Discover Amazing Manta Ray Facts

Discover Amazing Manta Ray Facts Manta rays are the largest rays in the world. There are at least two species of mantas. Manta birostris is the giant oceanic manta and Manta alfredi is the reef manta. Their appearance is similar and the range of the two species overlaps, but the giant manta is more often found on the open ocean while the reef manta visits shallower, coastal waters. Fast Facts: Manta Ray Scientific Name: Manta sp.Other Names: Devil ray, Giant manta, Mobula sp.Distinguishing Features: Massive ray with a triangular shape, cavernous mouth, and paddle-shaped lobes in front of its mouthAverage Size: 7 meters (M. birostris); 5.5 m (M. alfredi)Diet: Carnivorous filter feederLifespan: Up to 50 yearsHabitat: Tropical and subtropical oceans worldwideConservation Status: Vulnerable (Population Decreasing)Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ChondrichthyesSubclass: ElasmobranchiiOrder: MyliobatiformesFamily: MobulidaeFun Fact: Mantas regularly visit reef cleaning stations to have external parasites removed. Description The name manta means mantle or cloak, which is an accurate description of the animals form. Manta rays have triangular pectoral fins, broad heads, and gill slits on their ventral surfaces. Their horn-shaped cephalic fins have earned them the nickname devil ray. Both species of ray have small, square teeth. The species differ in the structure of their dermal denticles, color patterns, and tooth patterns. Most mantas are black or dark-colored on top with marked shoulders and pale undersides. The ventral surface may have distinctive dark marks. All-black animals also occur. M. birostris has a spine near its dorsal fin, but it is incapable of stinging. M. birostris reaches 7 m (23 ft) in width, while M. alfredi reaches 5.5 m (18 ft) in width. A large manta can weight up to 1350 kg (2980 lb). Manta rays must move forward to pass oxygenated water over their gills. The fish swim basically by flapping their pectoral fins and flying underwater. Despite their large size, mantas frequently breach into air. The fish have one of the highest brain-to-body mass ratios and are believed to be highly intelligent. Manta rays must swim forward to breathe. Gregory Sweeney / Getty Images Distribution Manta rays live in the tropical and subtropical oceans around the world. They have been seen as far north as North Carolina in the United States (31Â °N)Â  and as far south as New Zealand (36Â °S), although they only venture into temperate seas when the water temperature is at least 20 Â °C (68 Â °F). Both species are pelagic, found mainly in the open ocean. They are common in coastal waters from spring to fall. They migrate as far as 1000 km (620 mi) and occur at depths ranging from sea level down to 1000 m (3300 ft). During the day, manta rays swim near the surface. At night, they venture deeper. Manta ray distribution. maplab Diet Manta rays are carnivorous filter feeders that prey upon zooplankton, including krill, shrimp, and crab larvae. Mantas hunt by sight and smell. A manta herds its prey by swimming around it so the current collects the plankton. Then, the ray speeds through the ball of food with a wide-open mouth. The cephalic fins channel particles into the mouth, while the gill arches collect them. Predators Killer whales and large sharks prey upon mantas. Cookie cutter sharks, which take round cookie-shaped bites from their prey, can inflict potentially fatal damage. Rays are susceptible to a variety of parasites. They routinely visit reef cleaning stations for wound cleaning and ectoparasite removal. The ability of each fish to revisit cleaning stations is considered evidence manta rays construct mental maps of their surroundings. Reproduction Mating occurs at different times of the year and depends on the mantas geographic location. Courtship appears to involve fish swimming in trains, often during the full moon. During mating, the male almost always grasps the females left pectoral fin. He then turns so the two are belly-to-belly and inserts a clasper into her cloaca. Gestation is believed to take 12 to 13 months. The egg cases hatch inside the female. Eventually, one to two pups emerge. Females usually give birth every two years. Males mature when they are younger and smaller than females. Females usually mature around 8 to 10 years of age. Mantas may live up to 50 years in the wild. Manta Rays and Humans Historically, manta rays were worshipped or feared. It wasnt until 1978 that divers demonstrated the animals were gentle and would interact with humans. Today, some of the best success protecting manta rays has come from ecotourism. Fishing a manta for its meat, skin, or for gill rakers for Chinese traditional medicine can earn hundred of dollars. However, each ray can bring in $1 million in tourism dollars over its lifetime. Scuba divers are most likely to encounter the great fish, but tourism in the Bahamas, Hawaii, Indonesia, Australia, Spain, and other countries makes it possible for anyone to view mantas. While the rays are not aggressive, care must be taken to avoid touching the fish because disrupting its mucous layer makes it susceptible to injury and infection. Mantas are not aggressive toward humans. James R.D. Scott / Getty Images Conservation Status The IUCN Red List classifies both M. alfredi and M. birostris as vulnerable with an elevated risk of extinction. While mantas are protected by many countries, their numbers are declining because of migration through unprotected waters, overfishing, bycatch, entanglement in fishing gear, ingestion of microplastics, water pollution, boat collisions, and climate change. Local populations face a severe threat because there is little interaction between subpopulations. Because of the fishs low reproductive rate, its unlikely mantas in unprotected areas can recover, particularly from overfishing. However, a few public aquariums are large enough to house manta rays. These include the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas, and the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan. The aquarium in Okinawa has successfully birthed manta rays in captivity. Sources Ebert, David A. (2003). Sharks, Rays, and Chimaeras of California. University of California Press. ISBN 978-0-520-23484-0.Marshall, A. D.; Bennett, M. B. (2010). Reproductive ecology of the reef manta ray Manta alfredi in southern Mozambique. Journal of Fish Biology. 77 (1): 185–186. doi:10.1111/j.1095-8649.2010.02669.xParsons, Ray (2006). Sharks, Skates, and Rays of the Gulf of Mexico: A Field Guide. Univ. Press of Mississippi. ISBN 978-1-60473-766-0.White, W. T.; Giles, J.; Dharmadi; Potter, I. (2006). Data on the bycatch fishery and reproductive biology of mobulid rays (Myliobatiformes) in Indonesia. Fisheries Research. 82 (1–3): 65–73. doi:10.1016/j.fishres.2006.08.008

