The whale pedigree Essay Example for Free

The whale pedigree Essay Its evident that the evolution to the present day whale has been a long one. A lot of changes have taken place from the postulated land dwelling animal to a fully marine organism. It is a step wise process that first started with a partially marine organism and then to a fully marine organism. The fully marine organism under went both physical and physiological changes to evolve to the present day whales. These changes included alteration of limbs to flippers, fusion of some of the skull bones and modification of the olfactory organs. These organs have since developed more advanced functions with the increased demand for more metabolic rates. The theories explaining the linage of whales are very important and to some extent have shown significant similarities among the species thought to be related to whales. The ancestors of whale underwent lot of modification for example ability to hear under water, reduction of the limbs, and change of nostrils towards the posterior and greater chances to move under water. Archaeocete Gray Roqual Sperm Pigmy right Right(whales) Beaked White Dolphins Porpoises Gange river River (Dolphins) Extinct whale ancestors Sinonyx The fossil study of sinonyx shows that it lived about 50 million years ago and fed on other animals (carnivorous). Sinonyx was about five feet long with a small brain, drawn out head, short legs and a large skull. It was found along sea shores and was thought to be related to whales and dolphins because of their long muzzle which almost resembled that of present day dolphins. The long muzzle was associated with fish hunting. It is suggested that with time these features evolved to the present day whale specialized organ. However, later phylogenetic tests showed that sinonyx is not closely related to cetaceans. It had 44 teeth consisting of molars with many cusps and thin tearing teeth. Sinonyx lived along sea shores, smaller body, and long muzzle compared to the present day whales which live in the ocean, are very large and very huge. They had large sagittal crest with a large mass of muscles for strong grip of their prey. The present day whales either have teeth or not. Those without teeth have a baleen having on their upper jaw mostly adapted for feeding Archaeocete (ancient whales) This stage is thought to be between sinonyx and whales. Its remnants were first excavated in Pakistan and are thought to have been living around 52 million years ago. They had better developed limbs which allowed them to live in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. As time passed they are thought to have started spending more time in the ocean and giving birth on land. It was similar to sinonyx apart from its evolved premolars which were more triangular with a single serrated cusp and two rooted molars. With time they spread to many oceans and seas of the world. The Archaeocete lived in water but were not able to acquire deep dives like the present day whales. They later evolved to zygorhiza which was the first fully aquatic Archaeocete. Ambulocetus (the walking whale) It was similar to the present day crocodile with its limbs adapted for swimming more than walking which were flippered. They swimmed predominantly and the fossils show that they lived about 49 million years ago and survived on both salty and fresh waters. It had teeth similar to those of Archaeocete and an elongated muzzle. Though it lacked a blow nose it was able to swim well under water. The limbs of ambulocetus were changing allowing them to be more adapted for swimming and less adapted for walking. Their cervical vertebrae of the ambulocetus were relatively long than those of the present day whales. Ambulocetes did not have ears and received information by use of vibrations on both land and sea. They usually lay on the ground to detect the vibrations of their prey. The muzzle of this organism has changed very much in comparison to the present whale in which there is formation of baleen plate. The throat of a whale grooves and expands to hold a lot of water that contain krill which is fed on by the whale. The baleen plate pushes the water out of the mouth remaining with only the food. Baleen therefore acts as a sieve separating the krill from the water. Basilosaurus (king lizard) It is estimated to have lived between 34 and 40 million years ago with a length of around 60 feet. It looked like a whale snake and budged horizontally or vertically. They had small hind limbs that were not able to effectively propel basilosaurus when moving. It had a single large nostril that was used for breathing effectively especially when in water. With time these organisms were unable to move on terrestrial environment. There is difference of the position of the nostril in which the present whale nostril is more to the posterior position for blowing off air when breathing at the water surface. These changes have made the present day whale to be more adapted especially in breathing while in aquatic environment. Pakicetids These organisms lived at around 53 million years ago and looked like dogs or wolves with hoofed feet. Their skull and teeth resembled the of the present day whales. The saggital crest was high and narrow with the lambdoidal crest being predominant. Pakicetids resemble the mesonychid hunting both on land and along the shores. They had small ears that were adapted for hearing and are later adapted for hearing under water in the present day whales. The middle ear of pakicetids was not well developed thus unable to maintain its pressure that limited this organism to dive in deep waters like the present day whales. The preset whale is more adapted to survive in water for instance it is able to dive deeply and swim swiftly since the limbs have been adapted to the aquatic environment. The ears of the ancestor whales have gradually disappeared. The ears are adapted for hearing in the deep seas by receiving vibration signals from other whales like during courtship or tracking their prey.

