Triassic-Jurassic Mass Extinction

Triassic-Jurassic Mass Extinction Over the entire 4.6 billion year history of the Earth, there have been five major mass extinction events. These catastrophic events completely wiped out large percentages of all of the life around at the time of the mass extinction event. These mass extinction events shaped how the living things that did survive evolve and new species appear. Some scientists also believe we are currently in the middle of the sixth mass extinction event that could last for a million years or more. The Fourth Major Extinction The fourth major mass extinction event happened around 200 million years ago at the end of the Triassic Period of the Mesozoic Era to usher in the Jurassic Period. This mass extinction event was actually a combination of smaller mass extinction periods that happened over the final 18 million years or so of the Triassic Period. Over the course of this extinction event, it is estimated more than half of the known living species at the time completely died out. This allowed dinosaurs to thrive and take over some of the niches left open due to the extinction of species that had previously held those types of roles in the ecosystem. What Ended the Triassic Period? There are several different hypotheses on what caused this particular mass extinction at the end of the Triassic Period. Since the third major mass extinction actually is thought to have occurred in several small waves of extinctions, it is entirely possible that all of these hypotheses, along with others that may not be as popular or thought of as of yet, could have caused the overall mass extinction event. There is evidence for all of the causes proposed. Volcanic Activity:Â  One possible explanation for this catastrophic mass extinction event is unusually high levels of volcanic activity. It is known that large numbers of flood basalts around the Central America region occurred around the time of the Triassic-Jurassic mass extinction event. These enormous volcano eruptions are thought to have expelled huge amounts of greenhouse gases like sulfur dioxide or carbon dioxide that would quickly and devastatingly increase the global climate. Other scientists believe it would have aerosols expelled from these volcanic eruptions that would actually do the opposite of the greenhouse gases and end up cooling the climate significantly. Climate Change:Â  Other scientists believe it was more of a gradual climate change issue that spanned the majority of the 18 million year time span attributed to the end of the Triassic mass extinction. This would have led to changing sea levels and even possibly a change in the acidity within the oceans that would have affected species living there. Meteor Impact: A less likely cause of the Triassic-Jurassic mass extinction event may be attributed to asteroid or meteor impact, much like what is thought to have caused the Cretaceous-Tertiary mass extinction (also known as the K-T Mass Extinction) when the dinosaurs all went extinct. However, this is not a very likely reason for the third mass extinction event because there has been no crater found that would indicate it could create devastation of this magnitude. There was a meteor strike that dates to about this time period, but it was rather small and is not thought to have been able to cause a mass extinction event that is thought to have wiped out more than half of all living species on both land and in the oceans. However, the asteroid impact may have very well caused a local mass extinction that is now attributed to the overall major mass extinction that ended the Triassic Period and ushered in the beginning of the Jurassic Period.

Financial Report Degree Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Financial Report Degree - Case Study Example Monsoon plc deals in branded variety of clothing, footwear and accessories comprising two major chains i.e., Monsoon and Accessorize. The company caters to a wide range of customers young and old, male and female, babies and children. Apart from clothing and accessories, the company also deals in home ware for instance, bed and bath lines, curtains, and other home products (Company Info, accessed 06.04.2006). Blacks Leisure plc is a high street chain of superstores engaged in outdoor clothing and footwear business all over the United Kingdom having around 104 stores across the country. The company has a diversified customer market and its store design reflect this orientation. It provides clothing and travelling products to a wide range of customers of all ages and kind. It deals in several brands and provides a range of products relating to the outdoor activities and adventure most specifically clothing, tents, outdoor equipments, accessories and instruments The comparison and evaluation presented in this report is significant in the sense that it practically employs a wide variety of financial ratios to assess the financial position and performance of both the companies. ... This comparison would assist these users in forming a rationale for their major decision-making i.e., strategic planning, investment and funds lending etc. RATIO ANALYSIS- BLACKS LEISURE GROUP PLC & MONSOON PLC Ratio analysis is the best tool to evaluate a company's performance and identify problems (Meigs & Meigs, 1993). Riahi-Belkaoui (1998) comments that financial ratios are meant to make the information in financial statements interpretable for the various users of financial statements. Similarly, we will assess and analyse the financial position and performance of the two companies Blacks Leisure plc and Monsoon plc using a broad array of financial ratios from the viewpoints of management, lenders and investors separately. Analysis For Management Management needs to analyse its performance and efforts put into the corporate affairs through the company's financial results so as to realise their strengths and weaknesses. Riahi-Belkaoui (1998, p11) says, "the profitability ratios portray ability of the firm to efficiently use the capital committed by stockholders and lenders to generate revenues in excess of expenses". Therefore, the analysis from the management aspect has been done with the help of following profitability ratios: Ratios Blacks Leisure Plc Monsoon Plc Gross Profit Ratio 53.07% 61.51% Net Profit Ratio 6.54% 15.66% Return on Capital Employed 20.23% 42.76% The Gross Profit Margin Percentage evaluates the percentage of profit earned by a company on sales after the production and distribution activities (Mcmenamin, 1999). It shows how well the company manages its expenses so as to attain maximum profit out of its total sales. Monsoon plc's gross profit ratio of 61.51% reflects that the company