Arbitrator can determine the proper law

Arbitrator can determine the proper law Disclaimer: This work has been submitted by a student. This is not an example of the work produced by our Law Essay Writing Service . You can view samples of our professional work here . Arbitrator can determine the proper law The significance of the international arbitration is that one of the foreign legal system and a foreign country is involved, thus they have the ease to affect the deal with the procedural rules and the legal issues of the dispute, it also has a bearing on the cost, the obtaining of the evidence and enforcing an award in a country which may be different from that of the dispute.   [ 1 ]   The question that needs to be in mind while resolving a dispute is that what will be the principles for establishing, which applicable laws will be applied to the arbitration.   [ 2 ]    S (46) (3) of the Arbitration Act 1996   [ 3 ]   , â€Å"is concerned with the situation in which there is no express choice of law, and here the arbitrators are empowered to determine the conflict of laws rules which should apply, and then to apply those conflict of laws rules to decide which law should apply to the contract.†Ã‚   [ 4 ]   The question t hat arises is that the choice suggested by the arbitrator of the applicable rules is that correct and secondly is its application a correct. It is however stated that if the arbitrator has to decide under the English court jurisdiction then the English law would be applicable under the Rome Convention 1980   [ 5 ]   and is therefore stated that if it is not decided with certainty then the that law is decided to which the contract is most closely connected to.   [ 6 ]    In an submission to an agreement it is important to choose the relevant laws that will be applicable in an agreement because if they are expressly stated then in that way they are substantive issues to the disputes and its always better to draft them in a submission agreement, but if the express and the implied choice of law is not made by the parties then in that case the choice of law is determined by the law of seat of the arbitration and the contract as a whole as well.   [ 7 ]    The Seat of arbitrat ion is described in the S (3) of the Arbitration Act 1996   [ 8 ]   which describe that it is essential to have seat for arbitration which defines the geographical location of the arbitration as well as the procedural law, the seat may be different as well e.g. The LCIA ( London Court Of International Arbitration Rules).   [ 9 ]    A number of cases in different jurisdiction which has taken the law appropriate to govern the arbitration agreement. The case of C V D   [ 10 ]   this case emphasis on the even though, in the contract it was stated that, the contract is to be governed by the New York law, the Court of Appeal decided that English law will apply, because it was expressly stated by the parties that any in case of any dispute the issue will be finally resolved in London under the Arbitration Act 1996. To support the judgment the English court gave a list of cases to support the idea, where it was stated that the case will be decided according to the English law wh ere it was made specific that Arbitration Act 1996, other cases such as, Xl insurance Ltd v Owens corning   [ 11 ]   and Noble assurance company and shell petroleum inc v Gerling Konzern general Insurance Company Uk branch   [ 12 ]   . In the case of Black Clawson   [ 13 ]   it was stated that it would be a rare case in which the law of arbitration would not be a seat of arbitration.

