Plants And Diseases That Ravaged The Western Hemisphere Essays

Plants And Diseases That Ravaged The Western Hemisphere PLANTS AND DISEASES IN THE WESTERN WORLD In 1215, a man named Marco Polo embarked on a journey towards Western Asia and China. His reason for going to Asia was to gain spices, silks, and other luxurious items only the Asians made. Along his journey, Polo soon realized that the Earth was larger than he thought and that there must be some easier way to get to china. Not too long after his journey, the Ottoman Turks conquouered Constantinople. Constantinople (present day Istanbul) is the city, in Turkey, that divides Eastern Europe from Western Asia. Constantinople (which was previously held by European Christians) was a major port and trading center for the Europeans. It was also a major turnpike in the only safe route to Asia. Basically, the only way one could get to Asia, was through Constantinople. Since the Ottoman Turks held this city and charged outrageous prices on goods, another route to Asia was sought out by the Europeans. Vasco De Gamma found a water route, around Africa, to get to Asia. But it was Christopher Colu mbuss choice in a water route to Asia that changed the world forever. Columbus sailed west, along the Atlantic, to get to Eastern Asia. However, Columbus did not know there was a HUGE landmass blocking him from Asia. This landmass was North and South America. Columbus landed on Barbados and brought with him some fellow sailors, food, and a few personal items. However. Columbus did not know that by landing on Barbados, he would create a European frenzy to conqueror the New World. By the 1700s Europeans accomplished this goal. They accomplished this goal with the help of thousands of Europeans with guns and the help of foreign organisms and diseases. If these organisms and diseases did not sack the Natives the way they did, maybe today we would be speaking a Native language instead of English. The very first organisms that reached the New World were, of course, human beings from Europe. Along with these humans, came European plants. The Europeans who chose to settle the Americas needed to bring European animals, such as sheep, cattle, horses, etc. In order to feed these animals, Europeans needed to bring European plants. When these plants were introduced to the fertile American land, they started spreading like wildfire and destroyed every Native, weaker plant in their way. Because all the Native plants were being pushed aside by the stronger European plants, Native animals who fed on the Native plants began disappearing. Maybe they disappeared due to starvation. Maybe they disappeared due to being shot and killed by European farmers because they were feeding on their crops. There are numerous possibilities. Not only were herbivores hurt by these new plants, but omnivores and carnivores were also hurt. Meat-eating animals found it very hard to find plant-eating prey. Becau se of this, some meat-eating animals disappeared due to the lack of food. Native Americans were also hurt by these new plants. These plants destroyed the plants the Natives consumed. Therefore they had to move to new land that had not been infected with the European plants. They also had to move because the buffalo and deer they fed on moved because of the European onslaught. This, in turn, opened up more land for the Europeans to move into. Plants were very important in helping the Europeans take over the New World. But these new plants were not as deadly and effective as the new diseases Europeans brought. Before the Europeans discovered the New World, the had to deal with diseases such as measles, mumps, smallpox, dysentery, the plaque, and other diseases. Over time, they began becoming immune to these diseases. When the Europeans began settling the New World, they unknowingly brought these diseases with them. The Natives had no immunity to these diseases and began dropping like flies. Hundreds of thousands of Natives died from these diseases. The Aztecs, Incas, and most of the Eastern American tribes were decimated by European disease. Because more and more Natives began dying, the European conquerors encountered less and less Native resistance. The less the resistance, the easier it became for the Europeans to dominate the Americas. Not only

