes in lowland Britain. Wildlife Biology, 12: 39 50 Canova, L A ; Rosa, P. ( 1994 ) . Badger ( Meles Meles ) and fox ( Vulpus vulpus ) nutrient in agricultural land in the western Po field. HystrU, 5 ( 1-2 ) : 73-78 Davies, N. B. ( 1978 ) . Ecological ques-tions about territorial behaviour. In Behavioral Ecology, eds. J. R. Krebs, N. B. Davies, pp. 317-50. London: Black-well Dickman, C.R. and Doncaster C.P. ( 1987 ) . The ecology of little mammals in urban home grounds I. Populations in a patchy environment. Journal of carnal ecology, 56: 629 640 Doncaster C. P. , Dickman C. R and MacDonald D. W. ( 1990 ) . Feeding Ecology of Red Foxes ( Vulpes Vulpess ) in the City of Oxford, England. Journal of Mammalogy, 71 ( 2 ) : 188-194. Doncaster, C.P A ; Mac Donald, D.W. ( 1991 ) Floating territoriality in the ruddy fox ( Vulpus vulpus ) . Journal of Animal Ecology, 60: 423 439. Fairley, J.S. ( 1970 ) . The Food, Reproduction, Form, Growth and Development of the Fox Vulpes Vulpess ( L. ) in North-East Ireland. by Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy. Section B: Biological, Geological, and Chemical Science. Fairley, J.S. ( 1984 ) . An Irish animal book. Second edition. Blackstaff Press, Belfast. Flyger, V. ( 1970 ) . Urban grey squirrels-problems, direction, and comparings with forest populations. Minutess of the North Eastern Fisheries and Wildlife Conference, 27: 107-113 Fox, H. ( 1939 ) . Chronic arthritis in wild mammals. Minutess of the American Philosophical Society New Series, 31: 73-149. Goldyn, B et Al. ( 2003 ) . Habitat usage and diet of the ruddy fox ( Vulpes Vulpess ) in an agricultural landscape in Poland. Z. Jagdwiss, 49: 191 200 Goszczynski, J. ( 1985 ) . The consequence of structural distinction of ecological landscape on the predator-prey interactions. Warszawa, 46: 1-80 ( In Polish ) . In Goldyn, B et Al. ( 2003 ) . Habitat usage and diet of the ruddy fox ( Vulpes Vulpess ) in an agricultural landscape in Poland. Z. Jagdwiss, 49: 191 200 Harris, S ( 1977a ) . Distribution, home ground use and age construction of a suburban fox ( Vulpus vulpus ) population. Mammal rpm. 7 ( 1 ) : 25 39 Harris, S. ( 1977b ) . Spinal Arthritis ( Spondylosis Deformans ) in the Red Fox, ( Vulpes Vulpess ) , with Some Methodology of Relevance to Zooarchaeology. Journal of Archaeological Science, 4: 183-l 95 Harris, S. ( 1981 ) . The nutrient of suburban foxes ( Vulpus vulpus ) , with particular mention to London. Mammal reappraisal, 11: 151 168 Harris, S. ( 1986 ) Urban foxes. Whittet, London. Harris, S and Rayner, J. M. V. ( 1986 ) . Urban Fox ( Vulpes Vulpess ) Population Estimates and Habitat Requirements in Several British Cities, by Journal of Animal Ecology British Ecological Society. Harris, S and Smith, G.C. ( 1987a ) . The usage of sociological informations to explicate the distribution and Numberss of urban foxes ( Vulpus Vulpus ) in England and Wales. Symposia of the Zoological Society of London, 58: 313-328 Harris, S and Smith, G.C. ( 1987b ) . Demography of Two Urban Fox ( Vulpes Vulpess ) Populations Journal of Applied Ecology, 24 ( 1 ) : 75-86. Harris, S. , D. W. and Yalden, D.W. ( 2008 ) . Mammals of the British Isles enchiridion ( 4th ed. ) . The Mammal Society. Hewson, R. ( 1984 ) . Scavenging and Predation upon Sheep and Lambs in West Scotland Journal of Applied Ecology, 21 ( 3 ) : 843-868. Heydon, M.J. and Reynolds, J.C. ( 2000 ) . Fox ( Vulpes Vulpess ) direction in three contrasting parts of Britain, in relation to agricultural and clean involvements. J. Zool. , Lond. 251: 237 252 Hoover, R.L. and Wills, D.L. ( 1987 ) . Species Requirements The Red Fox. Colorado Division of Wildlife. Hutchins, M. , Kleiman, D.G. , Geist, V. , Mc Dade, M.C. ( 2003 ) . Grezimek s Animal Life Encyclopedia, 2nd edition. Volumes I V. Fermington Hills, MI: Gale Group Kolb, H.H. ( 1986 ) Some observations on the place scope of harpies ( Vulpus vulpus ) in the suburbs of Edinburgh. Journal of Zoology, 210 ( A ) : 636 639. Lariveiere, S. Pasitschniak-Arts, M. ( 1996 ) . Vulpes Vulpess. Mammalian Species 537: 1-11. Lever R. J. A. W. ( 1959 ) . The Diet of the Fox Since Myxomatosis. Journal of Animal Ecology, 28 ( 2 ) : 359-375. Lloyd, H. G. ( 1968 ) The control of foxes ( Vulpes Vulpess ) . Annalss of Applied Biology, 61: 334-345. Llyod, HG. ( 1980 ) . The Red Fox. B.T. Batsford. Lockie, J.D. ( 1964 ) . The engendering denseness of the aureate England fox in relation to nutrient supply in Wester Ross, Scotland. Scots Naturalist, 71: 67 77. Mac Donald, D.W. ( 1981 ) . Resource scattering and the societal administration of the ruddy fox, ( Vulpes Vulpess ) : In Proceedings of the World Furbearer Conference, ( Ed by J. A. Chapman and D. Pursley, eds. ) , pp. 918 949. Old line state: University of Maryland Press, Frostburg. Mac Donald, D.W. A ; Newdick, M. T ( 1982 ) . The distribution and ecology of foxes, ( Vulpes Vulpess ) in an urban country. In Bornkamm, R. , Lee, J.A. A ; . Seeward M.RD ( explosive detection systems ) . Urban Ecology. pp. 123-135. Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford. Mac Donald, D.W. and Sillero Zubiri, C. ( 2004 ) . Biology and preservation of Wild Canids. Oxford University Press. Mc Kinney, M.L. ( 2002 ) Urbanization, Conservation and Biodiversity. BioScience, 52 ( 10 ) : 883-890 Meia, J. S. ; Webber, J. M. ( 1993 ) . Choice of resting sites by females of foxes ( Vulpes Vulpess ) in cragged home ground. Acta theriol. 38: 81-91. O Mahoney, D. et Al. ( 1999 ) . Fox predation on cyclic field vole populations in Britain. Ecography, 22: 33 581. Page, R.J.C. ( 1981 ) . Dispersal and Population Density of the Fox ( Vulpes Vulpess ) in an Area of London. Journal of Zoology, 194 ( 4 ) : 485-491. Reynolds J.C. and Tapper, S.C. ( 1995 ) . The ecology of the ruddy fox ( Vulpus vulpus ) in relation to little game in rural southern England, and its possible impact on one-year population growing. Wildlife Biology, 1: 145 158. Reynolds J. C. and S. C. Tapper. ( 1996 ) . Control of mammalian marauders in game direction and Conservation. Mammal Review. 26: 127-156. Storm, G. L. , R. D. Andrews, R. L. Phillips, R. A. Bishop, D. B. Sinniff, and J. R. Tester. ( 1976 ) . Morphology, reproduction, dispersion, and mortality of midwestern ruddy fox populations. Wildl. Monogr, 49: 82. Tapper, S. ( 1992 ) Game heritage: an ecological reappraisal from hiting and game maintaining records. Game Conservation, Fordingbridge. Trewhella, W.J. and Harris, S A ; McAllister F.E. ( 1988 ) . Dispersal Distance, Home-Range Size and Population Density in the Red Fox ( Vulpes Vulpess ) : A Quantitative Analysis Beginning: Journal of Applied Ecology, 25 ( 2 ) : 423-434 Trewhella, W.J. and Harris, S. ( 1990 ) . The consequence of railroad lines on urban fox ( Vulpes Vulpess ) Numberss and dispersion motions. J. Zool. , Lond, 221: 321 326. Webbon, C.C, Baker, P.J. , Harris, S. ( 2004 ) . Faecal denseness counts for monitoring alterations in ruddy fox Numberss in rural Britain. Journal of Applied Ecology. 41: 768 779. www.thefoxwebsite.org www.wildberks.co.uk 9

Spiny Lobster (Rock Lobster) Facts

Spiny Lobster (Rock Lobster) Facts A spiny lobster is any lobster in the family Palinuridae, which includes at least 60 species. These species are grouped into 12 genera, which include Palinurus, Panulirus, Linuparus, and Nupalirus (word play on the family name). There are numerous names for the spiny lobster. Commonly-used names include the rock lobster, langouste, or langusta. It is also sometimes called a crayfish or crawfish, even though these terms also refer to a separate freshwater animal. Fast Facts: Spiny Lobster Scientific Name: Family Palinuridae (e.g. Panulirus interruptus)Other Names: Rock lobster, langouste, langusta, sea crayfish, furry lobsterDistinguishing Features: Shaped like a true lobster, but has long, spiny antennae and lacks large clawsAverage Size: 60 cm (24 in)Diet: OmnivorousLife Span: 50 years or moreHabitat: Tropical oceans worldwideConservation Status: Depends on speciesKingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ArthropodaSubphylum: CrustaceaClass: MalacostracaOrder: DecapodaFun Fact: Spiny lobsters make a rasping sound using friction at the base of their antennae. Description The spiny lobster resembles a true lobster in its shape and hard exoskeleton, but the two types of crustacean arent closely related. Unlike true lobsters, spiny lobsters have extremely long, thick, spiny antennae. They also lack large claws or chelae, although mature female spiny lobsters have a small claw on their fifth pair of walking legs. The average size of a mature spiny lobster depends on its species, but they may exceed 60 centimeters or 2 feet in length. Specimens of many spiny lobster species are red or brown, but some spiny lobsters have mottled patterns and display vivid colors. Some species of spiny lobster are colorful. DigiPub / Getty Images Distribution Spiny lobsters live in tropical oceans worldwide. However, they are most commonly found in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, in coastal waters off Southeast Asia and Australia, and off the coast of South Africa. Behavior The spiny lobster spends most of its time hidden within a rocky crevice or reef, exiting at night to feed and migrate. During migration, groups of up to 50 spin lobsters move in single file, keeping contact with each other with their antennae. They navigate using scent