Golden Toad - Facts and Figures

Name: Golden Toad; also known as Bufo periglenes Habitat: Tropical forests of Costa Rica Historical Epoch: Pleistocene-Modern (2 million-20 years ago) Size and Weight: About 2-3 inches long and one ounce Diet: Insects Distinguishing Characteristics: Bright orange males; larger, less colorful females About the Golden Toad Last seen in 1989--and presumed to be extinct, unless some individuals are miraculously discovered elsewhere in Costa Rica--the Golden Toad has become the poster genus for the mysterious worldwide decline in amphibian populations. The Golden Toad was discovered in 1964, by a naturalist visiting a high-altitude Costa Rican cloud forest; the bright orange, almost unnatural color of the males made an immediate impression, although the slightly larger females were much less ornate. For the next 25 years, the Golden Toad could only be observed during the spring mating season, when large groups of males would swarm over less numerous females in small ponds and puddles. (See a slideshow of 10 Recently Extinct Amphibians.) The extinction of the Golden Toad was sudden and mysterious. As recently as 1987, over a thousand adults were observed mating, then only a single individual in 1988 and 1989 and none thereafter. There are two possible explanations for the demise of the Golden Toad: first, since this amphibian relied on very specialized breeding conditions, the population could have been knocked for a loop by sudden changes in climate (even two years of unusual weather would have been enough to wipe out such an isolated species). And second, its possible that the Golden Toad succumbed to the same fungal infection that has been implicated in other amphibian extinctions around the world.

Romanesque Architecture versus Gothic Architecture Essay

The transition from Romanesque architecture to Gothic architecture can be attributed to a simple reason and that is wealth. Throughout Europe near the end of the Romanesque era there was large growth in towns and in turn a large growth in trade. Places such as Germany had rapid growth in their populace and economy and this encouraged trading with other towns. When it came to relations with other towns there was also a sense of competition and they showed this by building huge Gothic building that only got more grander. These buildings were a sign of pride and wealth for a town and each town was basically saying mine is bigger than yours. Places like England and France were still ruled by Kings so their buildings were often built for their†¦show more content†¦As a way to help support the higher part of walls builders invented the flying buttresses which were later perfected in High Gothic style. The vaults that helped supported ceilings had six ribs and later changed to fou r ribs in High Gothic style. With the creation of the pointed arch and rib supports for the ceiling the walls did not have to be as thick and heavy and allowed for taller and larger windows in them. This allowed a larger amount of light into the buildings and since most of the windows were stained glass they allowed a large variety of colored light inside. Notre-Dame de Paris or Our Lady of Paris in French is a Catholic cathedral located in Paris France on the eastern half of the lle de la Cite. Notre-Dame is one of the most recognizable and well known church buildings in the world and is considered by many to be one of the foremost examples of French Gothic Architecture. The sculptures and stained glass windows are quite different from the architecture of the Romanesque period. High Gothic style glorified shapes and proportions found in Early Gothic style. Architects were able to achieve lighter structures but maintain their height and majestic appearance. The vaults were cut down from six ribs to four ribs and the walls were modified to only use three of the four tiers, the arcade, clerestoryShow MoreRelatedDifferences Between Eastern And Western European Architectural Styles1223 Words   |  5 PagesGothic architecture is often characterized just by the visual aspects that define it; however, there is much deeper influence in the structure and form of the style. The term is sometimes used to define a time period, but some critics believe there is no true definition of the term gothic. The style has evolved from many different things throughout history, and its influence is still evident throughout buildings in Europe. Gothic architecture and different styles of architecture can commonly beRead MoreThe Stained Glass And Verticality Of Gothic Churches1346 Words   |  6 Pagesas destruction by many, but it helped to produce growth in Gothic architecture. Many of Christianity’s beliefs are reflected in different aspects of art. The stained glass and verticality of Gothic churches is a key change from Romanesque style churches. The Gothic church found creative ways to illustrate images of important events in history through tapestry. Even the general shape and design of the Romanesque churches versus Gothic churches show Christians values. The sculptures outside ofRead MoreEssay on Innovation During the Middle Ages 2066 Words   |  9 Pagesart form throughout the Middle Ages. Illuminated manuscripts, ornamented manuscript pages executed on an animal skin called vellum , were popular throughout the Middle Ages. A majority of these colorful pages that survive were produced during the Romanesque era, on request of the clergymen and emperors. Done on vellum, an animal skin with ink. Charlemagne, arguably the most important emperor of the Carolingian dynasty was a large manuscript enthusiast. Charlemagne, who became â€Å"King of the Franks† inRead MoreIwc1 Literature, Arts and Humanities Essay10028 Words   |  41 Pagesgeneral conclusion (or from effect to cause). Question 5: Multiple Choice Why is architecture considered an art? a) Because architecture provides shelter to humans b) Because architecture is often decorated with art forms c) Because architects use perspective in their work d) Because architecture is concerned with the aesthetic effect of structures in their environment Feedback: The correct answer is d. Architecture is considered an art because it is concerned with the aesthetic effect of structuresRead MoreQuestion and Correct Answer7042 Words   |  29 PagesAnswer: |   Ã‚   Larger and more lightweight bronze pieces | | | | | ï‚ · Question 3 2 out of 2 points | | | What classic struggle do Gilgamesh and Enkidu represent?Answer | | | | | Selected Answer: |   Ã‚   Nature versus civilization | Correct Answer: |   Ã‚   Nature versus civilization | | | | | ï‚ · Question 4 2 out of 2 points | | | What is the Persian Zoroasters greatest contribution to religious thought?Answer | | | | | Selected Answer: |   Ã‚   The emphasis on free will | Correct