Nanotechnology: The Future Here Now Essay -- Science Technology Essay

Nanotechnology: The Future Here Now Webopedia defines nanotechnology as the â€Å"field of science whose goal is to control individual atoms and molecules to create computer chips and other devices that are thousands of times smaller than current technologies permit†. Current manufacturing processes use lithography to imprint circuits on semiconductor materials, at a size of less than one micron (1,000 nanometers), dealing with aggregates of millions of atoms. It is believed that this method is quickly approaching its physical limits. In order to continue reducing the size of semiconductors, new technologies that juggle individual atoms will be necessary. Popularly, the term nanotechnology refers to the science whose goal is to control individual atoms and molecules to create various things that are thousands of times smaller than the current technology allows. These processes will touch on all areas of our lives, several of great importance to our health and well being. New terms are startin g to surface, such as molecular nanotechnology, nanocoating, nanoceramics, nanoparticles and targeted nano therapies. While many definitions of nanotechnology exist, the National Nanotechnology Initiative defines nanotechnology only if the process involves all of the following: 1. Research and technology development at the atomic, molecular or macromolecular level, on the length scale of 1 – 100 nanometers. 2. Creating and using structures, devices and systems that have novel properties and functions because they are very small. 3. The ability to control and manipulate on the molecular level. Some of the societal benefits that will be important to ... ...tronics Planet.com. 07 Mar. 2005 . Nano Investor News. 07 Mar. 2005 . National Nanotechnology Initiative. 07 Mar. 2005 . Neagley, Clinton H. UCDavis Technology Transfer Center. U C Davis. 07 Mar. 2005 . Phoenix, Chris, and Mike Treder. Center for Responsible Nanotechnology. Mar. 2004. 13 Mar. 2005 . Rashid, Nancy E. UCDavis Technology Transfer Center. U C Davis. 07 Mar. 2005 . The World Health Network. 07 Mar. 2005 . United States of America. Office of Science and Technology Policy/ Executive Office of the President. National Nanotechnology Initiative. 07 Mar. 2005 WorldHealth.net. 07 Mar. 2005 .