Habits and Traits of Owlet Moths

Habits and Traits of Owlet Moths The owlet moths (family Noctuidae) account for over 25% of all butterflies and moths. As you might expect in a family this large, theres a good deal of diversity within this group. Though there are exceptions, most noctuids share a common set of traits outlined here. The family name, Noctuidae, derives from the Latin noctua meaning little owl or night owl (which in turn derives from nox, meaning night). What Do Owlet Moths Look Like? As youve undoubtedly already deduced from the family name, owlet moths tend to be nocturnal. If youve ever tried black lighting for insects, you must have collected some noctuids, because most will readily come to lights. The owlet moths are robust, stout-bodied insects, usually with filiform antennae. The fore wings tend to be mottled in color, often cryptic, and slightly longer and more narrowed than the hind wings. In most, the hind wings will be brightly colored but kept hidden under the forewings when at rest. Some owlet moths have tufts on the dorsal surface of the thorax (in other words, theyre furry!). For those readers who enjoy confirming their IDs by studying wing venation details, you should note the following traits in the owlet moths you collect: The subcosta (Sc) arises near the base of the hind wing.The subcosta (Sc) fuses briefly with the radius near the discal cell in the hindwingThree medio-cubital veins extend to the distal edge of the hind wing As David L. Wagner notes in Caterpillars of Eastern North America, there are no unique identifying traits of caterpillars in this family. In general, noctuid larvae are dull in color, with smooth cuticles and five pairs of prolegs. Owlet moth caterpillars go by varied common names, including loopers, earworms, armyworms, and cutworms. Owlet moths sometimes go by other common names, such as underwing moths or cutworm moths. The family is divided into several subfamilies, although there is some disagreement about their classification, and some sources may consider these groups separate families entirely. I generally follow the classification system found in the latest edition of Borror and Delongs Introduction to the Study of Insects. How Are Owlet Moths Classified? Kingdom – AnimaliaPhylum – ArthropodaClass – InsectaOrder – LepidopteraFamily - Noctuidae What Do Owlet Moths Eat? Noctuid caterpillars vary greatly in their diets, depending on the species. Some feed on foliage, living or fallen, some on detritus or decaying organic matter, and still others feed on fungus or lichens. Some noctuids are leaf miners, and others stem borers. The family Noctuidae includes some significant pests of agricultural crops and turfgrass. Adult owlet moths usually feed on nectar or honeydew. Some are capable of piercing fruit, thanks to a sturdy, sharp proboscis. One very unusual noctuid moth (Calyptra eustrigata feeds on the blood of mammals. You only need to worry about these blood-sucking moths if you live in Sri Lanka or Malaysia, fortunately. The Owlet Moth Life Cycle Noctuid moths undergo a complete metamorphosis, just like any other butterflies or moths. Most owlet moth caterpillars pupate in the soil or leaf litter. Special Adaptations and Behaviors of Owlet Moths The nocturnal noctuids can detect and avoid hungry bats, thanks to a pair of tympanal organs located at the base of the metathorax. These auditory organs can detect frequencies from 3-100 kHz, enabling them to hear a pursuing bats sonar and take evasive action. Where Do Owlet Moths Live? Globally, the noctuids number well over 35,000 species, with the worldwide distribution you would expect within such a large group. In North America alone, there are approximately 3,000 known species of owlet moths. Sources Borror and DeLongs Introduction to the Study of Insects, 7th Edition, by Charles A. Triplehorn and Norman F. Johnson Caterpillars of Eastern North America, by David L. Wagner Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America, by Eric R. Eaton and Kenn Kaufman Family Noctuidae, North Dakota State University. Accessed January 14, 2013. Family Noctuidae, Butterflies and Moths of North America website. Accessed January 14, 2013. Family Noctuidae, by Dr. John Meyer, North Carolina State University. Accessed January 14, 2013.

Computer Science Information System Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Computer Science Information System - Essay Example Solution: This system provides with user inputs to a large variety of questions to analyze their needs and future goals to get them the best they desire. Constant monitoring is a very important activity. Solution: They will be able to understand their system change requirements to cater better services to the members and win satisfaction and performance in the competitive market to give everyone the best service possible. Description: The primary system has the main process called the DSS system for fitness center. The users enquire the systems as for their requirements and get the answers relevant to their plans. The questions and answers are stored in a data store and the DSS system accesses it to retrieve the respective ones. The fitness experts do keep their info and the knowledge of the members with regard to their plans and performance. The databases include the 'general questions and answer', 'user info', 'fitness consultant info' and 'Company services list and eligibility criteria'. The main purpose of the DSS system to the management is to get the regular or periodic feedbacks about the system and also about the member's interests. It helps them in preparing an appropriate marketing strategy to bring in more customers and create a brand in the

Living as a Jain Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Living as a Jain - Essay Example I was touched and gave him my only sweater to make him warm. In addition, I gave him 20 dollars to cater for his food. I had turned compassionate to the situation, something which Americans ignore. That day, I vowed to return to a nearby homeless station and donate some of my old clothes. The idea of doing well to the less fortunate warmed me up as I went to school. During lunch break, I met with a boy whom I have hated since my first day in school for being a bully, by remembering Jainism teachings; I opted to forgive him for his wrong doings and went forth with my other activities. It really felt nice after 10 years of hating him. In the afternoon, in having an impromptu exam which I had not prepared well for it, while most of my classmates were copying through their iPhones, I opted to stay ethical and do the right thing by not lying to myself. As the day ended, I decided not to accompany my girlfriend to her place and refrain from any romantic feelings just like any Jain would do. All in all, as the day ended, I was pleased to be part of the Jain

