The origin and significance of diversity Essay Example for Free

The origin and significance of diversity Essay Introduction Ants FormÄ «ca are arguably the most successful organisms presently on earth. They evolved from a wasp like common ancestor approximately 150 million years ago(2006 Chuck Lydeard)1. Due to their long ecological dominancy amongst insect and short life span they have undergone a high rate of adaptive radiation. Leading to a reasonably large amount of species and inter- species diversity. There are at least 12000 different species of Formicidae (2008 Edward O. Wilson)2 which have colonised almost every landmass on the planet(Alice S. Jones 2006)3 This unique dominancy and prevalence means that Ants presently account for an incomparable 15 to 20%(2000 Ted R. Schultz)4,3 of the worlds terrestrial animal biomass. FormÄ «ca exhibit eusociality, they have complex rigid social roles and interactions. They form colonies varying form a few hundred to super colonies with billions of individuals. Ants prevalence is often over looked due to their size and nature. The time when we most notice their vast numbers is when it starts affecting us; but to put it in perspective there are around 1.7billion ants for every person in Scotland(2006 Edward O. Wilson) 5,6. History of OriginThe Origin of the Ant stems back even further than we originally thought. A new D.N.A. study which included researchers from Harvard University states that they evolved around 140 to 168 million years ago in the Jurassic or Cretaceous period1. This is significant when we analyze how Ants became so successful and diverse. They evolved from the same common ancestor family as wasps called Vespoidea (1999 Denis J. Brothers)7 the similarity is clear in the family velvet ant (Mutillidae,) [See figure 1] which is actually a wasp but exhibits ant like qualities. They originally evolved in a rain forest type climate living predominantly amongst large herbivores. Indeed this is where we see the greatest number of FormÄ «ca and variation in species at present3,4. For a long time Ants were scarce making up only around 1 percent of the insect population(2000 David Grimaldi and Donat Agosti)8. However around 100 million years ago with the appearance of flowering plants the r-sel ection species experienced a high rate of evolutionary radiation. As a result of this period of adaptive radiation, ants ecological dominancy increased: 20-40% of insects found in fossil deposits from the middle of the Tertiary period are ants8. Flowering  plants were the key to the ants increased population; they created a much wider range of niches and thus reduced competition amongst insects, which lead to an increase in insects that ants could utilise as a food source(2006 Moreau CS.)9 Over time ants exhibited complex symbiotic relationships. I noted a good example of this in the Edinburgh Botanic Gardens(Ä ¦). The Acacia sphaerocephala [See figure 2] is tree native to Central and South America it exhibits a symbiotic relationship with an ant species Pseudo myrmex sphaerocephala. Its thorns are hollow and perfect for the ants to live in protecting them from predators which could disrupt their colonies if on the ground. In turn this mutualistic relationship benefits the tree as the ants guard it from other leaf eating insects. The eusociality social structure exhibited by FormÄ «ca is significant to its success. Instinctive genes inherited from its common ancestor Vespoidea give rise to its social colony structure. This is also still seen in most wasps which evolved from the same ancestral family. Diversity within FormÄ «ca-QueensFormÄ «ca display a specific, highly organised, affective social colony structure. Diversity within species of Ant is based on the needs of the colony. The colony is even looked at as an organism in itself (a Super Organism) for the purpose of some field work. Individuals have specific development pathways which lead to specific roles such as, Soldiers, Workers, Drones, Queens, Foragers and food stores (repletes). The development into these different classes is determined mostly by environmental factors such as nutrition and hormones. Yet in a few studies genetic variation has been found between castes. These genetic changes are small a change in one gene which can, for instance, decide whether a colony has one or multiple queens. However in most cases all ants start with the same genes with the exception of males. Ants generally have 4 development stages, egg, larva, pupa and adult(2002 Myrm)10. The larvae (see figure 3) are only capable of some minor movement, such as bending their head toward a food source. It is in the larval stage where differing the level of care and nourishment leads to different development pathways. When resources are low most larvae will develop into sterile female workers. Only if the developed colony has an abundant food supply will worker ants map selected larvae using pheromones. These then receive better nourishment than others which  triggers select genes to activate(1978 Edward O. Wilson.)11 These larvae develop into, normally winged, sexually mature female ants (See figure 4)which leave to find a male (Drone) and start a new colony. In some colonies for whatever reason there is no queen; in this case a female worker (all ants apart from drones are female) becomes fertile and lays fertile eggs. The Queens main role is to allow gene flow in the gene pool. She mates with one or more males from other colonies before starting her own. This is t he only sexual interaction between ants from different colonies. This important role exhibits the significance of variation within a species. Diversity within FormÄ «ca-DronesWorkers generally cannot mate yet because of the haplodiploid sex-determination system in most species they have the ability to lay unfertilised eggs that become fully fertile haploid males. This system means that offspring created from the combination of a sperm and an egg develop as a female (Worker or Queen) and an unfertilized egg develops as a male. This results in males having half the number of chromosomes compared to females (males are haploid). This system means that a drone (See figure 5) has no father and cannot have sons however he has a grandfather and is able to have grandsons. The Jack Jumper Ant Myrmecia pilosulas (See figure 6) genome is enclosed on a single pair of chromosomes as males are haploid they only have 1 chromosome, the lowest amount identified for any animal. ( 1986 Michael W. J. Crosland Ross H. Crozier)12 Interestingly Myrmecia pilosula have a venomous poison and cause more deaths in Tasmania than spiders, snakes, wasps, and sharks combined.