View allAll Photos Tagged Retinal
Nikon D800E & Nikon AF-S Zoom Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED AF Lens photos of my HDR Hero's Journey Mythology LA Gallery photos taken with a Nikon D800E & Nikon AF-S Zoom Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED AF Lens! If I keep this up I may create a black hole! See the full-seize photos here:
www.flickr.com/photos/herosjourneymythology45surf/sets/72...
dx4/dt=ic & 45SURF Hero's Journey Mythology Photography (31 photos)
From press release: "Theoretical Physicist hosts Hero's Journey Mythology Photography Gallery Show in Honor of Moving Dimensions Theory Physics Research." Ph.D physicist and photographer Dr. E signs all of his fine art with dx4/dt=ic -- the foundational equation for Moving Dimensions Theory, which stipulates that the fourth dimension is expanding relative to the three spatial dimensions at the rate of c--the velocity of light. His Princeton advisor, the late J.A. Wheeler, wrote "More intellectual curiosity, versatility and yen for physics than Elliot McGucken's I have never seen in any senior or graduate student," and Dr. E's award-winning artificial retina dissertation, titled Multiple Unit Artificial Retina Chipset to Aid the Visually Impaired and Enhanced CMOS Phototransistors is now helping the blind see. Though seemingly disparate pursuits, all three endeavors--the photography, retinal prosthesis, and MDT are united in light. For MDT stipulates that photons surf the fourth expanding dimension on their way to exciting electrons in our our retinas or camera chips. The Hero's Journey Mythology motif derives from the heroic pursuit of truth and beauty, calling the viewer to adventure--to turn up Beethoven's Eroica and join the fellowship. When Dr. E's Princeton mentor J.A. Wheeler passed away, the National Post wrote, "At 96, he had been the last notable figure from the Heroic Age of Physics lingering among us. . . the student of Bohr, teacher of Feynman, and close colleague of Einstein. . . Wheeler was as much philosopher-poet as scientist, seizing on Einsteinian relativity early . . . He was ready to believe in the new world before most physicists. . ." And so it is that in honor of the noble Wheeler and all the heroes of yore, the Hero's Journey Mythology Photography seeks to remind us that the heroic age has not yet passed, that it is everywhere we look, should we only look towards the immutable ideals which mark both nature's sublime beauty and the imperishable soul. Words alone can do little to honor those who came before, but only action in the service of truth and beauty--serving those who come hence--can truly honor those heroic spirits of all ages. — in Malibu, CA.
Los Angeles Gallery Show! Dr. Elliot McGucken's Fine Art Photography! Dr. E's Legendary Malibu & Socal HDR Photography!
Some photos of my fine art photography hanging in the gallery for all my flickr fans! Thanks for the 120,000,000+ views y'all!
Setting up in a gallery was fun! It did not seem like work. :) I even got to drive to Home Depot & buy lumber (pine), hammers, nails, and a saw! I added a few dozen feet of new wooden strips to hang all the Hero's Journey Mythology photography--white strips and grey strips--cut them, nailed them up, and painted them so that we could fit all my fine art photography in the gallery! I told them I have even more on flickr if they want more photos--haha. :)
Some photographs are 13"x19" metallic prints on Kodak metallic paper mounted on 18"x24" matts in wood frames with 2.5" black, wood-grain borders, set behind anti-reflective, UV protective, museum glass! Awesome--everyone asks "why didn't you put these behind glass" because the anti-reflective museum glass is so clear! Other fine art photographs are 24" x 36" printed on canvas wraps, or 24" x 36" printed on canvas and front-mounted to plexiglass / acryllic (I love these! Great for HDR)! And the finest ones are 40" x 60" laser-printed on Fuji-crystal archival paper, front mounted to UV-protective acryllic / plexiglass, with a solid aluminum backing for durablity! Heavy, but nice! :) Also have a couple huge 40"x70" (the motorcycle in Venice and Corvette on the PCH) printed straight on a sheet of metal! Some were printed on Canon, some on Epson, and others on a laser printer so expensive it doesn't even have a name. :) I saw it in downtown LA--it was HUGE!
This is my first gallery show, and the funny thing is that while setting it up and adding all the carpentry/new wood strips, I shot more photography than usual, getting up every day at 5 AM to shoot the sunrise at around 6:30-6:45 AM. The Journey Never Ends! As Malibu faces South, the sun rises over the water this time of year, and sets over it too! So it keeps me busy as I hate missing the awesomely magical December cirrus cloud sunrises & sunsets, some of which you see hanging in the gallery, with many, many more to come!
Well, all the best on your epic hero's journey! The gallery is just below Bel Air Camera in Westwood, and if you ever want to meet up, drop me a line! :)
Happy Holidays & Best on Your Epic Hero's Journey!
P.S. (Some folks have asked me when I am going to have a goddess gallery show--soon! :)
Ten years ago we drove 500 miles through the night to save her from being killed. From the car ride home with complete strangers to every moment since, we can't think of a single thing she's ever done wrong. Mostly deaf now in addition to being blind for 6 years, she's still the most tranquil and trusting spirit I know. And a heck of a lot less trouble than those two brothers of hers. The three different glaucoma drops she gets three times a day are not really working to control the pressure in her eyes anymore and she's likely in a constant state of dull pain. We know her time is near and we just can't fathom the sadness that will surely come.
I went to the eye doctor today, optomitrist or whatever, regular checkup... out of all the test this was by far the coolest, I put each eye up to a eye scanner, and a green light brightly and quickly scanned from right to left, my eye while dialated.
In the photo you can see, in the center, all the blood vessels coming together, behind this is where my optic nerve is. The small dark mass to the right is the point on the eye where you have the best vision, the name escapes me at this time. The green light is what is, I assume, the light from the green scanning light that is being reflected off of my eye. Normally I guess it would be red or black. This is not photoshopped at all, this is how the image appeared on the doctors' computer screen, and I asked if I could photograph a copy for myself (you may still see some scanlines from the monitor)
Nikon D800E & Nikon AF-S Zoom Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED AF Lens photos of my HDR Hero's Journey Mythology LA Gallery photos taken with a Nikon D800E & Nikon AF-S Zoom Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED AF Lens! If I keep this up I may create a black hole! See the full-seize photos here:
www.flickr.com/photos/herosjourneymythology45surf/sets/72...