Baroque period examples

Rich in deep colour and intense contrast of shadows, 17th century Baroque paintings tended to show the most dramatic and culminating moments of a scene, whose simplicity and clarity was supposed to appeal to the viewer’s senses rather than mind. Caravaggio’s The Taking of Christ (1602) represents Judas’ treacherous kiss and the capture of Jesus Christ by soldiers. A contrast between defenseless Christ’s humility and the guards’ formidable armour and determination is intensified by the use of light and dark shadows, known as chiaroscuro and typical of Baroque painting.The scene’s emotional intensity is emphasized by the horrified expression of St Mark fleeing out of the painting (Lubbock, 2007). Both Rubens’ Deposition (Lille’s version) and Rembrandt’s The Descent from the Cross (1633) represent Jesus’ dead body, the central figure, being lowered from the cross and surrounded by His lamenting followers. A similar co ntrast between light and dark, although to a different extent, is used to intensify the dramatic moment (Jones, 2004; Lussier).Caravaggio, Rubens, and Rembrandt produced their masterpieces at a time when the Roman Catholic Church was fighting against the spreading Protestant Reformation in Europe. Trying to strengthen its position and authority, the Church encouraged painting representing religious scenes which, along with preaching, could help inspire devotion and promote its official doctrine. Although various biblical scenes proliferated in art at that time, most artists also introduced their own features to the new artistic style.Caravaggio used models when depicting Christ and other biblical figures often introducing dirty reality in his works (Lubbock, 2007). Rubens was preoccupied in his paintings with the description of life as it was realistically depicting flesh of both living and dead naked human beings. The subject of death is one of his favourite themes (Jones, 2004). R embrandt was interested in capturing the psychological aspect of human actions and expressions and showing it in his paintings. His subjects are dynamic and his works fill the viewer with sadness and compassion (Lussier).All three works of art helped promote the ideals taught by the Roman Catholic Church and enhance the authority of biblical figures. Caravaggio’s Christ does not resist His fate, and by showing humility and faith He emphasizes the importance of spiritual strength rather than physical fight and encourages His followers to do the same (Caravaggio’s The Taking of Christ). Rembrandt’s figures are dressed in contemporary clothes emphasizing that the Saviour’s death has been the central event of human existence at all ages.The beaten dead body of Christ is realistic and not different from an ordinary human being arousing compassion and inspiring devotion (Lussier). A realistic depiction of Christ’s dead body by Rubens is similarly compuls ive, and the sorrowful faces and desperate gestures of the surrounding women are supposed to fill the viewers with compassion and make them bow their heads in worship (Campbell, 2004). These masterpieces are simple in terms of subject matter, produce immediate emotional impact on viewers, and make them emotionally participate in the sacred scenes.All three paintings represent scenes from Jesus Christ’s life and death. The composition in Rubens’ Deposition and Rembrandt’s The Descent from the Cross gives us the impression of a movement from the upper part of the paintings to their lower part, as if to enhance the idea of the Saviour’s death and His descent into the tomb. In Caravaggio’s The Taking of Christ the figures are moving from right to left as though through Jesus who is not moving. Caravaggio’s composition seems to emphasize the spiritual difference which exists between Him and the rest of us.The way the figures are represented in al l three works is also different to some extent. Caravaggio did not depict the whole bodies of his figures, but only parts of them, the rest of the space being filled with fragments of clothes, armour, and dark shadows (Lubbock, 2007). Rembrandt and Rubens realistically and with great detail depict Christ’s dead body and those of other figures. Rubens also depicts the ideal human bodies of the men lowering Christ in the same way classical painters did (Lussier).References Campbell, P. (2004, April 1). In Lille. Retrieved January 30, 2009 from the World Wide Web: http://www. lrb. co. uk/v26/n07/print/camp01_. html Caravaggio’s The Taking of Christ. Retrieved January 30, 2009 from the World Wide Web: http://www. nga. gov/exhibitions/caravbr-2. htm Jones, J. (2004, April 3). Flesh of Genius. The Guardian on the Web. Retrieved January 30, 2009 from the World Wide Web: http://www. guardian. co. uk/artanddesign/2004/apr/03/art Lubbock, T.(2007, April 6). Caravaggio: The Takin g of Christ (1602-3). The Independent on the Web. Retrieved January 30, 2009 from the World Wide Web: http://www. independent. co. uk/arts-entertainment/art/great-works/caravaggio-the-taking-of-christ-16023-744398. html Lussier, L. The Descent from the Cross: Two Paintings once assumed to be painted by Rembrandt. Retrieved January 30, 2009 from the World Wide Web: http://www. geocities. com/Hollywood/Bungalow/2201/cross/rembrandt. html

