The Semi

The Semi Introduction Pinnipedia is a broadly distributed and varied group of semi-aquatic sea mammals. It consists of three families that include Otariidae (eared seals), Odobenidae (extant walruses) and the Phocidae (Earless seals) (Harrison King 102).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Semi-aquatic Mammals Pinnipedia specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Earth history Pinnipeds were first spotted in the middle Miocene having been tremendously specialized for an aquatic survival. It has been proposed that the pinnipedia may have had a two fold origin and a monophyletic foundation. Reproduction Pinnipeds are polygamous with the males being larger than the females. Towards the breeding season, the males choose the breeding sites and establish harems on the arrival of the females. This depends on the species. The males assertively defend groups of particular females while others protect the reproductive terrain. Males co mpete for females. Breeding occurs especially during the late spring and summer. A single pup is normally produced yearly but twins’ occasionally occur. After giving birth, the females wean their young ones for an uneven period of time. The females possess a postpartum estrus that permits them to breed soon after reproduction (Harrison King 102). Species number Pinnipeds constitute slightly more than 28% of the diversity of marine mammal species with 33-37 living species being spread all through the world. Of these species, 18 belong to the family Phocidae, and the remaining 14-18 species belong to the Otariidae and the Odobenidae family. Shapes/ Sizes and Color Pinnipeds are smooth bodied and have a barrel shape. This makes them to be well adapted to their marine habitats. The large size of Pinnipeds in comparison with most earth carnivores helps them to preserve warmth in their bodies. Their sizes differ with the smallest Pinniped being 1.3 m when fully grown and the larg est being 4m long. Color patterns in Pinnipeds occur almost entirely among the family Phocidae. Others show dark and disruptive color patterns (Nowak 1458). Some Pinnipeds have a homogeneous coloration and this permits them to intermingle well with their icy surroundings.Advertising Looking for research paper on biology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Typical behavior Pinnipeds have a typical behavior of going back to land to reproduce. They are polygynous with triumphant males mating with quite a number of females throughout the breeding period. The males compete for females and the females reach sexual maturity before the males. Eating habits Pinnipeds are carnivorous. They feed on sea creatures including fish, crustaceans and sea birds. Most are general feeders while a few concentrate on some foods only. Pinniped eyes are well adapted to darkness hence they do most of their feeding at night (Henry 110). Role of Pinnipeds in the food chain Pinnipeds play a major role in the food chain. They feed on crustaceans, echinoderms, fish and young whales. They are themselves eaten by orcas, bears and human beings. Walruses for instance have been chased by natives due to their flesh, hide and tusk. Defense Pinnipeds have tusks that grow up to a length of one meter. Males have larger tusks compared to the females. They use these tasks for fighting and sparring their enemies. Pinnipeds also have bristles all over their mouths for defense. Movement Pinnipeds are adapted for movement both on land and on water. They have wing like flippers on the front and on the back. Both pairs assist them while walking on land. During swimming in water, the hind limbs are turned backwards and are kept parallel with the vertebral column. Their feet act as sufficient propellers. Some Pinnipeds are however belly walkers with rising and falling movements of the abdomen. Pinnipeds movement in water is thus graceful and they frequently engage themselves in water sports. General habits They spend almost all their life in water, beaches or ice floes. Pinnipeds are good divers being able to fight back ache and fatigue associated with lactic acid build up during spinning. They produce sounds while in water or on land. These sounds are associated with breeding and other social interactions (Henry 110). Harrison, Richard King, Judith. Marine mammals .London: Hutchinson University Library, 2006. Print.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Semi-aquatic Mammals Pinnipedia specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Henry, William. Antarctic Pinnipedia .Washington, D.C: American Geophysical Union, 1971. Print. Nowak, Ronald. Walkers Mammals of the World. London: John Hopkins University Press, 1999. Print.