dx4/dt=ic & 45SURF Hero's Journey Mythology Photography (31 photos)
From press release: "Theoretical Physicist hosts Hero's Journey Mythology Photography Gallery Show in Honor of Moving Dimensions Theory Physics Research." Ph.D physicist and photographer Dr. E signs all of his fine art with dx4/dt=ic -- the foundational equation for Moving Dimensions Theory, which stipulates that the fourth dimension is expanding relative to the three spatial dimensions at the rate of c--the velocity of light. His Princeton advisor, the late J.A. Wheeler, wrote "More intellectual curiosity, versatility and yen for physics than Elliot McGucken's I have never seen in any senior or graduate student," and Dr. E's award-winning artificial retina dissertation, titled Multiple Unit Artificial Retina Chipset to Aid the Visually Impaired and Enhanced CMOS Phototransistors is now helping the blind see. Though seemingly disparate pursuits, all three endeavors--the photography, retinal prosthesis, and MDT are united in light. For MDT stipulates that photons surf the fourth expanding dimension on their way to exciting electrons in our our retinas or camera chips. The Hero's Journey Mythology motif derives from the heroic pursuit of truth and beauty, calling the viewer to adventure--to turn up Beethoven's Eroica and join the fellowship. When Dr. E's Princeton mentor J.A. Wheeler passed away, the National Post wrote, "At 96, he had been the last notable figure from the Heroic Age of Physics lingering among us. . . the student of Bohr, teacher of Feynman, and close colleague of Einstein. . . Wheeler was as much philosopher-poet as scientist, seizing on Einsteinian relativity early . . . He was ready to believe in the new world before most physicists. . ." And so it is that in honor of the noble Wheeler and all the heroes of yore, the Hero's Journey Mythology Photography seeks to remind us that the heroic age has not yet passed, that it is everywhere we look, should we only look towards the immutable ideals which mark both nature's sublime beauty and the imperishable soul. Words alone can do little to honor those who came before, but only action in the service of truth and beauty--serving those who come hence--can truly honor those heroic spirits of all ages. — in Malibu, CA.
Los Angeles Gallery Show! Dr. Elliot McGucken's Fine Art Photography! Dr. E's Legendary Malibu & Socal HDR Photography!
Some photos of my fine art photography hanging in the gallery for all my flickr fans! Thanks for the 120,000,000 views y'all!
Setting up in a gallery was fun! It did not seem like work. :) I even got to drive to Home Depot & buy lumber (pine), hammers, nails, and a saw! I added a few dozen feet of new wooden strips to hang all the Hero's Journey Mythology photography--white strips and grey strips--cut them, nailed them up, and painted them so that we could fit all my fine art photography in the gallery! I told them I have even more on flickr if they want more photos--haha. :)
Some photographs are 13"x19" metallic prints on Kodak metallic paper mounted on 18"x24" matts in wood frames with 2.5" black, wood-grain borders, set behind anti-reflective, UV protective, museum glass! Awesome--everyone asks "why didn't you put these behind glass" because the anti-reflective museum glass is so clear! Other fine art photographs are 24" x 36" printed on canvas wraps, or 24" x 36" printed on canvas and front-mounted to plexiglass / acryllic (I love these! Great for HDR)! And the finest ones are 40" x 60" laser-printed on Fuji-crystal archival paper, front mounted to UV-protective acryllic / plexiglass, with a solid aluminum backing for durablity! Heavy, but nice! :) Also have a couple huge 40"x70" (the motorcycle in Venice and Corvette on the PCH) printed straight on a sheet of metal! Some were printed on Canon, some on Epson, and others on a laser printer so expensive it doesn't even have a name. :) I saw it in downtown LA--it was HUGE!
This is my first gallery show, and the funny thing is that while setting it up and adding all the carpentry/new wood strips, I shot more photography than usual, getting up every day at 5 AM to shoot the sunrise at around 6:30-6:45 AM. The Journey Never Ends! As Malibu faces South, the sun rises over the water this time of year, and sets over it too! So it keeps me busy as I hate missing the awesomely magical December cirrus cloud sunrises & sunsets, some of which you see hanging in the gallery, with many, many more to come!
Well, all the best on your epic hero's journey! The gallery is just below Bel Air Camera in Westwood, and if you ever want to meet up, drop me a line! :)
Happy Holidays & Best on Your Epic Hero's Journey!
P.S. (Some folks have asked me when I am going to have a goddess gallery show--soon! :)
Nikon D800E & Nikon AF-S Zoom Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED AF Lens photos of my HDR Hero's Journey Mythology LA Gallery photos taken with a Nikon D800E & Nikon AF-S Zoom Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED AF Lens! If I keep this up I may create a black hole! See the full-seize photos here:
www.flickr.com/photos/herosjourneymythology45surf/sets/72...
dx4/dt=ic & 45SURF Hero's Journey Mythology Photography (31 photos)
From press release: "Theoretical Physicist hosts Hero's Journey Mythology Photography Gallery Show in Honor of Moving Dimensions Theory Physics Research." Ph.D physicist and photographer Dr. E signs all of his fine art with dx4/dt=ic -- the foundational equation for Moving Dimensions Theory, which stipulates that the fourth dimension is expanding relative to the three spatial dimensions at the rate of c--the velocity of light. His Princeton advisor, the late J.A. Wheeler, wrote "More intellectual curiosity, versatility and yen for physics than Elliot McGucken's I have never seen in any senior or graduate student," and Dr. E's award-winning artificial retina dissertation, titled Multiple Unit Artificial Retina Chipset to Aid the Visually Impaired and Enhanced CMOS Phototransistors is now helping the blind see. Though seemingly disparate pursuits, all three endeavors--the photography, retinal prosthesis, and MDT are united in light. For MDT stipulates that photons surf the fourth expanding dimension on their way to exciting electrons in our our retinas or camera chips. The Hero's Journey Mythology motif derives from the heroic pursuit of truth and beauty, calling the viewer to adventure--to turn up Beethoven's Eroica and join the fellowship. When Dr. E's Princeton mentor J.A. Wheeler passed away, the National Post wrote, "At 96, he had been the last notable figure from the Heroic Age of Physics lingering among us. . . the student of Bohr, teacher of Feynman, and close colleague of Einstein. . . Wheeler was as much philosopher-poet as scientist, seizing on Einsteinian relativity early . . . He was ready to believe in the new world before most physicists. . ." And so it is that in honor of the noble Wheeler and all the heroes of yore, the Hero's Journey Mythology Photography seeks to remind us that the heroic age has not yet passed, that it is everywhere we look, should we only look towards the immutable ideals which mark both nature's sublime beauty and the imperishable soul. Words alone can do little to honor those who came before, but only action in the service of truth and beauty--serving those who come hence--can truly honor those heroic spirits of all ages. — in Malibu, CA.
Los Angeles Gallery Show! Dr. Elliot McGucken's Fine Art Photography! Dr. E's Legendary Malibu & Socal HDR Photography!
Some photos of my fine art photography hanging in the gallery for all my flickr fans! Thanks for the 120,000,000+ views y'all!