(2008 Killer Ants T.V.)13 The only purpose of drones is to mate with a queen so she can start a new colony when this is complete he dies. Diversity within FormÄ «ca-WorkersWorkers carry out every other role in ant society. Depending on their age and a number of environmental conditions, including the state of the colony, workers can be soldiers, nurses, farmers, repletes and more, depending on the species. Ants are the only taxonomic group to evolve into specific eusocialit roles with age. This creates a very clear and significant diversity within species. Soldiers are often older workers which develop powerful mandibles. In contrast to workers soldiers are a lot larger; in the species Pheidologeton diversus the dry mass of a  soldier can be 500 times that of a worker. The difference is most prevalent in the army ant genus Dorylus(See figure 7.) Due to seasonal food shortages they leave their temporary ant hill and march in columns of up to 50 million individuals. Columns are ordered with workers being flanked and protected by the larger soldier ants(1991Bert Hà ¶lldobler)14. The soldiers create a defensive moving wall allowing the workers to safely and swiftly move through the corridor (at around 20 meters an hour.) A clear example of the diversity within a species is found in the genus Myrmecocystus. It is literally a living food store, workers feed another worker until its abdomen swells and it gets too large to get out of the chamber it is in. They are termed repletes (See figure 8) and are used by the colony to survive in times of reduced resources such as; food, water and nutrients(1993 Randy C. Morgan)15. Diversity between different species of FormicaFormicas ecological dominance has driven diversity between species to reduce competition. To allow successful resource partitioning and acquisition of new resources there are vast differences in the physical abilities of different species. A resent example of this is the study of the species Odontomachus bauri (Trap Jaw Ant) by Andrew Suarez (an ecologist and entomologist at the University of Illinois) in late 2006. Through the use of high speed cameras (about 10,000 times faster than those used to film movies) the speed of the ant jaws closing was able to be measured. It is, by a clear margin, the fastest self perpetuated moment in the animal kingdom with speeds exceeding 144 miles per hour. Even more interesting is the power involved in this movement the jaws accelerate at 100,000 times the force of gravity. This results in the movement being completed very quickly, the movement could be repeated approximately 2300 times in the time it takes you to blink: exerting a force up to 500 times the ants body mass(2006 Andrew Suarez)16. This diversity gives the ant a competitive advantage over other species. They use this ability to kill pray, attack predators and to flee from predators. As when the jaws close against the predator or ground the ant gets propelled away. An example of very specific diversity is that of leaf cutter ants Myrmicinae. They farm specific fungi as food sources in their colonies. Gathering specific leaves to feed the fungi and carrying antimicrobial  bacteria to stop infection or competition for their specific fungi. However a more unique and resent discovery in Formica diversity is Polyrhachis sokolova (See figure 9) discovered in Australia in 2006 in mangrove swamps it is the only ant found to swim and nest under water. They survive in air pockets and by swimming to the surface to breath (2006 Dr Simon Robson)17. Not much more is known about them and research is ongoing. They clearly demonstrate the level of diversity and its significance in avoiding and reducing competition between ant species. Conclusion To conclude Formica are exceedingly diverse both within and between species. They exhibit very specific roles within their colonies so much so that the entre colony can be viewed as a single organism. They have been present on earth for a comparably long time. During this time they have diversified amongst species creating many complex and delicate symbiotic relationships with other organisms. However the impending threat of climate change coupled with deforestation and loss of habitat could threaten ant species. With a body I work with- the IPCC (international panel on climate change) predicting that Climate change alone is expected to force a further 15%- 37% of species to the brink of extinction within the next 50 years.(2006 IPCC.)18 There may be a serious impact on the biodiversity of ants due to their many obligate host habitats and specific dependency on other organisms. References 1 http://news.bio-medicine.org/biology-news-3/Ancient-ants-arose-140-168-million-years-ago-7286-1/2 http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/15/science/15wils.html3 http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2007/08/ants/did-you-know-learn4 http://www.pnas.org/content/97/26/140285 http://everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=17930206 http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/press/2007-news/scotlands-mid-year-population-estimates.html7 Phylogeny and evolution of wasps, ants and bees 233- 249. 8 http://www.pnas.org/content/97/25/136789 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1660119010 http://www.antnest.co.uk/cycle.html11 Caste and ecology in the social