Discover the Architecture of Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs, California combines scenic mountain views with an eclectic mix of Spanish Revival and mid-20th century modern buildings. Browse  for pictures of architectural landmarks, famous houses, and interesting examples of Mid-century Modernism and Desert Modernism in Palm Springs.   01 of 25 Alexander Home Palm Springs Pictures: Alexander Home in the Twin Palms Development Alexander Home in the Twin Palms Neighborhood, Palm Springs, California. Photo  © Jackie Craven When the Alexander Construction Company came to Palm Springs in 1955, the father and son team had already built housing developments in Los Angeles, California. Working with several architects, they constructed more than 2,500 homes in Palm Springs and established a modernist style that was imitated throughout the United States. Simply, they became known as Alexander Houses. The house shown here is in the Twin Palms development (formerly known as Royal Desert Palms), constructed in 1957. 02 of 25 Alexander Steel House Palm Springs Pictures: Steel House Built by the Alexander Construction Company Between 1961 and 1962, the Alexander Construction Company set a new tone for prefab housing with several steel houses in Palm Springs, California. Donald Wexler, architect. Photo: Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism Working with Richard Harrison, architect Donald Wexler had designed many school buildings using new approaches to steel construction. Wexler believed that the same methods could be used to build stylish and affordable homes. The Alexander Construction company contracted Wexler to design prefab steel houses for a tract neighborhood in Palm Springs, California. The one shown here is at 330 East Molino Road. History of Steel Houses: Donald Wexler and the Alexander Construction Company were not the first to envision houses made of steel. In 1929, architect Richard Neutra built the steel-framed Lovell House. Many other twentieth century architects, from Albert Frey to Charles and Ray Eames, experimented with metal construction. However, these sophisticated houses were expensive custom designs, and they were not made using prefabricated metal parts. During the 1940s, businessman and inventor Carl Strandlund launched a business making steel homes in factories, like cars. His company, the Lustron Corporation, shipped some 2,498 Lustron Steel Homes throughout the United States. The Lustron Corporation went bankrupt in 1950. Alexander Steel Homes were much more sophisticated than Lustron Homes. Architect Donald Wexler combined prefab construction techniques with upscale modernist ideas. But, the rising cost of the prefabricated building parts made the Alexander Steel Homes impractical. Only seven were actually built. Nevertheless, the steel houses that Donald Wexler designed inspired similar projects across the country, including a few experimental houses by real estate developer Joseph Eichler. Where to Find Alexander Steel Houses: 290 Simms Road, Palm Springs, California300 and 330 East Molino Road, Palm Springs, California3100, 3125, 3133, and 3165 Sunny View Drive, Palm Springs, California 03 of 25 The Royal Hawaiian Estates Palm Springs Pictures: The Royal Hawaiian Estates Royal Hawaiian Estates, Palm Springs, California. Photo  © Daniel Chavkin, courtesy Royal Hawaiian Estates Architects Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison combined modernist ideas with Polynesian themes when they designed the Royal Hawaiian Estates condominium complex at 1774 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, California. Constructed in 1961 and 1962 when tiki architecture was in fashion, the complex has 12 buildings with 40 condominium units on five acres. Wooden tiki ornaments and other playful details give the buildings and the grounds a fanciful tropical flavor. Tiki styling takes on abstract shapes at the Royal Hawaiian Estates. The rows of bright orange buttresses (known as flying-sevens) that support the patio roofs are said to represent the stabilizers on outrigger canoes. Throughout the complex, steep peaks, projecting rooflines, and exposed beams suggest the architecture of tropical huts. In February 2010, the Palm Springs City Council voted 4-1 to designate the Royal Hawaiian Estates a historic district. Owners who repair or restore their condo units can apply for tax benefits. 