Setting up in a gallery was fun! It did not seem like work. :) I even got to drive to Home Depot & buy lumber (pine), hammers, nails, and a saw! I added a few dozen feet of new wooden strips to hang all the Hero's Journey Mythology photography--white strips and grey strips--cut them, nailed them up, and painted them so that we could fit all my fine art photography in the gallery! I told them I have even more on flickr if they want more photos--haha. :)
Some photographs are 13"x19" metallic prints on Kodak metallic paper mounted on 18"x24" matts in wood frames with 2.5" black, wood-grain borders, set behind anti-reflective, UV protective, museum glass! Awesome--everyone asks "why didn't you put these behind glass" because the anti-reflective museum glass is so clear! Other fine art photographs are 24" x 36" printed on canvas wraps, or 24" x 36" printed on canvas and front-mounted to plexiglass / acryllic (I love these! Great for HDR)! And the finest ones are 40" x 60" laser-printed on Fuji-crystal archival paper, front mounted to UV-protective acryllic / plexiglass, with a solid aluminum backing for durablity! Heavy, but nice! :) Also have a couple huge 40"x70" (the motorcycle in Venice and Corvette on the PCH) printed straight on a sheet of metal! Some were printed on Canon, some on Epson, and others on a laser printer so expensive it doesn't even have a name. :) I saw it in downtown LA--it was HUGE!
This is my first gallery show, and the funny thing is that while setting it up and adding all the carpentry/new wood strips, I shot more photography than usual, getting up every day at 5 AM to shoot the sunrise at around 6:30-6:45 AM. The Journey Never Ends! As Malibu faces South, the sun rises over the water this time of year, and sets over it too! So it keeps me busy as I hate missing the awesomely magical December cirrus cloud sunrises & sunsets, some of which you see hanging in the gallery, with many, many more to come!
Well, all the best on your epic hero's journey! The gallery is just below Bel Air Camera in Westwood, and if you ever want to meet up, drop me a line! :)
Happy Holidays & Best on Your Epic Hero's Journey!
P.S. (Some folks have asked me when I am going to have a goddess gallery show--soon! :)
Go to the Book with image in the Internet Archive
Title: United States Naval Medical Bulletin Vol. 3, Nos. 1-4, 1909
Creator: U.S. Navy. Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
Publisher:
Sponsor:
Contributor:
Date: 1909
Language: eng
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Table of Contents</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Number 1</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Preface vii</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Special articles 1</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">The artificial illumination of naval vessels (a study in naval
hygiene), by J. D. Gatewood 1</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">A simple operation for hemorrhoids, by H. F. Hull 22</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Suggested devices 25</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">A metal suspensory, by W. B. Grove 25</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">A short and accurate method of calculating the age in years and months,
by E. M. Brown 25</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Card for index system to be used in preparing smooth quarterly form
"X" at recruiting stations, etc., by C. R. Keen 27</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Clinical notes 29</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">A case of angina Ludovici, by W. S. Pugh 29</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">A case of Vincent's angina, by G. F. Clark 31</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Rupture of the iris; two cases, by R. K. Riggs 32</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Wood alcohol poisoning; 13 cases, 3 deaths, by R. A. Baehmann 33</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">A case of virulent chancroids, by D. C. Gather 36</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">A case of septicemia successfully treated with Steam's streptolytic
serum by M. F. Gates . 39</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">An unusual case of undescended testicle, by E. M. Brown 39</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Current comment 41</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">United States Pharmacopeial Convention 41</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Concerning extracts or abstracts for publication 4l</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Measuring the height of recruits 43</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Suggestions for the study of heat exhaustion 44</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Perfected routine of dosage, etc., in the treatment of tuberculosis by
the administration of mercury, by B. L. Wright 46</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Has the chemical examination of water practical value to the military medical
officer? by P. '.T'. Waldner 47</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">An aid in throat and laryngeal examinations, by E. M. Brown 50</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Progress in medical sciences 51</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Laboratory —An anatomical peculiarity noted in specimens of hook worm
from Culebra 51</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Preliminary note on the lesions of anchylostomiasis in the intestines of
dogs, by O. J. Mink 51</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Preliminary note on nematode found in the liver of a wild rat, by O.
J.Mink 52</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Chemistry and pharmacy — Note on the disintegration of tablets;
influence of benzoic acid and benzoates on digestion and health: address on the
clinical examination of urine, with especial reference to estimation of urea;
determination of pepsin by the edestin test, E. W. Brown and P. J. Waldner 52</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Surgery —Review of advances; the operative treatment of recent
fractures of the femoral shaft; the treatment of fractures by mobilization and massage;
has surgical treatment lessened mortality from appendicitis; when to operate
for appendicitis; diffuse septic peritonitis, due to appendicitis; local
anesthesia of a limb by venous transfusion after expulsion of blood; on
narcosis under an artificially restricted circulation; the correlation of
glands with internal secretion; improved technique for the detection of
tubercle bacilli in the urine; relief of the wounded during battle, H. C. Curl
and H. W. Smith 54</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Pathology and bacteriology —On the so-called fatty degeneration of the adrenals;
three cases of squamous celled carcinoma of the gall bladder; the practical
value of the demonstration of spirochaeta pallida in the early diagnosis of
syphilis; C. 8. Butler and O. J. Mink 65</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Medical zoology — Plague in ground squirrels (a review); the prevalence
and distribution of the animal parasites of man in the Philippine Islands, with
a consideration of their possible influence on the public'</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">health; preliminary note on a protozoan in yaws; the intestinal protozoa
of man, R. C. Holcomb • 67</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Tropical medicine — Ankylostomiasis in the Tropics; bilharziasis among women
and girls in Egypt; a report of several cases with unusual symptoms caused by
contact with some unknown variety of jellyfish; the diagnosis of latent
malaria; haemolysins and antihaemolytic substances in the blood of malarial
patients, E. R. Stitt 73</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">General medicine —The direct inspection of the gastric mucous membrane;
toxemia from the standpoint of perverted metabolism; a rapid method of
test-meal removal, lavage, and inflation; the therapeutics of diseases which
involve the internal secretions (mercury in the treatment of tuberculosis — its
mode of action —a warning); Flexner's serum in the treatment of epidemic
cerebrospinal meningitis; vascular crises; the curative influence of extracts
of leucocytes upon infections in animals, R. M. Kennedy 77</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Hygiene and sanitation —Koch's standpoint with reference to the
question of the relation between human and bovine tuberculosis; the prevention of
tuberculosis; tropical lands and white races; sanitary report of the operations
of the naval expeditionary corps (German) in southwest Africa and in east
Africa; growth and naval military service; a study in measurements of cadets at
the naval school; on growth in height of youths serving their time in the army;
the value of fencing as a sport from hygienic and ethical point* of view; on-
the significance of the ophthalmo-reaction for the army; hematuria caused by a
parasite akin to bilharzia; the complex nature of typhoid etiology and the role
played by animals and man in the spread of the typhoid group of diseases; amoebae
carriers, H. G. Beyer 90</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Reports and letters 195</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Annual meeting of the American Pharmaceutical Association, Alrik Hammar,
delegate 105</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Report of an epidemic of typhoid on the U.S.S. Maine, by M. S.
Elliott.<span> </span>106</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Report of an epidemic of grippe on the U. S. S. Charleston, by M. F.
