The First Reptiles and Their Evolution

Everyone agrees how the old story goes: Fish evolved into tetrapods, tetrapods evolved into amphibians, and amphibians evolved into reptiles. Its a gross oversimplification, of course—for example, fish, tetrapods, amphibians,  and reptiles coexisted for tens of millions of years—but itll do for our purposes. For many students of prehistoric life, the last link in this chain is the most important, since the dinosaurs, pterosaurs, and marine reptiles of the Mesozoic Era all descended from ancestral reptiles. Before proceeding, though, its important to define what the word reptile means. According to biologists, the single defining characteristic of reptiles is that they lay hard-shelled eggs on dry land as opposed to amphibians, which must lay their softer, more permeable eggs in water. Secondarily, compared with amphibians, reptiles have armored or scaly skin, which protects them from dehydration in the open air; larger, more muscular legs; slightly bigger brains; and lung-powered respiration though no diaphragms, which were a later evolutionary development. First Reptile Depending on how strictly you define the term, there are two prime candidates for the first-ever reptile. One is the early Carboniferous Period (about 350 million years ago) Westlothiana, from Europe, which laid leathery eggs but otherwise had an amphibian anatomy, especially pertaining to its wrists and skull. The other, more widely accepted candidate is Hylonomus, which lived about 35 million years after Westlothiana and resembled the small, skittery lizard you run across in pet stores. This is simple enough, as far as it goes, but once you get past Westlothiana and Hylonomus, the story of reptile evolution gets much more complicated. Three distinct reptilian families appeared during the Carboniferous and Permian periods. Anapsids such as Hylonomus had solid skulls, which provided little latitude for the attachment of robust jaw muscles; the skulls of synapsids sported single holes on either side; and the skulls of diapsids had two holes on each side. These lighter skulls, with their multiple attachment points, proved to be good templates for later evolutionary adaptations. Why is this important? Anapsid, synapsid, and diapsid reptiles pursued very different paths toward the start of the Mesozoic Era. Today, the only living relatives of the anapsids are turtles and tortoises, though the exact nature of this relationship is hotly disputed by paleontologists. The synapsids spawned one extinct reptilian line, the pelycosaurs, the most famous example of which was Dimetrodon, and another line, the therapsids, which evolved into the first mammals of the Triassic Period. Finally, the diapsids evolved into the first archosaurs, which then split off into dinosaurs, pterosaurs, crocodiles, and probably marine reptiles such as plesiosaurs and ichthyosaurs. Lifestyles Whats of interest here is the obscure group of lizard-like reptiles that succeeded Hylonomus and preceded these better-known and much larger beasts. Its not that solid evidence is lacking; plenty of obscure reptiles have been discovered in Permian and Carboniferous fossil beds, especially in Europe. But most of these reptiles look so similar that attempting to distinguish between them can be an eye-rolling exercise. Classification of these animals is a matter of debate, but heres an attempt to simplify: Captorhinids, exemplified by Captorhinus and Labidosaurus, are the most basal, or primitive, reptile family yet identified, only recently evolved from amphibian ancestors such as Diadectes and Seymouria. As far as paleontologists can tell, these anapsid reptiles went on to spawn both synapsid therapsids and diapsid archosaurs.Procolophonians were plant-eating anapsid reptiles that (as mentioned above) might have been ancestral to modern turtles and tortoises. Among the better-known genera are Owenetta and Procolophon.Pareiasaurids were much larger anapsid reptiles that counted among the biggest land animals of the Permian Period, the two best-known genera being Pareiasaurus and Scutosaurus. Over their reign, Pareiasaurs evolved elaborate armor, which still didnt prevent them from going extinct 250 million years ago.Millerettids were small, lizard-like reptiles that subsisted on insects and also went extinct at the end of the Permian Period. The two best-known terrestrial milleretids were Eunotosaurus and Milleretta; an ocean-dwelling variant, Mesosaurus, was one of the first reptiles to de-evolve to a marine lifestyle. Finally, no discussion of ancient reptiles is complete without a shout-out to the flying diapsids, a family of small Triassic reptiles that evolved butterfly-like wings and glided from tree to tree. True one-offs and well out of the mainstream of diapsid evolution, the likes of Longisquama and Hypuronector must have been a sight to see as they fluttered high overhead. These reptiles were closely related to another obscure diapsid branch, the tiny monkey lizards such as Megalancosaurus and Drepanosaurus that also lived high in trees but lacked the ability to fly.