Impacts of Outdoor Learning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Impacts of Outdoor Learning - Essay Example Most educators in the field of education mostly prefer experimental learning over other learning methods, like the lecture method which they claim to be more of teacher centred than student centred. Studies indicate that lessons that are designed to meet the demands of the learners, especially through discovery are more inclined to yield more results than lessons that are more concerned with the tutors (Martin, 2006). Marg (2008) indicates that outdoor learning is that which is organized to fit the learners in the outdoor, with the environment manipulated to fit the needs of the learners. The main learning resource, in this case, is the environment, that allows for learning via action as well as reflection of concepts being taught in the classroom. Reflection, in this case, takes place through use of role play, learner games and narratives amongst others. Through these learning tools, the educators are able to learners tend to change their way of thinking on the manner in which they view the concepts being taught. Of more weight, is the argument by Geoff (2008) who indicates that the kind of knowledge that was confined in the classroom is no longer applicable in contemporary learning environment. Teachers must come up with systems that allow the learners be active in the learning environment, an aspect that allows them interact one on one with the real life environment. If the teachers assume the role of ‘preachers’ in the classroom, chances are that the learners will result to rote learners who will assume education as a part time. Teachers must the source of experience givers, and make the learning environment as constructive as possible. 2.0. Body 2.1. Literature review According to Bilton (2010), outdoor learning is a channel in which the educator opens innovative opportunities for learners to grasp the concepts being taught in the classroom. Experimental learning is a practical method of teaching and learning that allows the learners venture i nto milieus that they had not been conversant with prior to subjection to the concept being taught in the learning environment. Through outdoor learning, the monotony of the classroom environment and the normal lectures and group discussions are evaded by the learners. Of essence, the learners are given the opportunity to ankle new discoveries in the environment that are relation to the concepts being educated in schools. As much as some critics’ dispute that outdoor learning may give minimal results during learning, the direct point of discussion is that a difference is noted, regardless of how tiny it may sound. This leads to the definition of the learning process, which indicates any form of change that is experienced in the learners after imposition of any form of instruction (Bunting, 2006). In this case, therefore, it would be justified to make the assumption that no matter how minute, outdoor learning has created a lot of changes in the learners. Additionally, research conducted by Sampson & Adelsberger (2008) indicates that outdoor learning has made exceptional changes in the field of education. With time, learners have been seen to develop a positive attitude towards discovery of concepts on their own, which has produced tremendous outcomes on the performance of the learners, a concept which Weaver& Bodzin (2010) refer to as active students. It is evident that