Gates. 109</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Number 2</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Preface vii</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Special articles 111</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">The treatment of tuberculosis and the results observed during the year 1908
(at the United States Naval Hospital, Las Animas, Colo.), by B. L. Wright 111</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Laboratory studies and observations during the year 1908 (at the United
States Naval Hospital, Las Animas, Colo.), by A. B. Clifford 114</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Tonsillar hypertrophy; a menace to the service, by B. F. Jenness 120</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">The ice bag in the treatment of typhoid fever, by G. Tucker Smith 122</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Treatment of typhoid fever by colon irrigations, by the late C. G.
Alderman 124</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Suggested devices 129</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Description of a pit incinerator furnace, by R. C. Holcomb 129</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Clinical notes 131</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Report of a case of malignant endocarditis, following chancroid, by I.
Franklin Cohn 131</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">A case of multiple infected wounds from bear bite, by C. C. Grieve 132</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">A case presenting successive liver abscesses, by H. C. Curl and H. W. Smith
134</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Cerebro-spinal fever, by J. G. Field 135</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Current comment 141</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Gangosa in Haiti 141</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Hookworm disease in recruits from the Southern States 141</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Care of ears and eyes in the Japanese navy<span> </span><span> </span>142</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">The question of ear protection in the British navy 142</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Report relative to a series of experiments conducted on board the U. S.
S. Ohio during target practice, with "Plasticine" for the protection
of the ear drums during heavy gun fire, by W. M. Garton 142</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Hygienic rules, with particular reference to venereal prophylaxis, in
the Austro-Hungarian navy 144</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Experiments with gonococcic vaccine, by W. M. Garton 145</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Thyroidal enlargement among applicants for enlistment in the Northwest,
by W. A. Angwin 147</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Progress in medical sciences 148</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Laboratory — Sterilization of catgut, by H. W. Smith 148</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Chemistry and pharmacy — Fluidglycerates, pharmaceutical and physiological
aspect; the importance and significance of the chemical examination of the
gastric contents after a test meal, with a new method for estimating the
ferment activity of the gastric contents; demonstrations of enzymes and
antienzymes; studies on the chemistry of anaphylaxis; the clinical value of
viscosity determination; the viscosity of the blood; the detection and
quantitative determination of B-oxybutyric acid in the urine; a new method for
the quantitative estimation of albumin in the urine; concerning the diagnostic
value of Cammidge crystals in pancreatic diseases, E. W. Brown and P. J.
Waldner 150</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Surgery — Review of advances; cerebral decompression; operative treatment
of acute gonorrheal epididymitis; appendectomy in diffuse septic peritonitis;
concerning technique of skin grafting; treatment of hypertrophy of the prostate
by injections of alien blood; the value of the Cammidge reaction in the diagnosis
of pancreatic disease; the Cammidge reaction in experimental pancreatitis; the
syphilis case sheet; the thymus in Basedow's disease; the effect of mammalian
pituitary on tetany after parathyreoidectomy, and upon the pupil; hemorrhage in
jaundice controlled by blood transfusion; on the haematogenic origin of
purulent nephritis through the staphylococcus; the snapping hip; three cases of
liver abscess treated by aspiration and injection of quinine, H. C. Curl and H.
\V. Smith: 156</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Pathology and bacteriology — <span> </span>Widal’s
reaction with sterilized cultures; a new medium for typhoid work; report on a
further series of blood cultures from seventy-four cases of typhoid and
paratyphoid fever; the histology of liver tissue regeneration; typhoid bacilli
and gall bladder; the occurrence and distribution of the spirochaeta pallida in
congenital syphilis; experiments on the differentiation of cholera and
cholera-like vitrios by complement fixation;<span>
</span>C. S. Butler and O. J. Mink 166</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Medical zoology —What is "schistosoma mansoni;" pulmonary
bilharziasis; filariasis and elephantiasis in southern Luzon; the diagnosis of African
tick fever from the examination of the blood; the parasite of</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Kula Azar and allied organisms; a new human nematode-strongylus gibsoni;
report of the Permanent Commission for the Suppression of Uncinariasis; on the
supposed occurrence of the filaria immitis in man, R. C. Holcomb 174</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Tropical medicine —An inquiry concerning the etiology of beriberi; have
trypanosomes an ultramicroscopical stage in their life history?; atoxyl as a
curative agent in malaria, E. R. Stitt 179</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">General medicine —The treatment of acute inflammatory conditions by
Bier's hypertemia; treatment of tetanus with subarachnoid injections of
magnesium sulphate; the serum diagnosis of syphilis; tubercle bacilli in the
sputum; a summary of the most recently published work on the doctrine of
opsonins; experimental investigation on "simple continued fever," H.
M. Kennedy 182</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Hygiene and sanitation —On the application of heat for the purification
of water with troops in the field; catarrhal icterus of eberthian origin; the epidemic
of typhoid fever on H. M. S. Regina Elena; the treatment of sweat-foot in the
army; a contribution to our knowledge of the spread of cerebro-spinal
meningitis; on book disinfection on the large scale; the etiology of impetigo
contagiosa; tuberculosis in the British army and its prevention; symptoms that
may be attributed to soldering with the oxyhydrogen</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">flame; tactics and the health of the army, H. G. Beyer 189</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Reports and letters 203</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Seventeenth annual meeting of the Association of Military Surgeons,
Manley H. Simons, delegate 203</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Report and recommendations of a board of officers, convened at the navy-yard,
Mare Island, Cal., on the precautionary methods <span> </span>to be taken to prevent the invasion of bubonic
plague at that station 205</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Number 3</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Preface VII</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Special articles 211</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Notes on the treatment of elephantiasis by the internal administration
of tinctuia ferri cbloridi, by P. S. Rossiter 211</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">A few notes on syphilis, by W. J. Zalesky 215</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">A note on the pathology of epidemic asthma, by O. J. Mink 222</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Report on sixteen cases of heat prostration, with remarks on etiology,
by A. G. Grunwell 223</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Reviews 231</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Liver abscess from the point of view of etiology and prophylaxis; pathology
and differential diagnosis; and treatment (3 papers), by G. B. Crow,, J. A. B.
Sinclair, and J. F. Cottle 231</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Suggested devices 245</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Appliances improvised on sick bay bunks, by C. M. De Valin 245</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Clinical notes 247</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">A case of fracture of patella, with operation at sea, by N. J.
Blackwood.. 247</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">A case of n current nasal hemorrhage, by Raymond Spear 250</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">A case of traumatic pneumonia, by C. F. Sterne 252</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">A case of liver abscess, by M. A. Stuart 254</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Current comment 255</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Hospital corps efficiency report 255</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Physical defects found on reexamination of recruits 255</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Some observations on the berthing of enlisted men of the navy, with suggestions
for improvement, by L. W. Curtis 256</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">The value of a chemical examination of water, by E. R. Noyes 257</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Progress in medical sciences 267</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Laboratory —A method for the preparation of flat worms for study, by O.