The Impact of Using Multimedia in an Online Learning Setting Essay

The Impact of Using Multimedia in an Online Learning Setting - Essay Example The paper "The Impact of Using Multimedia in an Online Learning Setting" talks about the impact of Multimedia on online learning. Learning is done in a computer-based setup where multimedia is used as a material for teaching. Having multimedia presentations through videos creates a sense of understanding in a given scenario.Nowadays, technology has been the number one accessible source of information around the world and its remarkable continuity gets to blow up as the years go by. In fact, it has become a feasible and possible preference to people especially to those who are into learning. It has given an opportunity for a new learning net to be born. Multimedia and online learning nurture information that is merely pertinent, applicable and significant for the college students. It would be best inculcated to them if multimedia is interactive and the control of it solely relies on the learner. In a live chat with a student who is shy, inspirational videos such as believing in oneâ⠂¬â„¢s self can encourage the student, even more, to believe in herself. As the college students continue to explore what life has to offer, engaging in the learning process results in a better exploration as they see it through an enhanced multimedia instruction. Online learning, or what is also referred to as distance learning, is an educational medium of instruction through the use of Internet. Its objectives are aligned with the same goals one would find in a traditional classroom setup. Instruction can take place anytime and anywhere.

A Room With A View | Analysis

A Room With A View | Analysis In the opening of the novel Forster presents repression within the English class system leading to a life with no view which is represented by the fact that Lucy and Charlotte did not get the rooms overlooking the Arno that they expected. Charlotte represents the stiff and conventional society that is holding Lucy back. Charlottes protecting embrace gave Lucy the sensation of fog. She wants Lucy to behave in a ladylike way and wants her to avoid any improper behaviour with young men. Charlotte holds Lucy back from expressing her true emotions with George Emerson perhaps because of being humiliated herself in a love affair many years ago. I have met the type before. They seldom keep their exploits to themselves. This has prevented Charlotte from seeing that true love exists and so presents to Lucy the complete picture of a cheerless, loveless world with no view. Forster also shows the reader that there are romantic features hidden inside her. This is shown when she secretly tells Miss Lavish about George and Lucys kiss who then proceeds to write her novel about it. This same repression is seen with Lucy who plays her piano with passion showing that only through her music can Lucy truly express herself otherwise she is just an ordinary conventional girl. If Miss Honeychurch ever takes to live as she plays, it will be very exciting (p30) Mr Beebe is waiting for the moment when Lucy can break free from Charlotte and lead a more bold and daring life. When Lucy returns to her home in England the drawing room curtains at Windy Corner had been pulled to meet for the carpet was new and deserved protection from the August sun. They were heavy curtains, reaching almost to the ground, and the light that filtered through them was subdued and varied. The drawing room curtains protect the furniture from the damaging rays of the sun, just as Lucy has been protected in Italy by Charlotte. There is no view and the light has been blocked. This symbolises how Lucy is repressed and prevented from seeing the true nature of life. They are denied the beauty of a view. Cecil also attempts to protect Lucy with his confining ideas. Cecils attitude towards women is arrogant and dismissive: he treats Lucys ideas as if they are of feminine inconsequence and wants her to conform to an image of a Leonardo painting of mystery and quietness, in which he is always dominant. When Lucy thinks of Cecil its always in a room and one with no view (p99). This illustrates how Cecil is repressing Lucys feelings, providing her with a life of monotony and so preventing her seeing the true view of life. Forster uses Italy to awaken Lucy to new ways of thinking and the opening up of windows to view the world. The well-known world had broken up, and there emerged Florence, a magical city where people thought and did the most extraordinary things that has the power, perhaps to evoke passions, good and bad, and bring them to speedy fulfilment (p51). Italy is uninhibited by class restrictions and this sensation of equality and freedom shakes the foundations of Lucys previous view of the world. It is a place where anything can happen. Lucys view on life initially begins to open up by George and Mr Emerson swapping rooms. I have a view, I have a viewThis is my sonhis names George. He has a view, too. Mr Emerson is speaking of their views of the river, but the Forster intends the text to have a double meaning. The Emersons view has to do with more than the quality of their rooms and Forster implies a metaphorical meaning in that the Emersons have a superior view of life which is much freer and more exciting. Miss Lavish takes her Baedeker guidebook and subsequently loses her in Santo Croce when for one ravishing moment Italy appeared to Lucy. Inside the church he meets the Emersons who show her how to enjoy the church by following her heart not by her guidebook. Their philosophic view helps Lucy in her exploration of her own life and the world. The pernicious charm of Italy worked on her, and instead of acquiring information, she began to be happy. Furthermore when Lucy witnesses the murder and the Italian falls at her feet she is overwhelmed the spontaneity of the incident. When she regains consciousness after fainting and is rescued by George, she realises that she as well as the dying man, had crossed some spiritual boundary. Lucy begins to realise that her image of the world based on how others think she should be is being replaced by spontaneous reaction and raw instinct. A new view is opening up for her. She contemplated the River Arno, whose roar was suggesting some unexpected melody to her ears. This view of the river symbolises the great change inside Lucy and the journey to find her true view of life. Lucy however is not reborn into a passionate woman until she is kissed by George. The view was forming at last. Forster is showing how Lucys discovery of her view mirrors her personal discovery. Her experiences in Italy change her, giving her new eyes to view the world, and a view of her own soul as well. Finally Lucy at lasts gains freedom to look out of windows. She is able to see clearly what she wants from life. George tells her that Cecil only sees her as an object to be admired and will never love her enough to grant her independence, while George loves her for who she truly is. Conventional, Cecil, youre that, for you may understand beautiful things, but you dont know how to use them; and you wrap yourself up in art and books and music, and would try to wrap up me. I wont be stifled, not by the most glorious music, for people are more glorious, and you hide them from me. She then breaks off her engagement with Cecil and in doing this she breaks the social code of society. A last minute meeting with Mr Emerson convinces Lucy to admit and act upon her love for George. How he managed to strengthen her. It was as if he had made her see the whole of everything at once. At the very end of the novel George and Lucy have eloped and have returned to the same Pension in Italy and look ou t from the same window to the future world. Although they both look out to the same view of Italy it is with a very different view of the world. Georges view has become clear through his relationship with Lucy who has given him a point to his existence and Lucys view has changed both emotionally and by breaking away from her social class. They both have a literal and metaphorical room with a view one that involves living for the moment and not simply for society. In conclusion Forsters title A Room with a View is very affective because through Lucys eyes we have strayed through the streets of Florence and returned slightly changed, unable to look at the world in the same old way. We all need the room to express our personal truths and the openness and freedom to love that the views in Forsters novel represent.