Supply Chain Management & IT Essay -- Supply Chain Management Papers

Supply Chain Management & IT Introduction Supply Chain Management (SCM) has become such an integral and essential part of every day business that entire fields of major are dedicated solely to it. SCM, pioneered by Wal-Mart, has grown in the last few years to include not only the management of the physical aspects of SCM, but also the electronic components, such as the Internet and many SCM tools, for instance SAP. Inventory being held across the retail supply chain at any one time amounts to $1 trillion, according to a report by Benchmarking Partners, based on U.S. Dept. of Commerce data. The Cambridge, Mass.-based consulting firm estimates 15 percent to 20 percent of those inventories ($150 billion to $200 billion worldwide; $40 billion to $50 billion in the United States) could be eliminated through improved planning, forecasting and replenishment. This is a major motivation for firms everywhere to reduce costs by applying supply chain management tools. What is Supply Chain Management? Traditionally, the phrase Supply Chain Management meant assembly lines, warehouses, truckers and time sheets. Earlier, manufacturers had the luxury of taking years to develop, market and sell their products. Back then, there were few variations in packaging and in the products themselves. In only a few years, the very fundamentals of manufacturing in virtually every industry have changed. Changes have taken place in the relationships between producers of primary products, manufacturers and retailers. Companies are looking at how to provide greater flexibility in moving parts globally. In a quest for greater efficiency and lower costs, there's been growing importance given to managing the supply chain effectively for the benefit of al... ...older wealth is rising, making investors happy, whilst giving the technological industry (computers) a boost. Bibliography / References / Works Cited: McGraw-Hill, Irwin, Management Information Systems, Sixth Edition O’Brien ISBN: 0- 07-282311-9, 2004 Supply Chain Management Research Center http://www.cio.com/research/scm/edit/012202_scm.html Is Supply Chain Management What I Need? http://stylusinc.com/WebEnable/Sales/SCM.php What is SCM? http://scrc.ncsu.edu/public/s1whatis.html SCM: What does it mean to Industry now? http://logistics.about.com/cs/supplychainmgmt/a/uc102803.htm Integrated Supply Chain Management http://www.dod.mil/comptroller/icenter/learn/iscm.htm How Wal-Mart Keeps Getting it Right http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/apr2003/nf20030416_2930_db016.htm SAP – Deutschland http://www.sap.com/germany/index.aspx