J. Mink and A. H. Ebeling .. 267</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">The formalin method for the clinical estimation of ammonia in the
urine, by E. W. Brown 269</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Bang's method for estimation of sugar in the urine; the Edestin method for
the estimation of pepsin in stomach contents 273</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Chemistry and pharmacy — Concerning the fractional precipitation of
albumin in the spinal fluid of normal cases luetics, functional and organic nervous
diseases and their bearing upon the differential diagnosis of dementia
paralytica, tabes dorsalis, tertiary and late syphilis; quantitative determination
of several sugars in the presence of each other in diabetic urines; the butyric
reaction for syphilis in man and in the monkey; excretion of amino acids in
pregnancy and after parturition; the relation between the protein content of
the blood serum and that of serous fluids; the further separation of antitoxin
from its associated proteins in horse serum, E. W. Brown and P. J. Waldner...276-279</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Surgery —The Hodgen splint; surgical anemia and resuscitation; mechanism
underlying artificial respiration; a new theory of surgical shock; carbon
dioxide snow in the treatment of augioma; bursitis subacromialis, or
periarthritis of the shoulder joint; report on the local anesthetics recommended
as substitutes for cocaine; further researches on the etiology of endemic
goiter; auto- and iso-transplantation, in dogs, of the parathyroid glandules;
partial, progressive, and complete occlusion of the aorta and other large
arteries in the dog by means of the metal band; C. F. Stokes, R. Spear, and H.
W. Smith 279-289</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Pathology and bacteriology —A simple method for the diagnosis of
syphilis; differential methods for detecting the typhoid bacilli in infected
water and milk; a peculiar intralobular cirrhosis of the liver produced by the protozoal
parasite of kala azar; the pathological anatomy of atoxyl poisoning; an
observation on the fate of B. Bulgaricus in the digestive tract of a monkey; a
contribution to the pathology of the spleen; a note, on the histology of a caue
of myelomatosis with Bence-Jones protein in</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">the urine; a new method for the recognition of indol in media; the rapid
diagnosis of rabies (a new stain for negri bodies); C. S. Butler and O. J. Mink
289-297</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Medical zoology —Anew intestinal trematodeof man; some applications of the
precipitin reaction in the diagnosis of hydatid disease; bilharzia, hematobia,
and circumcision; trichocephaliasis; R. C. Holcomb ...... 297-306</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Tropical medicine — Rice and beriberi; on the etiology of ulcerative
granuloma of the pudenda; amaebic dysentery with abscess of the liver in a patient
who had never been out of England; E. R. Stitt 306-308</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">General medicine —The dietetic treatment of diabetes; artificial
hyperemia in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis; remarks on the treatment of
gastric ulcer by immediate feeding; present status of the tuberculin tests; T.
W. Richards S0S-315</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Hygiene and sanitation — On 'a new and practical method of securing bodily
cleanliness for our men on board ship; on the heat-conducting power of linoleum
as compared to that of floors made of wood or of</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">betone; on the discrimination of unrecognized diseases and on a disease
of overcrowding in ships, <span> </span>especially at
Malta; H. G. Beyer 315-320</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Reports and letters 321</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Guam; reports on health and sanitation for the years 1907 and 1908, by F.
E. McCullough and G. L. Angeny. 321</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Number 4</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Preface vii</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Special articles 335</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">The hospital camp at Norfolk, Va., by P. A. Lovering 335</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">The teaching of tropical medicine outside of the Tropics, by E. R.
Stitt 308</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Ethyl chloride as a general anaesthetic, by L. W. Johnson 344</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Chronic nephritis in recruits, by B. F. Jenness 347</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Supplementary report on the investigation of Samoan conjunctivitis, by P.
S. Rossiter 349</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Points on embalming practicable on board ship, by C. Schaffer 351</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Reviews 355</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Surgical shock; a review of recent literature, by H. W. Smith 355</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Suggested devices 365</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Installation of an X-ray apparatus on the U. S. S. Maryland, by A.
Farenholt 365</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Method of fumigation of vessels at Hamburg 368</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">An oxygen apparatus 370</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">An easily constructed bunk tray, by C. M. Oman 371</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Clinical notes 373</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Operations upon the kidney. United States naval hospital, New York, by G.
T. Smith 373</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">A report on two cases of dentigerous cysts, by D. N. Carpenter 374</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">A case of mammary development in the male, by E. M. Brown 376</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Operative treatment of epididymitis, by W. S. Pugh, Jr 376</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Two cases from report of U. S. S. Hancock—1908: (1) Retinal hemorrhage,
(2) myocarditis with rupture, by P. Leach 377</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">A case of fracture of the skull; operation and recovery, by F. W. F.
Wieber. 378</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Carron oil in the treatment of otitis media suppurativa (acuta), by R.
E. Riggs 379</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Fracture of skull and gunshot wound of lung, with recovery, by W. S.
Pugh, Jr ..... 381</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Two unusual appendix cases, by R. R. Richardson 382</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Proctoclysis in typhoid fever, by C. F. Stokes 384</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Current comment 385</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Subscription price of the Bulletin 385</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Note on New York Post-Graduate Medical School 385</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Note on contributions to the Bulletin 385</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Note on annual meeting of American Medical Association on revision of pharmacopeia
386</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Note on inquiry concerning clothing in the Tropics 386</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Note on publicity concerning venereal disease in California 387</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Review of Gatewood's Naval Hygiene 387</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Note on the work at Tay Tay 388</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Medical examination of army recruits, by A. E. Peck 389</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Notes on the treatment of syphilis, by W. S. Hoen 391</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Views on the treatment of typhoid fever, by H. A. May 393</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Progress in medical sciences 397</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Laboratory —Benedict's method for the estimation of glucose in the
urine; estimation of uric acid in the urine, Folin-Schaffer; clinical method
for the estimation of uric acid, modification of the Folin-Schaffer process; test
for blood in the urine; two methods for the estimation of albumin in the urine,
by O. J. Mink and E. W. Brown 397</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Chemistry and pharmacy —The excretion in urine of sugars other than
glucose; experiments and experiences, pharmacological and clinical, with
digitalis, squill, and strophanthus; a reagent for the detection of reducing
sugars; on the antagonism of alcohol to carbolic acid ; the antitoxic activity
of iodine in tuberculosis; new experiments on the physiological action of
sulphuric ether; contribution to the physiology of the glands —further
contributions on the function of the spleen as an organ of iron metabolism;
modifications in the chemical composition of the blood serum in victims of
carbon dioxide poisoning, by P. J. Waldnerand C. Schaffer 402</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Pathology and bacteriology —Studies on typhoid fever; chloroform
poisoning — liver necrosis and repair; the importance of blood cultures in the
study of infections of otitic origin; the cultivation of the spirocheeta
pallidum; the cultivation of the bacillus leprae; the chemistry of the liver in
chloroform necrosis; the present status of the whooping-cough question; the
conveyance of whooping cough from man to animals by direct experiment; serology
of syphilis, by C. S. Butler and O. J. Mink 407</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Medical zoology — Schistosomiasis at Bahia; contribution to the study
of schistosomiasis in Bahia, Brazil; notes on malaria and kala-azar; endemic
amoebic dysentery in New York, with a review of its <span> </span>istribution in North America; filaria
(microfilaria) philippinensis; the distribution of filaria in the Philippine
Islands; acariens and cancers—acariens and leprosy; necator americanus in
Ceylon; anaemia due to trichocephalus dispar; study of the protozoa of J. H.