04 of 25 Bob Hope House Palm Springs Pictures: Bob Hope House The Bob Hope house in Palm Springs, California. 1979. John Lautner, architect. Photo  © Jackie Craven   Bob Hope is remembered for movies, comedy, and hosting the Academy Awards. But in Palm Springs he was known for his real estate investments. And, of course, golf. 05 of 25 House With Butterfly Roof House With Butterfly Roof House with butterfly roof, Palm Springs, California. Photo  © Jackie Craven   Butterfly-shaped roofs like this one were a characteristic of the mid-century modernism Palm Springs became famous for.   06 of 25 Coachella Valley Savings and Loan Palm Springs Pictures: Coachella Valley Savings and Loan (now Washington Mutual) Coachella Valley Savings and Loan (now Washington Mutual) in Palm Springs, California. 1960. E. Stewart Williams, architect. Photo  © Jackie Craven Constructed in 1960, the Washington Mutual building at  499 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, California is a landmark example of mid-century modernism by Palm Springs architect E. Stewart Williams. The bank was originally called Coachella Valley Savings and Loan. 07 of 25 Community Church The Community Church in Palm Springs. Photo  © Jackie Craven   Designed by Charles Tanner, the Community Church in Palm Springs was dedicated in 1936. Harry. J. Williams later designed a northern addition. 08 of 25 Del Marcos Hotel The Del Marcos Hotel in Palm Springs, California. Photo  © Jackie Craven Architect William F. Cody designed the The Del Marcos Hotel in Palm Springs. It was completed in 1947.   09 of 25 Edris House Palm Springs Pictures: Edris House The Edris House in Little Tuscany Estates, 1030 W. Cielo Drive, Palm Springs, California. E. Stewart Williams, architect. 1954. Photo: Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism A classic example of Desert Modernism, the stone-walled Edris house at 1030 West Cielo Drive, Palm Springs, California appears to rise organically from the rocky landscape. Built in 1954, this home was designed for Marjorie and William Edris by the prominent Palm Springs architect, E. Stewart Williams. Local stone and Douglas Fir were used for the walls of the Edris House. The swimming pool was installed before the house was built so that the construction equipment wouldnt damage the landscape. 10 of 25 Elrod House Interior Palm Springs Pictures: Circular Room in the Elrod House The Arthur Elrod House in Palm Springs, California. John Lautner, architect. 1968. Photo: Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism The Arthur Elrod House in Palm Springs, California was used in the James Bond film, Diamonds are Forever. Built in 1968, the house was designed by architect John Lautner. 11 of 25 Indian Canyons Golf Club Indian Canyons Golf Club, Palm Springs, California. Photo  © Jackie Craven   The Indian Canyons Golf Club in Palm Springs is a landmark example of Tiki architecture. 12 of 25 Frey House II Palm Springs Pictures: Frey House II Frey House II. 1963. Albert Frey, architect. Photo  © Jackie Craven Completed in 1963, Albert Freys International Style Frey House II is set in the craggy mountainside overlooking Palm Springs, California. Frey House II now owned by the Palm Springs Art Museum. The house is not normally open to the public, but tours are sometimes offered during special events such as Palm Springs Modernism Week. For a rare look inside, see our Frey House II Photo Tour. 13 of 25 Kaufmann House Palm Springs Pictures: Kaufmann House Kaufmann House in Palm Springs, California. 1946. Richard Neutra, architect. Photo  © Jackie Craven Designed by architect Richard Neutra, the Kaufmann House at 470 West Vista Chino, Palm Springs, California helped establish a style that became known as Desert Modernism. 14 of 25 The Miller House Palm Springs Pictures: The Miller House Miller House by Richard Neutra. Photo  © Flickr Member Ilpos Sojourn 2311 North Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, California Constructed in 1937, the Miller House by architect Richard Neutra is a landmark example of Desert Modernism the International Style. The glass and steel home is composed of taut plane surfaces with no ornamentation. 