Is Gene Therapy Permissable Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Is Gene Therapy Permissable - Essay Example The procedure of gene therapy involves replacement of a defective gene with an accurate one or thump a mutated gene that has lost its activity by establishing a novel gene to eradicate an anomaly. Besides promises that the therapy bestows, the process presents numerous possibilities of unavoidable hazards which need to be well thought-out before the therapy is declared safe and effective. The inserted gene does not function inside the cell on its own, instead a vector is required to transport a gene, these vectors are modified viruses for instance retrovirus which is capable of binding with the chromosome in human cell, on the other hand adenovirus only release DNA into the nucleus of cell. The process of injection is either performed intravenously into a definite tissue or patient's cells are removed and insertion in performed under laboratory conditions, then the cells are inserted back into the host to rectify the protein function. In these cases, the question that keeps pondering is how far we are benefitted? Are we getting the desired results? Medically, it is evident that the results procured may possibly be devastating as the gene inserted could alter the physiological functions or controls the actions of other gene(s) as well, where the motive of gene therapy is to relieve suffering the process may end up into a challenging disaster! Genetic therapy could be the first line of help to those who are facing premature death but the process of genetic enhancement then paves the way for human selfish motifs that results in genetic hazard making the process of gene therapy ethically precarious. There is a very thin line of demarcation between treatment and enhancement, what is considered to be the disease in one society could not be considered an anomaly in other, for instance colour blindness is considered as a grave issue in Africa where as it is not considered to be a serious issue in USA. Thus the social bias and outlook becomes imperative in judgement. It is essential to understand that gene therapy could direct to such a social network where society is going to be entirely homogeneous, where people possess same aspirations and longing with similar values and any divergence from this is believed to be a disease (Murphy, 1994)! The predicament of gene therapy illustrates that gene therapy is capable of repairing any defect on somatic cells encompassing muscles or brain tissues. It is a serious ethical quandary to exploit gene therapy further than health. The process engage genetic enhancements in terms of greater intelligence, sharper memories, disease free physiology (Sandel). It is unethical to take drugs and play, it is unethical to determine the sex of the child before birth, it is unethical to copy and write in an examination, it is unethical to use calculators where it is prohibited to use, it is unethical to drive at a speed which is not permissible, it is unethical to kill someone, it is unethical to commit an abuse, it is un ethical to do robbery! All these and many more are the issues that pose a tag of being unethical; if an individual commits any one of these as it is against the set social norms, but, what one should say if gene therapy is demanding to make things better through genetic manipulations! Is it ethical to manipulate the future generation as per the needs of parents? Does the future progeny possess no right to have his own autonomy in the sense of