My Future After High School - 1079 Words

An Irreplaceable Experience My future after high school did not come as easy as some people’s may. I was at a confusing state where higher education was necessary, but was it worth it? I completed my ACT test, visited multiple colleges, and was accepted to the colleges I applied for. The path of my future was still very unclear, until I visited the University of River Falls the fall before my high school graduation. The thought of independence, finding new friends, changing my values in life, and proving to those who love me who I can become, left me without a question that I would become part of the Falcon family. Independence is stated in almost every article we have read in the last week. That is what every student in college looks†¦show more content†¦I now had the opportunity to call my parents when I thought it was necessary. Independence has changed me for the better. I take all responsibility for my actions and I feel as though I have grown and matured into a better adult. I also feel like I am finding my true identity. The friendships I once had back at home are still strong, but I can start to feel myself drifting away. I have known my two best friends since the third grade. We have gone through the whole middle and high school experience together. I would not trade them for the world. When senior year was almost to an end, the choice to go to the same school was out of the question. We all had different opportunities and different preferences on school choices. I was ecstatic to come to River Falls and have the chance to start over. Start a new friend group and pick who I wanted to be friends with. The friends that I have made here in my short time are irreplaceable. I could not imagine my college career without them. They have changed me by showing that there is more to the world than my small town. That it does not matter who you become, as long as you are happy. Although my values have not changed significantly, there are now thing s that I do disagree with my family. Since coming to River Falls, I have discovered new people and friends. I have definitely had the opportunity of meeting people from completely different backgrounds from my own. I have learned from these