Jane Eyre as Feminist Role Model for all Women Essay -- Feminism Femin

Jane Eyre as Feminist Role Model for all Women      Ã‚  Ã‚   In 1837 critic Robert Southey wrote to Charlotte Bronte, "Literature cannot be the business of a woman's life, and it ought not to be.   The more she is engaged in her proper duties, the less leisure will she have for it, even as an accomplishment and a recreation," (Gaskell 102).   This opinion was not held by only one person, but by many.   Indeed, it is this attitude, one that debases women and their abilities, to which Charlotte Bronte responds with Jane Eyre.   The purpose of Jane Eyre, not only the novel, but also the character herself as a cultural heroine, is to transform a primeval society, one which devalues women and their contributions, into a nobler order of civilization   (Craig 57).   The effectiveness of Bronte's argument is due to both her motivation and approach.   Bronte found her motivation from the experiences she had undergone while living in the Victorian era. Her approach in advocating social reform is to establish Jane as a model for readers.   Readers are meant to examine Jane's life, especially the manner in which she handles problems or confrontations in her relationships, and to follow her example in their own lives.   Just as we see Jane as a model of a woman successful in asserting her self-worth, we are also given a warning about the possible outcome of failure to realize self-worth in Bertha Rochester.   This facet will also be discussed briefly.   Bronte uses the motivation of personal experiences to create the life of Jane Eyre in which we see the quest for social betterment through her relationships.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Bronte herself experienced the social ... ...ler civilization that realizes the worth of women. Bibliography Bronte, Charlotte.   Jane Eyre.   New York: Penguin Group,1982 Craig, G. Armour.   "The Unpoetic Compromise: On the Relationship Between Private Vision and Social Order in the Nineteenth- Century English Fiction."   Nineteenth Century Literary Criticism.   Ed.   L. Harris and E. Tennyson.   Michigan: Gale Research Co., 1985. 61-62 Gaskell, E.   The Life of Charlotte Bronte.   England: E.P. Dutton, Inc., 1975 London, Bette.   "The Pleasure of Submission: Jane Eyre and the Production of the Text."   "ELH."   Spring 1991.   195-213 Schact, Paul.   "Jane Eyre and the History of Self-Respect." "Modern Language Quarterly."   Dec 1991.   423-53 Sienkewicz, Anne W.   "Jane Eyre   An Autobiography." Masterplots II.   Ed. Frank Magill.   California: Salem Press, 1991.   745-748