Research W. Edwards Deming's 14 points and identify at least one of Essay

Research W. Edwards Deming's 14 points and identify at least one of those 14 points which resonates with you personally - Essay Example His efforts caught the attention of the Japanese emperor, who gave him an award for his role in the country’s industrialization (Anderson, 12). Upon returning in United States of America, Deming wrote a book by the title Out of a crisis. This book was published in 1982, and it outlines 14 points which if used in the United States manufacturing sector, then there will be an industrial boom in the country. The 14 points advocated by Deming may seem to be a bunch of radical ideas; however, to effectively understand these ideas, it is important to understand Deming’s explanations of the concept of variance. According to Deming, variation was the problem that presented a great threat to the manufacturing industry of United States of America. Deming reasoned that if there was a variation in prices, times of delivery, work ethics, then companies were wasting their resources (By, 23). On this basis, Deming identified 14 points of management that people and companies ought to fo llow. These points are (Deming, 7); 1. Creating a purpose of constancy in order to improve the operations of the business organization. It is therefore important to replace the short term objectives of an organization, with long term goals. 2. Adoption of the management’s new policy. ... 4. The industry should identify a single supplier for one product. This is because many suppliers’ will always produce different quality of products, and this leads to a variation of the product under consideration, and this results to a variation of the products supplied. 5. There must always be a need of improvement, and this is in regard to reducing variation. 6. On job training is a necessity if the organization wants to achieve efficiency in its work force. Inadequate training will make people inefficient, leading to an increase in variation of the products produced. 7. Deming advocates for institutional leadership. In his opinion, there is a difference between leadership and supervision. He denotes that supervision involves setting up of targets, and it is quota based. 8. The eighth principles that Deming develops, relates to fear. Deming denotes that developing business policies out of fear is counter-productive. As such, managers ought to drive out fear for them to ach ieve success in their endeavors. Fear also prevents workers from effectively serving the interests of the organization. 9. The ninth principle is in regard to breaking down the barriers that exist between the various departments of an organization. Under this principle, the idea of the internal customer emerges. This idea denotes that the various departments within an organization serve each other. They do not serve the management. This is a very central idea in TQM. 10. Deming also proposes the concept of eliminating slogans within an organization. Under this idea, the mistakes that people make, does not arise because of their faults, but because of the various processes within the organization that they are working for. On this basis therefore, it is not wise to harass