Project Managers Develop Risk Management - 993 Words

Project managers develop risk management plans in order to identify, classify, quantify, and mitigate known and unknown risks in a project (Williams, 2004, p. 1). These plan include risk assessment, mitigation, and continual assessment and evaluation during the completion of the project. In IT-related projects, IT project managers have to assess and evaluate numerous technical risks. Technical risks are the possible occurrence of failing functionality and performance that has occurred due to poor IT integration of systems, or other interactions that may be difficult to implement due to IT complications (Software Testing Help, 2015). Thus, risk management plans help minimize the impact of technical risks in a project. There are several risk management paradigms that project managers can use to manage these risks. In software risk management, Barry Boehm’s risk management paradigm consisted of two sub-processes—risk assessment and risk control (Wallmà ¼ller, pp. 5- 6). When assessing the risk, project managers need to identify, analyze and prioritize their risks with quantitative measurements, i.e. probability percentages or 1-5 scale. After this sub-process, the manager implements the risk control process where the IT managers can create risk management plans specifying risk reduction measures. In addition to these measures, the plan should include risk resolution and monitoring controls to be used on the project. An example of this paradigm is found on this website,Show MoreRelatedObjectives Of Rebranding / Logo Project1683 Words   |  7 PagesObjectives: The objectives of the Rebranding/ Logo Project summarized as follows: 1. To bring greater name recognition to higher end clientele through a new professional name and professional modernized appearance. 2. No to exceed a budget of $60,000 for the completion of full rebranding. With logo and name rebrand to not exceed more than $10,000. 3. 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We will address both upside and downside consequences, and our view will be enterprise-wide, integrated and holisticRead MoreDeveloping Texas Instruments Ti 30x IIs 2 Line Scientific Calculator Essay1375 Words   |  6 PagesThe project is all about developing Texas Instruments TI-30X IIS 2-Line Scientific Calculator. The main factor for project success is to have a well-developed project plan and strategic planning to understand the project needs and requirements. The following are the few essential planning steps to develop a project. PROJECT PLAN: The project plan is a major planning from the entire planning process. But, project managers all over the world struggle with this problem of information or planning needRead MoreAltex Corporation Case Study Essay756 Words   |  4 PagesAltex Corporation Case Study: PROJ 6302 H1 1. Why was a risk management plan considered unnecessary? According to the contract award, contracts at that time did not require that a risk management plan be develop while according to the sponsor the risk management plan was not necessary because most of the new weapon systems requirements are established by military personnel who have no sense of reality about what it takes to develop a weapon system based on technology which does not even exist yetRead MoreProject Management Body Of Knowledge Industry Standards1576 Words   |  7 PagesThank you for giving me the opportunity to work with your organization and engage with the team of the software development project. As agreed, I have examined the strengths and weaknesses of the project and analyzed the main factors that contribute to the current state of project. My independent assessment of the project and practices related to it is based on the Project Management Body of Knowledge industry standard and is grounded in information that I have gathered from team members. The purposeRead MoreImportance of Project Management1533 Words   |  6 PagesProject Management Introduction Project management is one of the most important activities that companies develop. This is because their activity is divided into several projects in order to better manage their resources. This also allows them to improve their performance. In addition to this, companies use project management in order to increase the efficiency of their employees. By working in projects, employees can develop a series of skills that allow them to improve their work. ThereforeRead MoreProject Planning, Execution And Closure Essay1415 Words   |  6 PagesGeorge Gomez October 31, 2016 Project Planning, Execution and Closure PM610 Individual Project 4 Professor Ronald Burke The main purpose of this memorandum is to explain the effect of decision making on the project. This memorandum also explains the factors that need to be considered when accepting or denying the vendor offers. This memorandum also includes the budget, schedule and resources. This memorandum also explain the parties that would need to be involved in the decision-making process andRead MoreThe Responsibilities Involved With The Project Management1371 Words   |  6 Pagesdescribes in brief the responsibilities involved with the project management. It also states the minimum educational qualification, skills, certifications needed and the salaries given to people in this role in today’s world. Keywords: [Click here to add keywords.] University of Houston Clear Lake A project is basically an assignment which has a definitive start and end times. It is a task undertaken to create a product or a service. Every project usually performs a unique set of operations which is performed

Marriage In The Renaissance Era Free Essays

Irvin Alfalfa Mrs.. Fever English 1 (College Prep) April 26, 2013 Marriage in the Renaissance Era Marriage customs today are very different than those of the Renaissance era. We will write a custom essay sample on Marriage In The Renaissance Era or any similar topic only for you Order Now During this era women had limited options in marriage and life. In Michael Best’s article, â€Å"The Age of Marriage,† he indicates that although people did not get married as young as people believed, marriage was still not so much about love. For example, â€Å"in some noble houses marriages were indeed made at a young age for reasons of property and family alliance,† (Best, 1). A clear example of this is that Caplet wants Juliet to marry Paris to expand their name and alliances. Juliet did not love Paris but was being forced into marrying him by her parent’s. In addition, girls were obliged to marry a man that was successful and rich. This narrowed down the limited choices for women and although young girls had no interest in marrying they had to in order to get wealthier and have a better life. However, children of noble birth ran a great risk if they tried to marry without their parent’s prior approval, since they would be feet with no resources. Some marriages were in fact based on love but it was very rare because the bridegroom may not have been wealthy or known. Novel Guider’s article, â€Å"The Institution of Marriage in Renaissance Era,† implies that marriage was both secular and sacred. For example, secularly, it served as a coming together of two parties interested in obtaining property, money, or political alliances. This was the main goal of noble homes. Some marriages were also sacred in that it assured the love of a man and woman and searched for reproduction. William Shakespearean ark displays the sacredness of love and marriage. However, some families did not force marriages because, â€Å"the best marriages were those that were equally consensual and desired by both parties,† (novel guide, 1). Freedom of choice varied for each child in a family. Each child had a certain amount of freedom in choosing their mate. The eldest son was under the greatest pressure since he inherited the majority of the land. His marriage was often critical to the families survival because they depended on him for financial support. This article somewhat contradicts Michael Best’s article in which he states that all marriages where forced on. Jeremy Goldberg article, â€Å"The Right to Choose: Woman, Consent and Marriage in Late Medieval England,† suggests that marriage was indeed forced on, but by not only parent’s. Jeremy Goldberg provides an example in which a girl was forced by her attacker to agree to marry him. This was very common during this era. Men eager for money and land would force wealthy and innocent girls into marrying them. John Dale was a man who used physical violence and the threat of it to con Agnes into marrying him. In all, these three articles provide examples of marriage being an important for both men and woman. Some marriages were made to have more wealth and land while others were made simply because two partners loved each other very much. Some marriages were so important that men would take drastic measures in order to have a wife. And although women had very limited options and were considered a minority, they managed to have a good life if they chose the right man. Very much has changed during the years. Best, Michael. â€Å"The Age of Marriage. † Roughage Ballads. University of Victoria How to cite Marriage In The Renaissance Era, Papers

