10 Fascinating Animal Facts

Our world is full of animals that are wondrous and amazing! These fascinating creatures have certain adaptations that may seem strange to us, but are necessary for the animal to survive. These adaptations may be defense mechanisms that help the animal to avoid predators or they may aid the animal in obtaining food for themselves. Below are ten fascinating facts about animals that may surprise you. Fascinating Animal Facts 10. Frogs have ear drums on the outside of their heads. While frogs dont have an external ear as humans do, they have an inner ear, middle ear, and an outer ear drum or tympanum. 9. Sea otters always float on their backs when they eat. These marine mammals dine on animals including mussels, sea urchins, clams, and snails, all while floating on their backs. Their extremely dense fur protects them from the cold waters as they eat. 8. Polar bears look white, but they actually have black skin. Unlike other bears, their fur is transparent and reflects visible light. This allows polar bears, which live in the arctic tundra, to blend in with their snow covered environment. 7. Snakes always keep their eyes open, even when they are asleep. Snakes cant close their eyes because they do not have eyelids. They do have eye scales which cover their eyes and shed when the snake sheds its skin. 6. Crickets have ears on their front legs. Located just below the knees, their ears are among the smallest in the animal kingdom. In addition to crickets, grasshoppers and locusts also have ears on their legs. 5. Aardvarks can hear and smell termites and ants. An aardvark uses its long tongue to reach deep into termite and ant mounds. These animals can eat tens of thousands of insects in a single night. 4. Cobras are able to kill with a bite as soon as they are born. Baby cobra venom is just as potent as an adult cobras venom. Their bite is dangerous because cobras can inject large amounts of venom in a single bite. Cobra venom contains a neurotoxin that affects the central nervous system and can lead to paralysis, respiratory system failure, and death. 3. Flamingos have knees that can bend backward. Well actually, what looks like knees are really its ankles and heels. A flamingos knees are located closer to its body and hidden under its feathers. 2. The pistol shrimp catches its prey by surprising it with a loud banging noise made with its claws. The sound is so loud that it stuns or even kills their prey. The sound made by pistol shrimp claws can be as loud as 210 decibels, which is louder than a gunshot. 1. Some species of Australian Flower Spiders eat their mother when food becomes limited. The mother spider sacrifices herself by encouraging her young babies to attack her, dissolve her insides, and feed on her body. Cannibalism is also seen in other spider species and most often observed in relation to sexual encounters. More Fascinating Animal Facts Common Animal Questions and AnswersWhy do zebras have stripes? Why do some tigers have white coats? Find answers to these and other commonly asked questions about animals. Why Some Animals Play DeadWhen faced with danger, some animals go into a catatonic state. They appear to be dead to the world. Discover why some animals play dead. 10 Amazing Bioluminescent OrganismsSome organisms have the ability to glow. The light emitted is due to a chemical reaction. Discover 10 amazing bioluminescent organisms. 7 Animals That Mimic LeavesSome animals camouflage themselves as leaves to avoid predators or catch prey. The next time you pick up a leaf, make sure it is not a leaf impostor. Amazing Animal SensesDiscover some amazing facts about animal senses.