15 of 25 Oasis Hotel Palm Springs Pictures: Oasis Hotel and Commercial Building Oasis Hotel and Tower, located behind the Oasis Commercial Building, in Palm Springs, California. Photo  © Jackie Craven Lloyd Wright, son of the famous Frank Lloyd Wright, designed the Art Deco Oasis Hotel and Tower, located behind the Oasis Commercial Building designed by E. Stewart Williams. The hotel at 121 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, California was built in 1925, and the commercial building in 1952. 16 of 25 Palm Springs Airport Palm Springs Pictures: Palm Springs International Airport Main Terminal Building Palm Springs Airport Main Terminal, Palm Springs, California. Photo: Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism Designed by architect Donald Wexler, the main terminal of Palm Springs International Airport has a unique tensile structured canopy, conveying a sense of lightness and flight. The airport has gone through many changes since 1965, when Donald Wexler first worked on the project. 17 of 25 Palm Springs Art Museum Palm Springs Pictures: Palm Springs Art Museum (or, Desert Museum) The Palm Springs Art Museum, formerly known as the Palm Springs Desert Museum, Palm Springs, California. 1976. E. Stewart Williams, architect. Photo  © Jackie Craven 101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs, California 18 of 25 Palm Springs City Hall Palm Springs City Hall City Hall in Palm Springs, California. Photo  © Jackie Craven   Architects Albert Frey, John Porter Clark, Robson Chambers, and E. Stewart Williams worked on the design for the Palm Springs City Hall. Construction began in 1952. 19 of 25 Ship of the Desert Palm Springs Pictures: Ship of the Desert Steamline Moderne Home Ship of the Desert, a Streamline Moderne home in Palm Springs, California. 1936. Wilson and Webster, architects. Photo  © Jackie Craven Resembling a ship wedged into the mountainside, Ship of the Desert is a hallmark example of the Streamline Moderne, or Art Moderne, style. The house at 1995 Camino Monte, off Palm Canyon and La Verne Way, Palm Springs, California was built in 1936 but was destroyed in a fire. The new owners rebuilt Ship of the Desert according to plans drafted by the original architects, Wilson and Webster. 20 of 25 Sinatra House Palm Springs Pictures: Home of Frank Sinatra Twin Palms Estate (1947) in Palm Springs, CA, designed by E. Stewart Williams for Frank Sinatra. Photo by Carol M. Highsmith/Buyenlarge/Archive Photos Collection/Getty Images Built in 1946, the Frank Sinatra home at Twin Palm Estates, 1148 Alejo Road, Palm Springs, California was designed by the prominent Palm Springs architect E. Stewart Williams. 21 of 25 St. Theresa Catholic Church St. Theresa Catholic Church, Palm Springs, California. Photo  © Jackie Craven Architect William Cody designed the St. Theresa Catholic Church in 1968. 22 of 25 Swiss Miss House Palm Springs Pictures: Swiss Miss Style House Swiss Miss style house, Palm Springs, California. Photo: Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism Draftsman Charles Dubois designed this chalet-like Swiss Miss home for the Alexander Construction Company. The home on Rose Avenue is one of 15 Swiss Miss homes in the Vista Las Palmas neighborhood of Palm Springs, California. 23 of 25 Tramway Gas Station Palm Springs Pictures: Tramway Gas Station, now the Vistors Center The Tramway Gas Station became a landmark of mid-century modernism. The building is now the visitors center for Palm Springs, California. Albert Frey and Robson Chambers, architects. 1963. Photo: Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism Designed by Albert Frey and Robson Chambers, the Tramway Gas Station at 2901 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, California became a landmark of mid-century modernism. The building is now the Palm Springs Visitors Center. 24 of 25 Aerial Tramway Alpine Station Palm Springs Pictures: Aerial Tramway Alpine Station Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Alpine Station. 1961-1963. E. Stewart Williams, architect. Photo  © Jackie Craven The Aerial Tramway Alpine Station at the top of the Tram in Palm Springs, California was designed by prominent architect E. Stewart Williams and constructed between 1961 and 1963. 25 of 25 Spanish Revival House Palm Springs Pictures: Spanish Revival House Spanish Revival home in Palm Springs, California. Photo  © Jackie Craven   Always a favorite... the inviting Spanish Revival homes of southern California.