Global Warming and Acid Rain - 5460 Words

Global Warming and Acid Rain INTRODUCTION The phrase Global Warming has become familiar to many people as one of the important environmental issues of our day. Many views have been expressed concerning it, from the doom-laden to the dismissive. There is little debate that the earth is undoubtedly warming. It has been the subject of intense debate for decades now. Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and industrial gases from fossil fuels play a huge role in why our environment is changing so rapidly. With projections of an increase between 2.5 and 10.5 degrees by the year 2100, it is really nothing to take lightly. According to some scientific studies, the main gas causing global warming, CO2, or carbon dioxide, has increased†¦show more content†¦It is recycled through the atmosphere by the process photosynthesis, which makes human life possible. Photosynthesis is the process of green plants and other organisms transforming light energy into chemical energy. Light Energy is trapped and used to convert carbon dioxide, water, and other minerals into oxygen and energy rich organic compounds. Carbon Dioxide is emitted into the air as humans exhale, burn fossil fuels for energy, and deforest the planet. Every y ear humans add over 30 billion tons of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by these processes, and it is up thirty percent since 1750. An isolated test at Mauna Loa in Hawaii revealed more than a 12% (316 ppm in 1959 to 360 ppm in 1996) increase in mean annual concentration of carbon dioxide. Mauna Loa, located in Hawaii, is the worlds largest volcano at 40,000 cubic km and 4,170 meters above sea level. Ice core samples have also shown a dramatic increase in carbon dioxide levels. Drilling deep into glaciers and polar ice caps and taking out samples of ice, then melting the ice and capturing the gas has shown an increase in carbon dioxide concentrations over the past 100 years. Ice coreShow MoreRelatedGlobal Warming and Climate Change783 Words   |  4 PagesGlobal warming is a great treat for our planet and its nature. It gradually wipes out everything which exists on the earth’s surface. In recent years, global warming and climate change have become one of the biggest topics, which rise concerns among people. Global warming is an increase in average surface temperature of the earth. It has several negative impacts on the environment and on its inhabitants. Many factors can cause global warming, but the significant one is greenhouse gases. GreenhouseRead MoreThe Effects Of Global Warming On The Environment767 Words   |  4 PagesHow does the daily action of driving a car contribute to global warming pollution and other air pollutions? Economic growth has triggered an explosion in the automobile industry, but along with that expansion comes consequence. The motor vehicle business has increased air pollution, causing acid rain, and has also contributed to global warming. Global warming is the process of the earth heating up due to increased levels of gases such as carbon dioxide, on the the leading emissions from cars. MostRead MoreThe Effects Of Global Warming On The Earth s Natural State Of Being1554 Words   |  7 PagesGlobal warming has been a universal issue for many decades. It started back at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, when people unknowingly released fumes from factories into the air. Although global warming has been an all-around topic, it has recently started to gain media attention due to the many catastrophic events that have occurred around the globe. Global warming can be defined as, â€Å"a gradual increase in the overall temperature of the earth s atmosphere generally attributed to theRead MoreGlobal Warming And Its Effects1544 Words   |  7 PagesGlobal warming is one of the vigorously discussed topic on Earth today. According to a TechMedia Network, â€Å"Global warming is the term used to describe a gradual increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere and its oceans, a change that is believed to be permanently changing the Earth’s climate.† (â€Å"Global Warming †¦ Effects†). We have been witnessing the change in Earth’s climate since past few years, and we are well aware of the consequences of climate change as well. Global warmingRead MoreEssay about Energy and the Environment: Fossil Fuels511 Words   |  3 Pagesfrom the result of using fossil fuels are air pollution, acid rain, global warming, climate change, etc. One of the main topics of interest on the same page as fossil fuel pollution is global warming. Global warming is mainly caused due to carbon dioxide trapping the suns radiation and keeping it within the Earths atmosphere. The fact that burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide is why their use has such an impact on global warming. Over the last 150 years, burning fossil fuels has resultedRead MoreCauses Of Air Pollution Essay874 Words   |  4 Pagessurvival of human beings and animals greatly depend on the combination of gasses in the atmosphere; slight disruption of this composition can cause devastating effects on their existence. An imbalance in these atmospheric gasses is known to result in global warming, a great threat to the contemporary world. We cannot underestimate the effects air pollution has on the ozone layer which largely contributes to the existence of organisms on the planet. Causes of Air Pollution For the causes of air pollutionRead MoreEssay On Acid Rain1002 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction Polluted rain is called acid rain. Some acids are helpful. We have acid in our stomachs to break down and digest food. We use vinegar, an acid, to pickle cucumbers. Acids like these help us. But, acids can also be harmful. If