Syllabus Essay Example for Free

Syllabus Essay Lon Kurashige and Alice Yang Murray, Major Problems in Asian American History (Houghton Mifflin Co. , 2003). ISBN 0618077340. 2. John Luther Long, Madame Butterfly (General Books, 2009). Available free online at http://xroads. virginia. edu/~hyper/long/contents. html 3. David Henry Hwang, M Butterfly (Dramatists Play Service, Inc. , 1998). 4. Lac Suh, I Love Yous Are for White People: A Memoir (P. S. ) (Harper Perennial, 2009). ISBN 978-0061543661. Grades – All grades are determined by your TA 20% Section participation 20% Paper 1 20% Paper 2 20% Midterm 20% Non-cumulative final exam What you should expect: Papers: You will be writing two papers. The first should include all relevant readings and lectures up to David Henry Hwang on the syllabus; the second should include all relevant materials up to and including Lac Suh. All papers should have a unique central argument and be between 4-6 pages in length. Please include an original title that reflects your argument, use 12 pt Times New Roman or Times only, and print double-spaced, double-sided. All papers must be submitted in hard copy AND to turnitin. com. Students taking this course agree to this requirement. Your essay will be marked 1/3 step down for every day it is late. (Saturday + Sunday = 2 days. After class on the day due = 1 day. A 1/3 step is from an A to an A-, A- to B+, etc. ) Any requests for extensions will be decided by the TA except in extenuating circumstances. Essay 1: Which orientalist views does David Henry Hwang attack, and how effectively does he do it, in your opinion? Reference all relevant readings up to week 5 for this essay. Essay 2: What makes the concept of a â€Å"model minority† problematic and/or compelling in the twentieth century? Reference all relevant readings from weeks 5-10 for this essay. OPTION: You are welcome to turn in a traditional essay for this assignment. If you earned at least a B on your first essay, you may choose to make a short video between 5-7 minutes in length answering this same question and including at least 3 substantive, specific references to historical content from your readings. You may work with a partner if you choose to make a video. Both members of the group must have earned at least a B on the first essay. Prof. Kwak reserves the right to show your video in class if you choose this option. What is the purpose of these essays? What I am really looking for in these papers is first and foremost, your ability to articulate an original argument. Think carefully about what YOU want to say; do not just regurgitate. The second critical component of the essays is to demonstrate your understanding of the readings and to show me you know how to use quotes. Quotes should never be just put into your writing without explanation or discussion; each quote requires scrutiny, analysis. How will the optional video project be graded? The video project will be graded based upon three key criteria. First, does it clearly answer the central question? Second, are the three historical references used effectively and substantively? Third, how polished is the final product? Does it show careful thought, effort, and organization? Midterm and Final Exams: Midterm review sheets will be distributed exactly one week prior to the exam. Final exam review sheets will be distributed on the last day of lecture. You will not be tested on anything that is not on the review sheet. Exams will consist of short answers and fill-in questions. You should bring a blue book to both exams. Policy on lecture notes: I will not post or give out my lecture notes. Please do not ask for them. Powerpoint presentations will always be posted 24 hours AFTER the lecture. Academic honesty: Academic honesty is expected at all times. Any instance of plagiarism will be dealt with according to university and departmental policies. Schedule: FIRST HALF Week 1 Th 9/27 Course intro: What is Asian America? Week 2 Tu 10/2 Coolies, miners, and railroad workers Th 10/4 Nineteenth-century American orientalism Read for section: Major Problems, ch. 1. John Luther Long, Madame Butterfly Week 3 Tu 10/9 Labor and anti-Asian movements Th 10/11 Legal rights Read for section:

All Quite on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque Essay -- war, de

Away from the front lines, soldiers are perceived and act as individuals, however, when pulled to the front, they come together creating and inseparable bond of camaraderie. Remarque’s All Quite on the Western Front illustrates the true content of war. The soldiers of the front lines fought with a common purpose, putting aside other desires and denying personal needs, creating a flagrant bond of camaraderie. Through this camaraderie Paul Baumer finds life on the front lines bearable, as we see in the relationships the soldiers share. Through Paul’s protection of his comrades, the family like relationship between the soldiers and the development of a close bond during free time, Remarque shows that the most important aspect of war is undoubtedly camaraderie. Soldiers in WWI had only each other to depend on for any chance of survival. Paul reveals this time and again by protecting and trusting those around him. Paul says once â€Å"we had to recognize that our generation was more to be trusted that theirs. They surpass us only in phrases and in cleverness† (Remarque 12-13). He is referring to the older generations who are not fighting on the front with Paul and his comrades, and still describe the war as glorious. Paul understands that camaraderie is based on common experience, something only the front line soldiers live through and thus understand. Because these common experiences exist, Paul also shows compassion to especially the younger, new recruits. While in the trenches, a young recruit â€Å"lay in utter terror. He had buried his face in his hands. He looked up, pushing the helmet off and like a child crept under [Paul’s] arm†¦the little shoulders heaved. Shoulders like Kemmerich’s† (Remarque 61). Paul’s compassion for the young soli... ...â€Å"a more complete communion with one another than even lovers†¦so intimate we do not even speak† this forever known camaraderie is set in stone for when one part is lost it leaves the group weak (Remarque 94). This is portrayed when Kat dies and Paul is left alone. He realizes since his comrades are no longer living, there is no one left for him and he gives up. He knew nothing but death and dying without the camaraderie in the war. War is a series of deaths for a greater gain for the people who do not fight at the front. However while on the front it becomes a fight for life through battle and friendship. The bonds created allow success and support. The family bonds created in the trenches are the most important effect of war and debatably the only good one. Throughout war it is seen that these relationships are the only light, in the never-ending darkness of war.