Describe the basis of the Gram stain free essay sample

Introduction Gram staining is a procedure founded by Christian Jacobs Hans Gram in 1883 in Germany. The Gram stain is a technique devised to categorise most bacteria into two sub-categories; gram positive and gram negative, based on the properties of the cell wall. We will write a custom essay sample on Describe the basis of the Gram stain or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Cell wall The cell wall’s characteristics determine Gram staining. Gram negative bacteria contain an asymmetric bilayer, where the outer layer consists of lipopolysaccharide which acts as a permeability barrier and prevents the entrance of the Gram stain in the periplasm. The peptidoglycan layer within the periplasm is dense whereas the cell wall of gram positive bacteria has a thin layer of peptidoglycan. [1] Method of Gram staining In order to perform the Gram stain, a primary and secondary stain is required, in addition to a mordant, decolouriser and water. To initiate the process, a smear is heat-fixed by being passed through a Bunsen burner several times. Next, the primary stain, which is usually crystal violet, is applied to the slide for approximately a minute in order to allow the dye to bind to the cell wall. The unbound stain is then removed by rinsing the slide with water. Then, the mordant, which is usually Gram’s iodine, is added on to the slide which allows the crystal violet to be fixed to the cell wall by the formation of violet-iodine crystal complexes. The sample is left for one minute and then is washed again with water. The slide is then decolourised with an alcohol substance, usually at a thirty degree angle for between three to five seconds and is then washed away. The decolourising process is important as the primary stain is removed from the Gram negative bacteria due to the cell wall’s outer lipid layer dissolving. This causes the violet-iodine to leak and therefore the sample will become decolourised. However, if the organism is gram-positive, the slide will stain a dark purple as the cell wall will allow the stain to be retained. However, if the decolouriser is left on for too long, the primary stain may be removed from a gram-positive organism and therefore the organism may be wrongly  identified as being gram negative. The final procedure of the gram stain is the use of the secondary stain, otherwise known as the counter stain, usually safranin. The decolouriser is rinsed off with water and then is drowned in safranin which does not affect the gram-positive organism but causes the gram-negative cells to gain a red stain. [1] [2] [3] [4] Conclusion In conclusion, it is apparent that the most important aspect of the Gram stain is the retention of the primary stain as this can initially determine whether the bacteria is gram-positive or gram-negative during the decolourisation process. However, an important factor to be considered when Gram staining is that not all bacteria can or are necessary to be classified as Gram positive or Gram negative. [2]

My Favorite Manager free essay sample

I worked in Strategic Centre, Consumer support services and global solution centre. I was hired as an front line operative and got promoted to Tech Lead role over time. When I was a trainer, my manager was Navin Kumar. Before working at HP, I used to work with Convergys. I was a front end operative at each of the other jobs before HP. Navin Kumar was my favorite because he had a relaxed mentality to the job but held accountability for actions. He allowed me and the other Trainers to have a say when running the Training module. He had the final say on all ideas but was open for input to improve the function of the Trainers efficiency. He was very personable and did not have the typical manager attitude. If I did my work when he wanted it completed and it was up to his level of quality his relationship was more similar to that of friends than a manager. We will write a custom essay sample on My Favorite Manager or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page If you failed to meet his expectations then he came down on me with a very strong force. He was not a typical manager in that sense. He set lofty expectations because he wanted me to succeed at a high level instead of setting low goals and just settling for an easy way out. He would set weekly goals and would reward the highest trainer efficiency scores that was internally maintained by HP Training team. This was motivation to test training methods and try to beat out my co-workers. He also had a level of respect for each of his employees that I never received at one of my other jobs. At HP everyone had the same level of expectations and if you did not meet them, Navin would work with that person to build up their quality of work or they would be mentored more rigorously with a clear performance improvement plan for not meeting expectations. I respected him more for being open to criticism. He would allow his trainers and senior trainers to critique him and help him improve his work quality. If I could work for Navin Kumar again I would immediately