Wright in sixteen cases of Aleppo boil, by R. C. Holcomb 411</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Tropical medicine — Infantile kala-azar; on the identity of beri-beri
and epidemic dropsy; Malta fever in South Africa; leprosy in the Philippine
Islands and its treatment; the various types of plague and their clinical
manifestations, by C. S. Butler 417</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Hygiene and sanitation —The means by which infectious diseases are
transmitted; a critical study of the value of the measurements of chest expansion
and lung capacity; notes on the sanitation of yellow fever and malaria; the
house fly as a disease carrier, by H. G. Beyer 419</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">General medicine —A study of the aural and laryngeal complications of
typhoid fever, especially as observed in hospital practice; the problem of
cancer considered from the standpoint of immunity; nine cases of typhoid fever
treated with an antiendotoxic serum, by T. W. Richards 425</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Surgery —Some practical points in the application of the bismuth paste
in chronic suppurative diseases; the sequence of the pathological changes in appendiceal
peritonitis; direct blood transfusion by means of paraffin-coated glass tubes;
the use of animal membrane in producing mobility in ankylosed joints, by C. F.
Stokes and R. Spear 431</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Reports and letters 489</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">American Medical Association, by M. F. Gates 439</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Report on the Second International Conference for Revision of Nomenclature
of Diseases and Causes of Death, by F. L. Pleadwell 445</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Report upon medical relief measures at Messina, Sicily, by M. Donelson.
. 449</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;">Reports of medical relief measures at Adana, Turkey, by J. T. Miller
and L. W. McGuire 452</p>
If you have questions concerning reproductions, please contact the Contributing Library.
Note: The colors, contrast and appearance of these illustrations are unlikely to be true to life. They are derived from scanned images that have been enhanced for machine interpretation and have been altered from their originals.
Read/Download from the Internet Archive
Cant sleep so took a few close ups of my eyeball, held the flash off camera to the side while having a finger on the shutter and looking at the swivel screen with the other eye to see the focus. multitasking with insomnia. :)
Hit the L key to view larger on black
I am pretty proud of this shot because of the splash of lighting that you can see bouncing off of the retinal wall of my sister's eye ball. The focus is decent enough for me and I liked seeing my lens and fingers in the reflection of the pupil. Fun shot, fun shot.
In my first extreme edit of the evening, I removed the block of light left behind by the flash. I challenge you to not look for my patch work because it is hardly passable to be honest.
Blaeberry Vaccinium myrtillus also known as whortleberry, whinberry, winberry, windberry, wimberry, myrtle blueberry, Bilberry, Huckleberry, Hurtleberry and fraughan. The berries were called black-hearts in 19th century south-western England, according to Thomas Hardy's 1878 novel The Return of the Native.
Bilberry is used for treating eye conditions such as cataracts and disorders of the retina. There is some scientific evidence that bilberry may help retinal disorders. Some people use bilberry for conditions of the heart and blood vessels including hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), varicose veins, decreased blood flow in the veins, and chest pain.
A tea made from the dried leaves is strongly astringent, diuretic and antiseptic and was used to treat problems within the urinary tract. The leaves were also used to help treat and prevent the onset of diabetes as they contain a substance that reduces the levels of sugar in the blood.
A concoction made from the leaves or bark was applied locally to treat ulcers of the mouth and throat and distilled water made from the leaves made an excellent eyewash for inflamed or sore eyes.
Although the fresh berries were used as a laxative, once dried they were used to cure bouts of diarrhoea.
Blaeberry fruit was also used as a valuable treatment for varicose veins and piles!
Bilberry is also used for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), osteoarthritis, gout, skin infections, gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, kidney disease.
It is sometimes applied directly to the inside of the mouth for mild mouth and throat soreness.
The berries resemble blueberries but smaller and are ready to eat during July and August.
A study of the effects of high voltage and household cleaning products on instant pull apart color film.
Materials: Fujifilm FP100-45C Instant Color Film, various household cleaning products (bleach, vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, salt, rubbing alcohol), 15,000 volt neon tube ballast.
buttertwang presents: Frequência Modulada
GRÁFICA ÓPTICA
mosaïque disque géométrique optique
estación: ESPACIO saudade pelo futuro incarnata muse lives life alive in illicit harmony experience love organic architecture whole new way of looking and seeing immersed in light painting now with no filter only 100% real organic naturally occurring analog physical geometric mathematical motion blur un poco loco algoRhythmic ambient guru perfection liquid flow god's dj jet set design graffiti urb scribble urban bright chaos fractal iteration mad busy hectic highway freeway traffic strobing neon signs contemporary abstract expressionism vs. the representational and objective expression and communication of movement and light exploration by means of the rich language of film movies and music thru the fluent use of the vocabulary of moire patterns bokeh and high speed blurry light trails kinetic street art of photography long exposure multiple time distortion compression shooting dtla while driving fast smooth inspired by film noir Ridley Scott Blade Runner, Roman Coppola movie CQ, Ghost in the Shell, etc…
modern, abstraction, sublime, minimal, subliminal, disque, optique, moiré, orb, sun, star, planet, ambient, atmosphere, atmospheric, sci-fi, movie, cinematic, style, video, azulejos, mosaïque, mosaico, mosaic, retro, futuristic, poster
ortho projection mapping 3D dream subtle ambiance symbolism que hubo cubos totally immersive cubic room cubism cubismo logo spin wax blacklight horizontal universal symbol exploding atomic FUEGO sunstar crown mandaLA wireFrame red rad radio flying out golden radial nuclear sepia vector in all directions at once ninja star ojos de brujo infographiste cyber goth rave punk rock ilusión óptica para vuestro placer retinal
Animated Blend Cymatics
Resonance Made Visible
Hard-as-Math Psichromatic Hipgnosis
#adobeillustrator #designer #abstract #algorithmic #vector #graphics #future #art #visual #artist #eye #minimalist #psychrometric #hipgnosis #opart #logo #packaging #record #cover #graphic #graphicdesign #lines #golden #light #reflection #symmetry #god #círculo #geometría #starwars
A study of the effects of high voltage and household cleaning products on instant pull apart color film.
Materials: Fujifilm FP100-45C Instant Color Film, various household cleaning products (bleach, vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, salt, rubbing alcohol), 15,000 volt neon tube ballast.
Photo taken through Glass!
The legend:
Irrespective of the culture or language, the tiger is considered as the undisputed ruler of its domain and it has had a profound influence on village life in Asia over the centuries. In popular belief the tiger is the oldest resident of the jungle, living there long before humans came. People working in their gardens or in the forest do not dare to call the big cat by its common names. Instead they use respectful titles like 'grandfather/grandmother in-the forest,' 'old man of the forest,' 'general' or 'king of the forest.'