Bilingual education Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Bilingual education - Research Paper Example the Bilingual Education Act (1968) which dominantly shaped bilingual education laws (Pandey, 2010).The paper attempts to explore the pros and cons of bilingual education and debate over different aspects discussed by its proponents and opponents. In order to convince parents and teachers that bilingual education is beneficial for non-English speaking children, the term â€Å"bilingual education† should be unambiguous. However, deciding how to classify bilinguals is problematic (Baker, 1985; Mackey, 1962; Skutnabb-Kangas 1981 qtd. in Baker 2).Baker further explains that defining bilingual is fraught with problems as there are many dimensions to this term (3).However, for defining bilingual education Wink reminds us of Professor Beto who asserts that bilingual education is all about the education that is given in two languages. Beto further adds to the definition and states, â€Å"Bilingual education is all about literacy and knowledge. That’s it.†(qtd. in Wink)Krashen further adds to the definition and states, â€Å"Bilingual education consists of good, comprehensible input in English, good subject matter teaching in the primary language, and continued literacy development in the primary language. Given these three component, kids will get literacy and knowledge.†(3-4 qtd. in Wink) The concept of ‘bilingual education’ is considered to be the education programs that are particularly designed for students with lacking ability of speaking and understanding English language. Among several programs, some include the features of teaching academic subjects in native language for better understanding, for instance, Spanish or Bengali. In addition these programs teach English as second language (ESL).While some other programs emphasize on learning English by completely immersing students in English-only class. Some of the programs prefer teaching both languages in mainstream class to all students. There are different variations of these approaches and different schools

Free Essays - All Quiet on the Western Front :: All Quiet on the Western Front Essays

Paul Bäumer Paul told the story of the war as it happened to him. The reader is taken from the front line, to a catholic hospital, to his home while he is away on leave. His story tells of the sacrifice the soldiers gave defending their country. It also tells of the difficulties of losing friends, killing another man, and going day after day without much, if any, sleep. He died in October of 1918, just before the war ended. His death was described as this, "...his face had an expression of calm, as though almost glad the end had come." Stanislaus Katczinsky Katczinsky, or "Kat" as he is referred to, is the leader of this group of men. He is the oldest at the age of forty, and also the wisest. His opinion was always taken and his orders were followed. Paul also believe Kat to have a sixth sense. He was able to find anything that was needed in places where no one else could. Once he went out to "explore," then came back over an hour later with bread and meat for dinner. Albert Kropp Albert was one of the students that enlisted at the same time as Paul. He was also a close friend of Paul's. So close that after both had been wounded and were on a train home, when Albert became sick and was scheduled to be taken off at the next stop, Paul went off with him. After this stop they were sent to a hospital to be treated for their wounds. Paul after a few weeks ended up healing fine, the opposite was true for Albert. An infection spread through his leg leading for the need for it to be amputated at the thigh. When Paul returned to the war these two friends parted, never to see each other again. Josef Behm Josef Behm was described as a plump fellow who, at first, did not want to join the war efforts. Later, after being called a coward, he was convinced by his schoolmaster and fellow students to join the army. He was the first of his schoolmates to be killed in action. Detering Detering was a man who mainly kept to himself. He is described as a peasant who thinks of no more than his farmland and his wife. On the way back from the front line he saw a cherry tree with white blossoms.