and taste, as well as through their ability to detect the Earths magnetic field. Reproduction and Life Cycle Spiny lobsters reach sexual maturity when they reach the necessary size, which depends on water temperature and food availability. The average age of maturity is between 5 and 9 years for females and 3 and 6 years for males. During mating, males transfer spermatophores directly into the females sternum. The female spiny lobster carries 120,000 to 680,000 fertilized eggs on her pleopods for around 10 weeks until they hatch. Juvenile painted spiny lobster. Hal Beral / Getty Images Spiny lobster larvae are zooplankton that do not resemble adults. The larvae feed on plankton and go through several molts and larval stages. In the case of the California spiny lobster, 10 molts and larval stages take place between hatching and reaching the juvenile form. Juveniles sink to the bottom of the ocean, where they eat small crabs, amphipods, and isopods until they are big enough to take larger prey. It is difficult to gauge the age of a spiny lobster because it gains a new exoskeleton each time it molts, but the animals lifespan is believed to be 50 years or more. Diet and Predators Spiny lobsters are omnivorous, eating live prey, decaying matter, and plants. During the day, they stay hidden in crevices, but at night they may venture from crevices to hunt. Typical prey include sea urchins, snails, crabs, sea hares, mussels, and clams. Spiny lobsters have not been observed eating other members of their own species. The crustaceans navigate and hunt using senses of smell and taste. Humans are the spiny lobsters most significant predator, as the animals are fished for meat. The spiny lobsters natural predators include sea otters, octopuses, sharks, and bony fishes. Sound When threatened by a predator, the spiny lobster flexes its tail to escape backwards and emits a loud rasping sound. The sound is produced using a stick-slip method, like a violin. The sound emanates when the base of the antennae rubs across a file on the antennal plate. Interestingly, the spiny lobster can make this sound even after it molts and its shell is soft. While some insects (e.g. grasshoppers and crickets) produce sounds in a similar fashion, the spiny lobsters specific method is unique. Conservation Status For most spiny lobster species, there is is insufficient data for conservation status classification. Of the species listed on the IUCN Red List, most are categorized as least concern. However, the common spiny lobster (Palinurus elephas) is vulnerable with a decreasing population. The Cape Verde spiny lobster (Palinurus charlestoni) is near threatened. The most significant threat to spiny lobsters is over-exploitation by fisheries. Climate change and single catastrophic events also threaten some species, particularly if they live within a restricted range. Sources Hayward, P. J. and J. S. Ryland (1996). Handbook of the Marine Fauna of North-West Europe. Oxford University Press. p. 430. ISBN 0-19-854055-8.Lipcius, R. N. and D. B. Eggleston (2000). Introduction: Ecology and fishery biology of spiny lobsters. In Bruce F. Phillips J. Kittaka. Spiny Lobsters: Fisheries and Culture (2nd ed.). John Wiley Sons. pp. 1–42. ISBN 978-0-85238-264-6.Patek, S. N. and J. E. Baio (2007). The acoustic mechanics of stick-slip friction in the California spiny lobster (Panulirus interruptus). Journal of Experimental Biology. 210 (20): 3538–3546. doi:10.1242/jeb.009084Sims, Harold W. Jr. (1965). Lets call the spiny lobster spiny lobster. Crustaceana. 8 (1): 109–110. doi:10.1163/156854065X00613

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Bibliography Annotated Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

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Discussion question - Coursework Example Therefore, VG should maintain the TSH level for eradicating any sort of work disturbance (Womenshealth, 2014). VG should consult with the doctor to know the reason of fatigue problem and test the TSH level for her body, which remained high as per the previous findings of the TSH level. From the perspective of instituting a therapy, it can be inferred that by conducting the TSH test regularly, VG can monitor the respective problem and likewise take measures for enhancing her wellbeing (Medicine health, 2015). If VG becomes pregnant, then she needs to consult with a gynecologist for further treatment and medication. On the other hand, if VG face thyroid problem, then the medication for her can be the replacement of thyroid hormones along with L-thyroxine dose. This dose has to be given at the initial stage based on medical history, age and weight of the patient (Medicine health,