The tiger is variously feared, respected, admired and distrusted depending on the context. The popular beliefs swing between its power to help or harm, save or destroy; although, in Sumatra at least the final analysis is that the tiger is thought of as a good and just animal and a friend rather than a foe, who can be called on in times of illness or difficulty.
Variations of colours in tigers:
The majority of tigers are tawny brown in color with dark stripes and whitish stomachs. Reports and records indicate however, that a few wild tigers have been seen in unusual colors, including all white and all black .
Tiger facts:
Weight: Siberian tigers are the heaviest subspecies at 500 or more pounds (225 kg), with males heavier than females. The lightest subspecies is the Sumatran; males weigh about 250 pounds (110 kg) and females around 200 pounds (90 kg).
Measurements: Depending on the subspecies, the head-body length of a tiger is about 41/2 to 9 feet (1.4-2.8 m). The length of the tail is 3 to 4 feet (90-120 cm). The foot pads vary in size with age, resulting in inaccurate estimates when used in censusing wild populations.
Eyes: Tigers have round pupils and yellow irises (except for the blue eyes of white tigers). Due to a retinal adaptation that reflects light back to the retina, the night vision of tigers is six times better than that of humans.
Claws: Like domestic cats, tiger claws are retractable. Tiger scratches on trees serve as territorial markers.
Stripes: No one knows exactly why tigers are striped, but scientists think that the stripes act as camouflage, and help tigers hide from their prey. The Sumatran tiger has the most stripes of all the tiger subspecies, and the Siberian tiger has the fewest stripes. Tiger stripes are like human fingerprints; no two tigers have the same pattern of stripes.
Life span: The life span of tigers in the wild is thought to be about 10 years. Tigers in zoos live twice as long.
Cubs: Tiger cubs are born blind and weigh only about 2 to 3 pounds (1 kg), depending on the subspecies. They live on milk for 6-8 weeks before the female begins taking them to kills to feed. Tigers have fully developed canines by 16 months of age, but they do not begin making their own kills until about 18 months of age.
Head: Often carries the Chinese mark of wang or king on the forehead.
Distribution: Tigers range from India to Siberia and South East Asia.
Habitat: Tigers prefer habitat is forest although they can also be found in grassland and swamp margins. They require sufficient cover, a good population of large prey and a constant water supply.
Diet: Their main prey species are large animals such as deer, buffalo and wild pigs, but they will also hunt fish, monkeys, birds, reptiles and sometimes even baby elephants. Occasionally, tigers kill leopards, bears and other tigers.
Reproduction: Females will give birth to 2-4 cubs after a gestation of 104 days. They will stay with their mother for up to two years before leaving to stake out their own territories. Males look for territories away from their birth site, but females may sometimes share their mothers territories
As with lions, male tigers may kill a female's cubs if the cubs are the offspring of another male. This ensures that the female will come into oestrus and bear the new male's offspring. They are active at dawn and dusk.
Conservation status: Tigers are on CITES: Appendix I and are listed as Endangered by the IUCN. They are illegally poached for their fur and other body parts, and suffer from habitat loss. The Chinese tiger (P.t.amoyensis) and the Siberian tiger (P.t.altaica) are under extreme threat of extinction.
The Common Kingfisher, Alcedo atthis, also known as Eurasian Kingfisher or River Kingfisher, is a small kingfisher with seven subspecies recognized within its wide distribution across Eurasia and North Africa. It is resident in much of its range, but migrates from areas where rivers freeze in winter.
This sparrow-sized bird has the typical short-tailed, large-headed kingfisher profile; it has blue upperparts, orange underparts and a long bill. It feeds mainly on fish, caught by diving, and has special visual adaptions to enable it to see prey under water. The glossy white eggs are laid in a nest at the end of a burrow in a riverbank.
This species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his Systema Naturae in 1758 as Gracula atthis.[2] The binomial name derives from the Latin alcedo, "kingfisher" (from Greek ἀλκυών, halcyon) and Atthis, a beautiful young woman of Lesbos, and favourite of Sappho.[3]
The genus Alcedo comprises a number of small, exclusively fish-eating kingfishers. The Common Kingfisher’s closest relatives in the genus are three similar blue-backed, orange-breasted species, the Blue-eared, Half-collared and Blyth's Kingfishers.[4]
This species has the typical short-tailed, dumpy-bodied large-headed and long-billed kingfisher shape. The adult male of the western European subspecies, A. a. ispida has green-blue upperparts with pale azure-blue back and rump, a rufous patch by the bill base, and a rufous ear-patch. It has a green-blue neck stripe, white neck blaze and throat, rufous underparts, and a black bill with some red at the base. The legs and feet are bright red.[5] It is about 16 centimetres (6.3 in) long with a wingspan of 25 cm (9.8 in),[5] and weighs 34–46 grams (1.2–1.6 oz).[6]
The female is identical in appearance to the male except that her lower mandible is orange-red with a black tip. The juvenile is similar to the adult, but with duller and greener upperparts and paler underparts. Its bill is black, and the legs are also initially black.[5]
The flight of the Kingfisher is fast, direct and usually low over water. The short rounded wings whirr rapidly, and a bird flying away shows an electric-blue "flash" down its back.[6]
In North Africa, Europe and Asia north of the Himalayas this is the only small blue kingfisher. In south and southeast Asia it can be confused with six other small blue-and-rufous kingfishers, but the rufous ear patches distinguish it from all but juvenile Blue-eared Kingfisher; details of the head pattern may be necessary to differentiate the two species where both occur.[5]
The Common kingfisher has no song. The flight call is a short sharp whistle, chee, repeated two or three times. Anxious birds emit a harsh, shrit-it-it and nestlings call for food with a churring noise.[5]
[edit] Geographical variation
A. a. bengalensis in JapanThere are seven subspecies differing in the hue of the upperparts and the intensity of the rufous colour of the underparts; size varies across the subspecies by up to 10%. The races resident south of the Wallace Line have the bluest upperparts and partly blue ear-
The Common Kingfisher is widely distributed over Europe, Asia, and North Africa, mainly south of 60°N. It is a common breeding species over much of its vast Eurasian range, but in North Africa it is mainly a winter visitor, although it is a scarce breeding resident in coastal Morocco and Tunisia. In temperate regions, this kingfisher inhabits clear, slow-flowing streams and rivers, and lakes with well-vegetated banks. It frequents scrubs and bushes with overhanging branches close to shallow open water in which it hunts. In winter it is more coastal, often feeding in estuaries or harbours and along rocky seashores. Tropical populations are found by slow-flowing rivers, in mangrove creeks and in swamps.