Implication of Science and Technology Essay

Implication of Science and Technology to mans’ use is as old as 2500 B.C or much earlier when the people, of Indus Valley Civilization came to know first time about the fire and the wheel. Wheel is the mother of all technological innovations of today and discovery of fire is the man’s first experience about energy. Since then, man’s curiosity and meticulous efforts have helped him for new inventions and discoveries. But Science and Technology got its real recognition in India during the British period and were established to meet the needs and requirements of the then government. During 19th century, when the whole Europe passed through a phase of Industrial Revolution, the Britishers also put emphasis on development of Science and Technology in India. Establishment of railway system, building of canals and development of a network of meteorological stations began. The first scientific survey of this country was done during this time. Several academic institutions, such as Asiatic Society in Calcutta in 1784, the Indian Association for the Advancement of Science in 1876 and many others were created All these generated a greater awareness of science in the country and eventually led to the birth of modern science in India between 1890 and 1940. However, the end of the last century and the first 50 years of the present one was a period of renaissance of science for India. Renowned scientists like Sir J. C. Bose, C. V. Raman, S. N. Bose, Srinivasa Ramanujan, Dr. Homi J. Bhabha, the father of India’s nuclear power, Vikram Sarabhai, Dr. Har Govind Singh Khorana etc. became well-known for their notable scientific researches in various fields and brought name and fame for the country. During post independence period and through the vision of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru the then Prime Minister, Science and Technology were developed in a conscious way as a major force for accelerating social and economic change. Nehru clearly expressed his views in his ‘Discovery of India’: â€Å"It was science alone that could solve the problems of hunger and poverty, of insanitation and illiteracy, of superstition and doddering custom and tradition, of vast resources running to waste, of a rich country inhabited by starving people,† Programme of ‘Green Revolution’ has made it true. Now, in the fields of space research, atomic energy, biotechnology and agriculture, India has achieved a lot. Continuous emergence of new areas and micro areas are gradually gaining the importance and specialized research areas like Superconductivity, Laser, Supercomputers, Robots and Robotics, Information Technology, Optic fibers etc. have resulted in a vast expansion in the areas/fields of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY activities. India is still lagging behind in the field of energy; specifically harnessing clean, safe and non-polluting energy through exaltation of non-conventional resources. Solar energy, the limitless source (the sun) provided by the nature, is still underutilized. Though much is achieved, but more is left unattended. Hence, with the consistent support of the government as well as private institutions today there are about 3000 public and private institutions engaged in basic/fundamental, applied researches and development works in various fields of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.