there is too much acid in garden soil, plants will not grow. Some acids will burn your skin. Acid rain is harmful rain. When it falls on living things–plants, animals and people–it can harm or kill them. Leaves burned by acid rain cannot make oxygen or collectRead MoreThe Reason and Response for Acid Rain Essay681 Words   |  3 PagesAcid Rain is basically rain that has been made acidic by Sulfur DiOxide ( SO2 ) and other pollutants. Acid rain is formed by the release of ( SO2 ) and ( NO2 ) into the atmosphere. Then the chemicals are absorbed into the rainwater and create acid rain. Acid rain , mostly comes from the chemicals emitted into the air by coal fired power plants. Now there is a big push for clean coal and these power plants have mo stly accomplished that. The power plants have scrubbers, covered in limestone thatRead MoreThe Effects Of Global Warming On Earth882 Words   |  4 Pages Global warming is an increase in the overall temperature of earth atmosphere. Earth s climate is changing, temperatures are rising, snow and rainfall are shifting, and more extreme climate like heavy rainstorms and high temperatures are already affecting the society and economy. Scientists are confident that many of the observed changes are happening because of the global warming. Warming and climate are changing and increasing every year. The main Cause are by people burning fuels to generateRead MoreEssay on Human Impact on the Environment1544 Words   |  7 Pageslivelihoods of between 200 and 500 million people, who depend on the rainforest for their shelter and food. Deforestation may also lead to global climate imbalances. There is also a major problem when it comes to carbon storage. With the removal of the trees excessive carbon dioxide levels in the environment may lead to global warming, with many problematic side effects. While deforestation is now viewed as problem, historically it was considered to assist natural development

Security of Electronic Health Records †Free Samples to Students

Question: Discuss about the Security of Electronic Health Records. Answer: Introduction: A record management system is an information storage and retrieval system that acts as an authoritative source for particular information. The mode can be manual or electronic. Manual record keeping systems include the filing, while electronic storage systems are computer-based databases. Notably, the records system must ensure security and data integrity to prevent discrepancies during information storage and retrieval. According to (Maguire, 2005) electronic record keeping is more efficient, easy to locate and secure; however, they are liable to file format conversion, time frame changes, multiple edits, and bugs. Also, paper-based filing is time-consuming and susceptible to damage by fire or floods. The record management systems should be easily accessible, up-to-date, accurate, and comprehensive. For instance, in real estate, the sold prices, listings and property appraisals are routinely stored to provide information for audit, and other business operations. Records systems ensure information preservation, timely availability, accurate updating, and more accessible control of resources such as computers and space (Demirtela Bayram, 2014). For example, in real estate, the landlord can easily access information regarding the tenants security and rent payment. In this way, the concept ensures necessary property information and unit specific expenses are readily available. The unit costs include worksheets, security deposits, depreciation, and fees; while essential information consists of repair receipts, insurance documents, mortgage papers and instruction manuals. According to (Tough, 2011) excellent record keeping helps maximize profits, measure business performance and protect the investment. Notably, records are the basis of electronic and physical documentation consisting of business details, legal agreements, and transaction amounts and dates. For example, property appraisals detail information on the market value of real estate property. Today, most businesses utilize the electronic record systems to store information, update and generate reports when required. The concept is advantageous compared to the manual filing system in that data is stored for longer and securely. Cumming (2007) suggests that good record systems for the real estate business include the sold properties, sales prices, listings and sales figures, property appraisals, rental ranges, rental vacancy rates, sales reports and comparisons between agencies and client expectations of prices, sales, and rental fields with the actual costs. Notably, record keeping in the real estate business depends on the transaction files, length of time and disclosure provisions specified by the sales representatives, brokers and real estate developers. In this way, record systems prevent money laundering and corporate espionage because receipts, invoices, and checks are readily available. The record systems are subject to legislative rules and regulations such as the Proceeds of Crime Act. Information storage is essential for business records because it allows real estate agents to examine and analyze current trends and developments in the industry. Further, it will enable potential tenants to analyze local sales before deciding on the suitable residency. Examples of record systems in real estate include the property appraisals; listings and sales figures; sold properties; rental vacancy rates; sales prices; rental ranges and returns; and agency property management reports. Schreier, Wilson Resnik (2006) suggests that property appraisals indicate the economic value of the real estate business. However, the evaluation relies on the appraiser, market value, and the insured