High School Diploma/Equivalency vs. College Degree

Frederick D. Huff, Jr. Rhonda Steel English 102 College Degree Vs. High School Diploma/Equivalency or No diploma at all â€Å"To be or not to be? , that is the question. † This is the opening statement of a soliloquy that was used in the playwright Hamlet by the great William Shakespeare. I guess you may be wondering why I would open with such a statement for a research proposal. This is what comes to my mind with I think about the ethics and importance of education.Whether this be the achievement of obtaining a college degree or just settling for a high school diploma is, the importance that each of these holds lies within the person that is getting the education. As I analyze and gain a further understanding of what true education means to me, I seem to gain a sense that defining what it means to have a true education for one seems to be undermined by many.Though this may come off as an aggressive approach towards addressing the selected topic of which I have chosen to prese nt my rhetorical analysis, I would like to state that it makes sense to me that many would agree that higher education is the key to all success, financially, materialistically, or spiritually. I say this because in mind, an education is just simply pursuing the subject that your soul is most passionate for. Through discovering what that passion is, you would strive in reaching the greatest point possible in that specific field as you can.Although it seems like this topic may be something that everyone would take a great importance to, it is quite surprising to see the responses given when citizens, including fellow students, are asked â€Å"Why do you feel education is important to the growth of the American Economy and why you find education to be important? † I feel this is a broad topic that can meet the requirements that need to be fulfilled for this assignment. I feel that this is a very appropriate topic for discussions as each of the individuals taking this online cou rse are currently considered to be students in pursuit of a college education.This topic also comes in correspondence of the requirements that need to be met for the research proposal as listed in the assignment prompt. Whether or not that college education is limited to an associate’s degree or a doctorate in Physiological engineering, the education obtained would still be considered a form of higher education. This can be a very open topic full of ideas but I feel I can centralize my stance in a general direction that all can relate to. Being the author, or writer as stated in the question, I could see this being a topic of interest for many.Including my fascination of education and why I feel it is an absolute necessity for our existence as American citizens, this passion could definitely feed over to valid and credible points of the difference between being college educated and just high school educated. This is a diverse topic and I feel it should be acknowledged. In my opinion, education is very important and must be an essential part of each functioning citizen. These reasoning coming from my perspective may be sort of bias and can pretty much tell how I feel regarding this topic, education is the reason why some of todays leaders have gotten to the point that they are in.I will be the first male in my family to not only attend a division 1 four year University but I will also be the first to receive a college degree. I think that this experience has not only changed my well being as a human but has also enlightened me with greater values and ethics that I now take a lot more serious then I did before. In conclusion, I know that the questions â€Å"Is it really as beneficial as it seems to be college educated or is that just a statement used for people for those that do want to go onto higher education?Why does it seem like there is becoming a greater standard for the education system and why is it becoming more of a mandate for everyone to stri ve for higher education? Does it really require a college education to be a success in America or is success just a state of mind? † all come to mind. As I stated before, this can only come from the individual receiving the education but the real question should be â€Å"Do you value yourself enough to achieve greater through your education? † Education: The Single Most Important Job. † Edutopia. N. p. , n. d. Web. 13 Feb. 2013. â€Å"Diversity and Higher Education: Theory and Impact on Educational Outcomes – Harvard Educational Review – Volume 72, Number 3 / Fall 2002 – Harvard Education Publishing Group. † Diversity and Higher Education: Theory and Impact on Educational Outcomes – Harvard Educational Review – Volume 72, Number 3 / Fall 2002 – Harvard Education â€Å"Open Educational Resources. † Hewlett Foundation News. N. p. , n. d. Web. 13