Revenge Is An Act Of Hamlet By William Shakespeare

Revenge Does Not Prevail Revenge is an act that is taken when others believe that there has been a wrongdoing to someone or something they have a relationship with. Countless people seek revenge everyday throughout the world, but Confucius once said that â€Å"before you embark on a journey of renege, dig two graves.† This quote relates to the plot of a well-known play by Shakespeare, Hamlet. This play revolves around a monarchy in Denmark in the early 17th century where there is much chaos. In the play several characters seek out revenge for various reasons pertaining to them. The main character Hamlet learns the truth behind his father s unforeseen death and seeks revenge for it, just like two other characters Laertes and Fortinbras who seek revenge for reasons similar. The theme of revenge is greatly portrayed in this play as an act done out of anger which leads to disorder and disaster. The main character of the play Hamlet evidently seeks for revenge. Hamlet s personality is one of intelligence and thoughts, not impulse. The ghost of Hamlets father spoke out â€Å"Let not the royal bed of Denmark be a couch for luxury and damned incest† (1.5.82-83) and told hamlet the truth about his death. The ghost spoke these words to inform Hamlet that he has to seek revenge for the kingdom of Denmark and for his mother. However, it took 3 scenes in the play for Hamlet to act on his anger, but he ends up killing the wrong person, Polonius. His outburst of action led to extreme chaos inShow MoreRelatedWilliam Shakespeare s Hamlet Essay902 Words   |  4 Pagesquestion† (Act III, Scene 1, P.1127) is of the most widely circulated lines. As we all know, it is also the most important part of the drama, â€Å"Hamlet†, which is one of the most famous tragedy in the literature written by William Shakespeare between from 1599 to1602. The drama was written at the age of Renaissance that reflects the reality of the British society in sixteenth century to early seventeenth c entury. During that period, Britain was in the era of reverse confusion, and Hamlet is just aboutRead MoreEssay on Vengeance in Shakespeares Hamlet - The Theme of Revenge1162 Words   |  5 PagesThe Theme of Revenge in Hamlet    In Shakespeares tragedy,  Hamlet, the thoughts of revenge are introduced early in the play. At the end of the first act, Hamlet meets the ghost of his deceased father. He is brought to see him by Horatio and Marcellus, who saw the ghost yesternight (Shakespeare 1.2.190). During this exchange of words between the Ghost and Hamlet, the Ghost tells Hamlet, [s]o art thou to revenge, when thou shalt hear. (Shakespeare 1.5.5). He is telling Hamlet to listen closelyRead More Revenge and Vengeance in Shakespeares Hamlet - Why Revenge?1054 Words   |  5 PagesRevenge in Hamlet        Ã‚  Ã‚   In Elizabethan times, a type of play known as a revenge tragedy became popular. These plays revolved around, ... the revenge of a father for a son or vice versa, the revenge being directed by the ghost of the murdered man... (Harmon and Holman #6). Other characteristics include real or pretend insanity, philosophic soliloquies, hesitation on the part of the protagonist, conspiracy, and the use of horror. William Shakespeares Hamlet fully satisfies each of theseRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Hamlet - Longing For Revenge1304 Words   |  6 PagesLonging for Revenge William Shakespeare was born in England in April of 1564 and was an English poet and playwright . Shakespeare is universally known as the greatest writer in the English language. Shakespeare frequently produced tragedies that are continuously acted out today, along with many plays and sonnets.. Although Shakespeare is seen today as a great writer who changed the world, his reputation did not rise to these heights until around the 19th century. In all of Shakespeare’s astoundingRead MoreNature Of Society In Shakespeares Hamlet1359 Words   |  6 Pagesasked by Hamlet whose words resonate because he is able to recognise an uncomfortable and powerful truth, simply living is not being. The play Hamlet was written between 1599-1602 by world renowned poet ‘William Shakespeare.’ Being, as Hamlet frames it, requires doing; yet, the power of thought is the very capacity that makes us human, restrains action. Throughout this play, Shakespeare showcases the nature of society in the Elizabethan era by utilising ideas such as revenge and death. Hamlet is oftenRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Hamlet s Revenge1725 Words   |  7 Pages Thesis: Shakespeare s portrayal of Hamlet s revenge is not a worthy journey because he never finds his self worth, distracted between what will exemplify his purpose, and what will make him a failure in the memory of Denmark. Three quotes with analysis explaining thesis: Act 1 Scene 5 Ghost: â€Å" But know, thou noble youth, Hamlet: â€Å"Oh My Prophetic Soul! My uncle?† The serpent that did sting thy father’s life Now wears his crown.† The beginning of the â€Å"call to adventure -JRead MoreCommon Themes In The Tragedy Of Hamlet By William Shakespeare1071 Words   |  5 PagesWilliam Shakespeare tends to focus on a common theme throughout his many works. He uses characters to show the flaws in humans and as society .   In   Shakespeares classic play The Tragedy of Hamlet, the main character, Hamlet is shown with wanting revenge on his mother and uncle after his father’s death.  Ã‚  Ã‚   In this play Hamlet feels the need avenge his father, as well as dealing with being â€Å"mad†. In his mantle break he murders the father of his love, Ophelia, and her brother. The theme of revengeRead MorePresentation of Hamlet in Act 2 Scene 2 and 3 in William Shakespeares Hamlet663 Words   |  3 PagesPresentation of Hamlet in Act 2 Scene 2 and 3 in William Shakespeares Hamlet It is hard to determine the intentions of William Shakespeare when he wrote Hamlet without looking at the social, historical and ethical context in which it was conceived. From the cover notes found within the Longman Literature edition, we can deduce that it is Shakespeares most well known play and, written during the year 1602, it was one of his later works. At this time, revenge was a very Read MoreIs Hamlet s Madness Genuine Or Feigned?1671 Words   |  7 Pagescontroversially discussed themes in William Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, is the theme of Hamlet’s madness. Shakespeare left it up to the audience to decide whether he was truly crazy or not. Although, there are many deliberate acts of fabricated insanity repeated throughout the play. Hamlet’s life events such as the death of his father, loving someone he cannot have, and not mention the marriage of his mother to his uncle, was enough to make someone go off of the deep end. However, Hamlet even admits that he wasRead More Hamlet, why did he delay Essay1626 Words   |  7 Pages William Shakespeare, perhaps the greatest playwright of all time, authored a number of works consisting of sonnets, comedies, and tragedies. In his brilliant career, Shakespeare created literary works of art. What makes Shakespeare unlike any other writer of his time, is his ability to organize a realistic plot, manage themes, and develop characters within his works (Nordling). As well, Shakespeares ability to provoke feeling and reaction to his writing is also what sets him apart from other common