Behavior Plan Template Essay

Max does not talk about his past or his family. He focuses everything on sex, power, and himself. He has had six charges of assault and brags about how many woman he has slept with. Max has a personality that draws people in and can be very socialble, but once things do not go his way or are not about him he tends to lose it. He sees nothing wrong in what he does and it is normal to him. He has serious anger issues that he does not want to admit and I feel it has a lot to with his past. Max possibly suffered from some type of abuse when he was younger, either sexual, physical, emotional, or even all three. He seems to have very low self-esteem by the way he brags  and puts down other ideas. Max does not know how to have a normal relationship with people, without making things about himself or using anger while interacting. Max hold irrational beliefs about himself and the world, which is not good because it leads to the negative actions he has been exhibiting. This type of behavior Max is exhibiting relates to rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT). Course of Treatment List two target behaviors and two interventions. Target Behaviors Anger Issues Relationship/Emotional Issues Frequency and Duration of Target Behaviors Anger Issues are serious for Max because he seems to not be able to handle his anger. This behavior needs to be targeted for three months because he has been so use to this behavior for a long time and he needs to learn how to control anger and react to things in a positive way. Relationship/Emotional issues is an important area that Max need to work on. He needs to be able have a relationship with others that does not consist of him being selfish or dominiating. This behavior needs to be targeted for three months because he does not know how to interact with people without being dominating or using sex to his advantage to get what he wants. Severity and Number of Relapses If Max does not get this behavior under control he could have to do prison or jail time. He could also run into the wrong person and lose his life or be seriously injured. He has relapsed around 4 times, it has been difficult for him. Max needs to learn how to have a normal relationship with a person, that uses the correct emotions and is not all about himself. There will come a time when he is truly alone and has nobody because they do not like how dominating and arrogant he was. He could resort back into depression. He has relapsed around 5 times because he cannot stop being dominating and arrogant. Interventions Max needs to be in angermanagment classes, along with group and one-on-one therapy. He also needs do some sort of community service. Max needs to be in  one-on-one therapy and group therapy. He should volunteer at homeless shelters, so he can appreciate what he has and improve his own self-worth. He should be involved in any sexual activity for 4 months. Goals and Objectives List two long-term goals, two short-term goals, and one objective to work towards each goal. Long-Term Goal 1. The long-term goal for anger issues is for Max to control his anger and not have any other incidents of assaulting people. 2. The long-term goal for relationship/emotional issues is for Max to learn how to have a healthy relationship with others, which he is not controlling or uncaring to the person. His self-esteem should be confidence and not arrogance. Short-Term Goal 1. The short-term goal for anger issues is for Max to not have any anger outburst or physical altercations with anyone for three months. 2. The short-term goal for relationship/emotional issues is for Max to understand individuals and think about them for he thinks about himself. Objectives 1. If Max can control his anger he will be able to be a happy person and can have a normal reaction to things in life, without feeling out of control with anger (Macavei, 2005). 2. If Max can learn how to have a healthy relationship and use his emotions correctly, he will not be alone, but can have someone who he really cares about and who really cares him (Macavei, 2005). 3. If Max can learn to not lose control right away of anger he can learn that he does not need violence, but can think before he reacts (Macavei, 2005). 4. If Max can learn to understand others and think about someone else than himself he can become a better person and not who is not depressed or hides behind negativity. He can truly understand himself and work on his own personal issue (Macavei, 2005). Discharge and Termination Plans Describe the discharge and termination plan for the client. Discharge Plan Max has been discharged after four months of treatment. He has shown he can  control his anger and really overcome his relationship and emotional issues. He has completed his anger management and therapy. Max will still have to take angermanagement classes once a week and therapy, but he will be free to live on his own and conduct his life normally. He has also been prescribed medication that will help with his mood swings. Termination Plan Max will be released and living on his own. He will have to check in once a month for a year to make sure he has not relapsed. If everything comes out good he will not have to check in after the year. References Macavei, B. (2005). The Role of Irrational Beliefs in the Rational Emotive Behavior Theory of Depression. Retrieved from http://web.a.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/ehost/detail/detail?vid=4&sid=9ad88650-04e2-482a-a3a8-bf1f672d5913%40sessionmgr4005&hid=4109&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=a9h&AN=18046159

Essay about Negative Aspects of Animal Testing - 1257 Words

An Evil Science: ANIMALS IN RESEARCH Dating back to ancient times, animals have been used in research to advance biomedical sciences. However, the ways the human race can exploit these living creatures are absolutely evil. The main concern animal rights advocates have are not concerned with the idea of using animals in research but the way people can torture these animals. The twentieth century has witnessed some of the cruelest acts of violence in the laboratory but it has also seen the rise of the animal rights movement. Cruelty will always exist in this world, in some form or another, but hopefully it can be abolished from the laboratories. One could hear the agonizing screams of the horse from a great distance. Inside the lab the†¦show more content†¦Many people find it difficult to inflict pain upon another human being, but why is it that some people ignore the fact that other animals feel pain as well? Mice and rats, for example, are highly intelligent and social creatures. They form a close bond with their families and any human who shows it affection. They have an amazing memory and never forget a navigation route once they have learned it. And yet, they (along with birds) make up the majority of the animals used in research and the numbers reach up to ten million and are continuing to rise with the popularity of genetic engineering. However the Animal Welfare Act fails to protect these animals and they continue to suffer in laboratories around the world. This common viewpoint, that animals like small rodents do not feel the same pain humans do, leads to inhumane treatment of the laboratory animals such as failure to properly clean cages and the reluctance to use pain-relievers. (http://www.stopanimaltests.com/feat/hiddenrats/, 7/30/06) Our main purpose in the use of animals in research is to advance human medicine. So why is it that the animals must suffer in order for us humans to thrive? What gives us the right to mistreat a different species? 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