Prevention Of The Anti Vaccination Movement - 1472 Words

Coughs, headaches, aches and pains, fever, or runny noses are all common symptoms. They are symptoms that can lead to anything from the common cold to a deadly viral infection. It is because of this that vaccinations are a fundamental part of society and why doctors and parents alike advocate for hand washing, hydrating, and staying home when you are ill. Disease prevention is a corner stone in today’s society and has been one for around 200 years since; Edward Jenner created and administered the first smallpox inoculation. However, while always controversial the last few centuries have proved to lend unfounded credence to the anti-vaccination movement. Due to the publication of faulty studies along with spiritual and even political beliefs vaccinations have gone from being viewed as a well-respected and endorsed medical procedure to a breeding ground for further infections and possible physical and mental impairments. Vaccination, autism, and bowel disease will be forever linked together due to Dr. Andrew Wakefield. Wakefield published a study in 1998 on twelve patients whom he said proved that vaccinations could cause autism along with gastrointestinal disease. However, in this study he altered and misrepresented all the study participants’ medical histories and in doing so impacted medicine and public health for the foreseeable future (Cohen). Although the study was proven false within a year and Wakefield was stripped of his medical license individuals stillShow MoreRelatedThe Anti Vaccination Movement :1300 Words   |  6 PagesCritical Thinking Problem Solving GEN 1113 19 March 2016 The Anti-Vaccination Movement Step one: The current issue I have selected to discuss is vaccinations. In particular, I will be addressing the anti-vaccination movement that has gained popularity in recent years and the contributing biases that influenced its emergence. One event stands out at as a major contributing factor to the growth of the anti-vaccination movement, the 1998 study by Andrew Wakefield that was published by the EnglishRead MoreVaccine Requirements : Vaccine Requirement Rights1149 Words   |  5 Pagesare easily preventable via vaccination are spreading from child to child. Despite this, parents continue to reject and demean vaccinations and their power to protect the people. There are different reasons as to why parents make decisions to avoid vaccines but one main component that aids them to their final decision in denying vaccines is that it intertwines with their beliefs and fears of the endangerment of their child. Although some people believe that vaccinations are not beneficial and canRead Mor eQuestions On Immunity And Vaccines1462 Words   |  6 Pagescertain diseases or a virus. Vaccines vary from containing the virus and to containing components that connect to the virus. A vaccination is the injection of a killed or weakened organism that provides immunity, and an immunization is the process by which a person or animal becomes protected from a disease (vaccines.gov1). In order to have immunity to certain diseases vaccination must occur. In some cases more than one vaccine is necessary a health care provider may offer a combination of vaccines whichRead MoreNo Needles: Why Vaccination Proponents Persuasive Methods are Counterintuitive1575 Words   |  7 Pagesdespite the improved longevity of our species, many people are still undecided about—or vehemently against—childhood vaccination. They claim that vaccinations are dangerous and responsible for autism and other conditions. Medical experts, however, refute these claims by citing both the safety and effectiveness of vaccinations. In fact, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccines require years of testing before they’re licensed, and even after being licensed, they’re still observedRead MoreVaccination Of The Anti Vaccination Movement1324 Words   |  6 PagesVaccination can be defined as a process which most commonly involves, â€Å"the insertion of a special material, called a vaccine, into a person’s body, usually by means of a sharp needle.† (Chatterjee, 2013). This active form of immunisation prevents approximately 2.5 million deaths every year, and is said to be the most effective weapon ever developed for the prevention of serious infectious diseases (Barnighausen, Bloom, Cafiero-Fonseca O’Brien, 2014; Chatterjee, 2013). The anti-vaccination movementRead MoreVaccinate or Not to Vaccinate939 Words   |  4 Pagesreason why deciding to vaccinate children is so difficult is due to the wide range of myths and side effects that are connected with vaccinations. Myths spread to parents all over the United States that the diseases don’t even exist anymore, rumors of vaccinations weakening a child’s immune system, and the risk of a child becoming autistic due to thimerisol in vaccinations. Side effects also scare parents out of getting their children vaccinated like brain damage, seizures, or allergic reactions, butRead MoreAnti Vaccine Movement Is Making Strong Waves Upon Society1411 Words   |  6 PagesDisease Control and Prevention). Today, the notoriously rampant measles virus is almost unheard of. Measles is one of many diseases that have been prevented, or eradicated by the use of vaccines. Today many of America’s most infamous diseases such as Measles, Hepatitis A, Mumps, and Pertussis have seen a greater than 85% decrease in reported contractions since the pre-vaccine era, and the Smallpox virus has been completely eradicated (Centers for Disease Control and P revention). Despite all of theRead MoreImmunizations Is Better Than A Cure Essay1129 Words   |  5 Pagesstarted in modern times. Prevention is better than a cure. I could not find better words to describe the controversy surrounding the effectiveness and safety of childhood immunizations. The main argument is whether or not laws should be implemented on mandatory vaccination for children and adults. Given that most vaccines are administered for purposes of prevention rather than treatment, vaccines are often given to healthy individuals. There are many requirements for vaccinations to be administered toRead MoreInformative Speech : Vaccinations Should Be Viewed As Essential For Protection Of Society1396 Words   |  6 Pagesthis presentation is to provide facts and scientific research that persuades the audience members regarding the use of vaccinations. My intention is that the audience will support the use of vaccinations and consider the facts before making decisions that af fect the entire community. My central idea is that inaccurate data exists with regards to vaccination; instead, that vaccinations should be viewed as essential for protection of society, both from extreme illness as well as life threatening, andRead MorePrevention And Prevention Of Immunization1113 Words   |  5 Pagesthe Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is referred to as the â€Å"4:3:1:3 series,† which represents the number of dosages of vaccines required to fend off diseases such as mealses, mumps, tetsnus, and many others (â€Å"Immunization†). In recent years there has been a movement mainly empowered by new mothers to forgo some or all vaccinations for their children. The following paragraphs will include an anylsis uncovering what has caused a decrease in vaccinations of children, as well as, exploring