property. Notably, a written appraisal is essential for property buying, selling, insuring and mortgaging of the real estate business. Further, it allows evaluation of cases involving compensation of destroyed or damaged property. According to (Ngoepe, 2015) listings includes placing the firms shares on the stocks lists for the stock exchange. Sales figures and listings of real estate businesses allow the owners to assess the tenants confidentiality and their overall sales within a particular period. Notably, sales prices are the actual costs of which property sold. Johnston (2005) suggests that sales prices allow real estate agents to analyze the market depending on previous sales and propose values of the available products. Further, the sales reports provide information for potential tenants who are interested in buying and selling the property. Ryan (2005) suggests that rental ranges and returns allow the owners to determine the expected returns from the investment before maintenance fees, tax deductions, and other costs. Further, agency property management and sales reports enable the companies to record sold properties for audit purposes. Notably, records on past, existing and prospective clients allows real estate agencies to identify contacts and other valuable assets relating to the tenants. Maguire (2005) explains that good record systems must ensure the safety of the stored information. In this way, the agencies prevent fraud, identity theft, and corporate espionage. Further, the concept allows protection of information from unauthorized use, access, inspection, theft, modification, and destruction. According to (Ngoepe, 2015) security entails methodologies and processes created to ensure confidentiality of record management systems. For instance, paper-based records are backed-up in different locations for protection from floods or fire. Another method of providing security for hard copy documents is safe storage to avoid damage or theft. Backing up involves copying virtual or physical files to secondary storage in case of any catastrophe or equipment failure (Khan Batool, 2016). The concept allows rapid and reliable retrieval of the duplicated copies in case need arises. Further, it prevents information corruption and deletion. Real estate firms must restrict backup files to authorized employees only this prevents crucial passing information to unscrupulous personnel. Further, real estate companies can create a security policy limiting access to the record keeping system this protects physical records and electronic documentation from unauthorized personnel. Smyth (2005) suggests that hackers target the information storage systems, and therefore, companies must ensure proper storage of information in a secure facility. Win (2005) demonstrates that record systems relating to real estate involve accounting journals and a summary of all business transactions. Primarily, the business checkbook allows for future reference. In this case, proper record keeping is essential in preventing misunderstandings and unfair claims from the agencies employees. Notably, the records system details information of current tenants which allows easy monitoring of the rental property. Lomas (2010) suggests that sales price enable the agents to analyze and estimate the market value of their real estate property this attracts potential tenants seeking cost-effective accommodation. Record-keeping is essential in that it allows secure and efficient information storage. For the agency in Jonesville, the record management system will involve both manual and electronic filing. For instance, files consisting information such as sales prices, rental vacancy rates, sales prices, rental ranges and returns and property appraisals should be physically documented and safely stored on shelves. On the other hand, electronic documentation will involve property appraisals, agency listings, and necessary information regarding the clients. In this case, information storage features in databases management systems (DBMS) such as MySQL. The database allows secure storage of data and sequential access for authorized personnel only (Blansit, 2008). Further, MySQL enables information modification, addition, rearranging and updating of the records. Notably, information regarding the 200 properties from another agency and 15 exclusive properties for sale will be backed up in software such as the Microsoft SQL Server. In this way, data storage takes place in case of loss from the primary sources. Staff training is a crucial sector in any organization; it aims to effectively direct and manage labor provisions for an organization to achieve their desired targets. The primary functions of the human resource are to access the performance, development, training, selection, and recruitment of human labor force. Also, they are typically responsible for managing promotions and dismissals to the employees (Liu et al., 2014). Adequate employee training should incorporate the age difference. Among employee, the age difference allows development of various generations depending on the training methods utilized. Strategies used in continuing professional development of employees clustered in age groups. The cluster is necessary because professional goals for young employees differ from their older counterparts. Young entry stage business employees are still timid in undertaking various business procedures. Employees at this stage need more formal training to improve their performance in d ealing with the system (Sharma, 2016). Middle ages employees need practice for them to realize the best specialization. Employees who are nearing retirement have different mentalities they require training to improve with their commitment with the system (Pool et al., 2015). Practical