Mary Easty - Salem Witch Trials

Mary Easty - Salem Witch Trials Mary Easty Facts Known for: hanged as a witch in the 1692 Salem witch trialsAge at time of Salem witch trials: about 58Dates: baptized August 24, 1634, died September 22, 1692Also known as: Mary Towne, Mary Town, Mary Esty, Mary Estey, Mary Eastey, Goody Eastie, Goody Easty, Mary Easte, Marah Easty, Mary Estick, Mary Eastick Family background: Her father was William Towne and her mother Joanna (Jone or Joan) Blessing Towne, accused once of witchcraft herself. William and Joanna arrived in America around 1640. Among Marys siblings were Rebecca Nurse (arrested March 24 and hanged June 19) and Sarah Cloyse (arrested April 4, case dismissed January 1693). Mary married Isaac Easty, a well-to-do farmer born in England, around 1655 - 1658. They had eleven children, seven alive in 1692. They lived in Topsfield, rather than either Salem Town or Village. Salem Witch Trials Rebecca Nurse, Mary Eastys sister and a well-respected matron, was denounced as a witch by Abigail Williams and arrested on March 24. Their sister, Sarah Cloyce, defended Rebecca, and was ordered arrested on April 4. Sarah was examined on April 11. A warrant was issued for Mary Eastys arrest on April 21, and she was taken into custody. The next day, she was examined by John Hathorne and Jonathan Corwin, as were Nehemiah Abbott Jr., William and Deliverance Hobbs, Edward Bishop Jr. and his wife Sarah, Mary Black, Sarah Wildes, and Mary English. During Mary Eastys examination, Abigail Williams, Mary Walcott, Ann Putnam Jr., and John Indian said that she was hurting them, and that their mouths were stopt. Elizabeth Hubbard cried Goody Easty you are the woman.... Mary Easty maintained her innocence. Rev. Samuel Parris took the notes on the examination. E: I will say it, if it was my last time, I am clear of this sin.Of what sin?E: Of witchcraft. Despite her assertions of innocence, she was sent to jail. On May 18, Mary Easty was set free; existing records do not show why. Two days later, Mercy Lewis experienced new afflictions, and she and several other girls claimed to see Mary Eastys specter; she was charged again and arrested in the middle of the night. Immediately, Mercy Lewiss fits ceased. More evidence was gathered by deposition and during several days of examination of Mary Easty in late May. A jury of inquest considered Mary Eastys case on August 3-4 and heard testimony of many witnesses. In September, officials gathered witnesses for the trial of Mary Easty among others. On September 9, Mary Easty was pronounced guilty of witchcraft by a trial jury and sentenced to death. Also found guilty that day were Mary Bradbury, Martha Corey, Dorcas Hoar, Alice Parker, and Ann Pudeator. She and her sister, Sarah Cloyce, petitioned the court together for a fayre and equall hearing of evidence for them as well as against them. They argued that they had no opportunity to defend themselves and were not allowed any counsel and that spectral evidence was not dependable. Mary Easty also added a second petition with a plea was focused more on others than herself: I petition your honors not for my own life, for I know I must die, and my appointed time is set .... if it be possible, that no more blood be shed. On September 22, Mary Easty, Martha Corey (whose husband Giles Corey had been pressed to death on September 19), Alice Parker, Mary Parker, Ann Pudeator, Wilmott Redd, Margaret Scott, and Samuel Wardwell were hanged for witchcraft. Rev. Nicholas Noyes officiated at this last execution in the Salem witch trials, saying after the execution, What a sad thing it is to see eight firebrands of hell hanging there. In a quite different spirit, Robert Calef described Mary Eastys end in his later book, More Wonders of the Invisible World: Mary Easty, Sister also to Rebecka Nurse, when she took her last farewell of her Husband, Children and Friends, was, as is reported by them present, as Serious, Religious, Distinct, and Affectionate as could well be expressed, drawing Tears from the Eyes of almost all present. After the Trials In November, Mary Herrick testified that Mary Eastys ghost visited her and said that she was innocent. In 1711, Mary Eastys family received 20 pounds compensation and Mary Eastys attainder was reversed. Isaac Easty died on June 11, 1712.