Ashurnasirpal Ii Free Essays

Unit One Assignment: Ashurnasirpal II I have entered into the palace of the great Ashurnasirpal II, and am approaching the throne room to await my meeting with the king. In front of me are two Lamassu figures that guard the entrance, Colossal statue of a winged lion from the North-West Palace of Ashurnasirpal II (Fig. 1). We will write a custom essay sample on Ashurnasirpal Ii or any similar topic only for you Order Now I am immediately in awe of the sheer size of this pair of sculptures, they each stand over ten feet tall, towering over individuals who would like to enter the throne room. The pair is enormous and intimidating as they are approached. When I first advance I see this combination of man, lion, and bird frontally. I notice the proud lion’s chest and huge paws. These elements show the strength of the beast and are representative of the power of Ashurnasirpal II and his empire. The body of the lion is adorned with the face of a man, which signifies the intelligence that the kingdom possesses. The face wears the traditional beard of the king, and the traditional horned crown indicating the divinity of the king. Associating the king and his domain with the all-powerful gods, shows the connection with absolute power of the divine with the total power of the empire (Reade). Making my way around to the profile view of the statue I continue to see the massive body of the lion, and now see the beautiful feathered wing. The intricate details and pattern of the wing are impressive. The wings represent the swiftness of the ruler (Reade). From the side I see all four legs of the lion, the artist uses the idea of most informative viewpoint, to give an accurate view of the most important aspects of the creature from every angle. From the side the lion appears to be striding forward, perhaps symbolizing aggressiveness (Hedin). The proportions of the elements from each animal are not true to scale. The overall size of the piece is much larger than the animals and human depicted. The wings are much larger than that of any bird, the body larger than any lion, and the human head far bigger than any human. What is interesting is the proportion of these elements as they relate to each other. They are of equal importance, the wing is just as large as the body of the lion, and the human head is just as tall as the height of the torso. This shows the equal importance of strength, intellect, and swiftness to the power of the king. This piece focuses on the importance of human and animal anatomy, and shows how advanced artistically this society has become (Atac). There is elaborate attention to detail in the hairs of the beard. This same detailed carving is replicated in the intricate feathers of the wing. The repetition emphasizes the importance of the bearded king figure. Visually I am drawn to the elaborate design in these elements on such a massive statue. The cuneiform shows that this culture is educated and values literacy enough to include it within its art. The engraved writings record ideas about Ashurnasirpal II and are possibly meant to immortalize him within this permanent art piece. As I enter the throne room, I notice an interesting relief located directly behind the throne of Ashurnasirpal II, Stone relief from the throne room of Ashurnasirpal (Fig. 2). This piece is clearly important in depicting elements about the king, because it is so prominently displayed. The throne room is the area of the palace where the king addresses the public and this room would often hold audiences of people who have come to see the king (Cohen). I find it very interesting that Ashurnasirpal II is as tall as the entire relief itself, but the god figure that is shown is much smaller in comparison to each of the king. The Assyrian empire does not require the people that they conquer to convert to their religion, but most certainly require their new subjects to pledge allegiance to Ashurnasirpal II (Mackenzie). Perhaps the larger scale of the king represent which loyalty is more important. The symmetry in this piece is very important. Directly in the middle is situated a date palm tree which is the lifeblood of this culture (Hedin). On either side of the plant Ashurnasirpal II is shown, in fact, each figure appears twice in this relief. This repetition further emphasizes his importance, but also shows a sort of dichotomy and balance in his power. Each figure is shown from most informative view point. Both images of the king, I see his legs in profile, but his upper body is turned to show both shoulders completely and the actions of each arm. On the right side the king is holding a mace, which I recognize as a weapon with a heavy top that could be used to beat enemies. The gestures of each version of Ashurnasirpal II seem extremely important. The figure on the left side is motioning towards the tree, and associating the king with the abundance of the land. As if it is the king who has brought great prosperity to this civilization (Reade). This theme seems to be repeated with the winged protector figures standing behind each representation of Ashurnasirpal II. These figures are ritualistically blessing the king, and reiterating his intense connection with the gods. This relief seems to be stressing that all that is good in the Assyrian empire is because of Ashurnasirpal II himself and that the gods have provided this righteous ruler for the people (Reade). I make my way out the throne room, towards the temple of Ishtar Sharrat-niphi. Here I can see a life sized statue of Ashurnasirpal II, Statue of Ashurnasirpal II (Fig. ). The statue is in the goddess Ishtar’s temple to remind her of the piety of the king. I notice that there are no protruding appendages or any outreaching elements of this statue, but that it is one solid mass of magnesite (Reade). The solid appearance of this portrait symbolizes the secure and stable king and empire. The complex pattern on the beard of the king points out the importance of the beard. The beard clearly symbolizes masculinity, but perhaps it also implies wisdom and power. The size of the beard on this statue is very large in comparison to the rest of the face. It is geometric and structured, but with beautiful ornate detailing. Ashurnasirpal II is shown with the sickle in his right hand, and with the mace in his left hand. The arms are not symmetrical in form, but the rest of the statue’s shape is. The sickle is the weapon that in mythology, the gods used to fight monsters. The mace is shown again, similarly to the depiction of him in the relief, as a weapon that represents authority. Both objects have divine association, which echoes the god like authority that Ashurnasirpal II has over the empire. I find it interesting that he is lifting his arm that holds the mace, perhaps as though he is about to actively us this weapon. Again I see cuneiform used in the art of this culture. Across the chest of the statue of the king, there are etchings that announce the accomplishments of the king as well as his genealogy (Reade). Included in these writings are the recent invasions of surrounding villages. This is clearly just another way to intimidate and boast about not only the power of the Assyrian empire, but the power of Ashurnasirpal II himself. All of the statues and reliefs that I have observed throughout the royal palace seem to reaffirm the importance and power of Ashurnasirpal II. Many of these works were created â€Å"by the initiate for the initiate† (Atac). The content was intended for the audience who would see it in its original form, all of the pieced mentioned have a similar purple. It would be very difficult to not understand the message that the king is sending with all of the decoration. That the king is of divine power and possess the greatest influence over all of the land of Assyria. How to cite Ashurnasirpal Ii, Essay examples