training on software systems includes employee engagement in software selection this helps them understand the benefits of the new system. Further, it makes the system more endearing to the employees and creates awareness about the software's usability.While implementing the new software packages, the agency will set definite and measurable learning objectives for what workers are going to achieve from the training. For instance, when implementing the MySQL database, provide employees with transactional entries to retrieve particular information this develops their ability to relate the practice to real-life situations. Since the agency's workers occur across a varied region, with different time zones, online coaching is suitable. The practice occurs from a given set-up room and requires the internet connection for employee interaction. In this case, pre-requisite coaching takes place via e-learning and other emerging learning platforms. During this step, the employees become conversant with the software packages and business methods relating to its application. Online training is efficient and cost-effective because it saves the workers productive hours. Further, the approach provides updates of the area unit and necessary changes to the package software processes and steps. The action involves developing coaching modules as per the responsibilities and roles of the workers. Sharma (2016) suggests that the course should consist of a spectrum of characters, rather than one duty. In this case, workers undergo training on the software functions about their roles and responsibilities. Notably, role-based coaching involves training workers in individual departments on the supported tasks and daily usage of the software package (Voegtlin et al., 2015). The step makes the training relevant and enhances its worth. Feedback in software package training sessions is essential this is because it helps the trainer to wedge the user acceptance of newly installed software. Meng Arunkumar (2018)explains that collecting feedback builds necessary enhancements to the educational program. The step involves supporting queries, suggestions, views, and doubts that allow the trainer to improve the training methods continually. Employees will fill the sample table after training Question Training to be done here by the trainer. Trainees feedback Dou you know what the system explains? Explanation of the functioning of the system in general. Do you understand the functioning of the system? Is the system relevant to the organization? Explanations of the benefits of the system to the organization Do you think the system is beneficial to your workplace? Explanations of the benefits of the system to the users What is your overall experience with the system? Showing employees all the functionings of the system The flowchart below shows the sequence of how events will happen in training. References Schreier, A., Wilson, K., Resnik, D. (2006). Academic Research Record-Keeping: Best Practices for Individuals, Group Leaders, and Institutions. PMC , 42-47. Arunkumar, G. M. (2018). Construction of employee training program evaluation system of three exponential forecast based on the sliding window. Cluster Computing, 1-6. Batool, Y. K. (2016). PERCEIVED RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES AND EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE AT COMMERCIAL BANK IN PESHAWAR. Journal of Management Research (JMR), 2 (2), 140-160. Bayram, H. D. (2014). The efficiency of Electronic Records Management Systems: Turkey and Example of Ministry of Development. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 147 (25), 189-196. Blansit, D. (2008). The Basics of Relational Databases Using MySQL. Journal of Electronic Resources in Medical Libraries, 3 (3), 135-148. Voegtlin et al. (2015). How to empower employees: using training to enhance work units' collective empowerment. International Journal of Manpower, 36 (3), 354-373. Cumming, K. (2007). Purposeful data: the roles and purposes of recordkeeping metadata. Records Management Journal, 17 (3), 186-200. Johnston, G. (2005). The benefits of electronic records management systems: a general review of published and some unpublished cases. Records Management Journal, 15 (3), 131-140. Liu, Z. (2014). Chinese firms' sustainable development-The role of future orientation, environmental commitment, and employee training. Asia Pacific Journal of Management, 31 (1), 195-213. Lomas, E. (2010). Information governance: information security and access within a UK context. Records Management Journal, 20 (2), 182-198. Maguire, R. (2005). Lessons learned from implementing an electronic records management system. Records Management Journal, 15 (3), 150-157. Ngoepe, M. (2015). Justice delayed is justice denied: Records management and the travesty of justice in South Africa. Records Management Journal, 25 (3), 288-305. Pool, A. (2015). Strategies for continuing professional development among younger, middle-aged old: A biographical approach. International Journal of Business Records Studies, 52 (5), 939-950. Ryan, D. (2005). The future of managing electronic records. Records Management Journal, 15 (3), 128-130. Sharma, P. (2016). Employee training and motivation as the predictors of Job performance: Empirical evidence from Indian Insurance Sector. International Journal of Management, IT and Engineering, 6 (2), 276-289. Smyth, Z. (2005). Implementing EDRM: has it provided the benefits expected? Records Management Journal, 15 (3), 141-149. Tough, A. (2011). Accountability, open government and record keeping: time to think again? Records Management Journal, 21 (3), 225-236. Win, K. T. (2005). A review of Security of Electronic Health Records. Health Information Management Journal, 34 (1), 13 - 18.