mmon Kingfishers are important members of ecosystems and good indicators of freshwater community health. The highest densities of breeding birds are found in habitats with clear water, which permits optimal prey visibility, and trees or shrubs on the banks. These habitats have also the highest quality of water, so the presence of this bird confirms the standard of the water.[9] Measures to improve water flow can disrupt this habitat, and in particular, the replacement of natural banks by artificial confinement greatly reduces the populations of fish, amphibians and aquatic reptiles, and waterside birds are lost.[10]
This species is resident in areas where the climate is mild year-round, but must migrate after breeding from regions with prolonged freezing conditions in winter. Most birds winter within the southern parts of the breeding range, but smaller numbers cross the Mediterranean into Africa or travel over the mountains of Malaysia into Southeast Asia. Kingfishers migrate mainly at night, and some Siberian breeders must travel at least 3,000 km (1,900 mi) between the breeding sites and the wintering areas.[5]
Like all kingfishers, the Common Kingfishers is highly territorial; since it must eat around 60% of its body weight each day, it is essential to have control a suitable stretch of river. It is solitary for most of the year, roosting alone in heavy cover. If another kingfisher enters its territory, both birds display from perches, and fights may occur, where a bird will grab the other's beak and try to hold it under water. Pairs form in the autumn but each bird retains a separate territory, generally at least 1 km (0.62 mi) long, but up to 3.5 km (2.2 mi) and territories are not merged until the spring.[5]
The courtship is initiated by the male chasing the female while calling continually, and later by ritual feeding, copulation usually following.[6]
The nest is in a burrow excavated by both birds of the pair in a low vertical riverbank, or sometimes a quarry or other cutting. The straight, gently inclining burrow is normally 60–90 cm (24–36 in) long and ends in an enlarged chamber.[6] The nest cavity is unlined but soon accumulates a litter of fish remains and cast pellets.[11]
The Common Kingfisher typically lays five to seven (range two to ten) glossy white eggs, which average 1.9 cm (0.75 in) in breadth, 2.2 cm (0.87 in) in length, and weigh about 4.3 g (0.15 oz), of which 5% is shell.[3] One or two eggs in most clutches fail to hatch because the parent cannot cover them. Both sexes incubate by day, but only the female at night. An incubating bird sits trance-like, facing the tunnel; it invariably casts a pellet, breaking it up with the bill. The eggs hatch in 19–20 days, and the altricial young are in the nest for a further 24–25 days, often more.[4] Once large enough, young birds will come to the burrow entrance to be fed.[11] Two broods, sometimes three, may be reared in a season.[6]
The Common Kingfisher hunts from a perch 1–2 m (3–6 ft) above the water, on a branch, post or riverbank, bill pointing down as it searches for prey. It bobs its head when food is detected to gauge the distance, and plunges steeply down to seize its prey usually no deeper than 25 cm (19 in) below the surface. The wings are opened under water and the open eyes are protected by the transparent third eyelid. The bird rises beak-first from the surface and flies back to its perch. At the perch the fish is adjusted until it is held near its tail and beaten against the perch several times. Once dead, the fish is positioned lengthways and swallowed head-first. A few times each day, a small greyish pellet of fish bones and other indigestible remains is regurgitated.[5]
The food is mainly fish up to 12.5 cm (4.9 in) long, but the average size is 2.3 cm (0.91 in). Minnows, sticklebacks, small roach and trout are typical prey. About 60% of food items are fish, but this kingfisher also catches aquatic insects such as dragonfly larvae and water beetles, and, in winter, crustaceans including freshwater shrimps.[5]
A challenge for any diving bird is the change in refraction between air and water. The eyes of many birds have two foveae (the fovea is the area of the retina the greatest density of light receptors),[15] and a kingfisher is able to switch from the main central fovea to the auxiliary fovea when it enters water; a retinal streak of high receptor density which connects the two foveae allows the image to swing temporally as the bird drops onto the prey.[16] The egg-shaped lens of the eye points towards the auxiliary fovea, enabling the bird to maintain visual acuity underwater.[15] Because of the positions of the foveae, the kingfisher has monocular vision in air, and binocular vision in water. The underwater vision is not as a sharp as in air, but the ability to judge the distance of moving prey is more important than the sharpness of the image.[16]
Each cone cell of a bird’s retina contains a oil droplet which may contain carotenoid pigments. These droplets enhance colour vision and reduce glare. Aquatic kingfishers have high numbers of red pigments in their oil droplets; the reason red droplets predominate is not understood, but the droplets may help with the glare or the dispersion of light from particulate matter in the water.[16]
The octopus (plural octopuses) is a soft-bodied, eight-limbed mollusc of the order Octopoda (/ɒkˈtɒpədə/, ok-TO-pə-də). Around 300 species are recognised, and the order is grouped within the class Cephalopoda with squids, cuttlefish, and nautiloids. Like other cephalopods, the octopus is bilaterally symmetric with two eyes and a beak, with its mouth at the center point of the eight limbs.[a] The soft body can rapidly alter its shape, enabling octopuses to squeeze through small gaps. They trail their eight appendages behind them as they swim. The siphon is used both for respiration and for locomotion, by expelling a jet of water. Octopuses have a complex nervous system and excellent sight, and are among the most intelligent and behaviourally diverse of all invertebrates.
Octopuses inhabit various regions of the ocean, including coral reefs, pelagic waters, and the seabed; some live in the intertidal zone and others at abyssal depths. Most species grow quickly, mature early, and are short-lived. In most species, the male uses a specially adapted arm to deliver a bundle of sperm directly into the female's mantle cavity, after which he becomes senescent and dies, while the female deposits fertilised eggs in a den and cares for them until they hatch, after which she also dies. Strategies to defend themselves against predators include the expulsion of ink, the use of camouflage and threat displays, the ability to jet quickly through the water and hide, and even deceit. All octopuses are venomous, but only the blue-ringed octopuses are known to be deadly to humans.
Octopuses appear in mythology as sea monsters like the Kraken of Norway and the Akkorokamui of the Ainu, and probably the Gorgon of ancient Greece. A battle with an octopus appears in Victor Hugo's book Toilers of the Sea, inspiring other works such as Ian Fleming's Octopussy. Octopuses appear in Japanese erotic art, shunga. They are eaten and considered a delicacy by humans in many parts of the world, especially the Mediterranean and the Asian seas.
ETYMOLOGY AND PLURALISATION
The scientific Latin term octopus was derived from Ancient Greek ὀκτώπους, a compound form of ὀκτώ (oktō, "eight") and πούς (pous, "foot"), itself a variant form of ὀκτάπους, a word used for example by Alexander of Tralles (c. 525–605) for the common octopus. The standard pluralised form of "octopus" in English is "octopuses"; the Ancient Greek plural ὀκτώποδες, "octopodes" (/ɒkˈtɒpədiːz/), has also been used historically. The alternative plural "octopi" is considered grammatically incorrect because it wrongly assumes that octopus is a Latin second declension "-us" noun or adjective when, in either Greek or Latin, it is a third declension noun.
Fowler's Modern English Usage states that the only acceptable plural in English is "octopuses", that "octopi" is misconceived, and "octopodes" pedantic; the latter is nonetheless used frequently enough to be acknowledged by the descriptivist Merriam-Webster 11th Collegiate Dictionary and Webster's New World College Dictionary. The Oxford English Dictionary lists "octopuses", "octopi", and "octopodes", in that order, reflecting frequency of use, calling "octopodes" rare and noting that "octopi" is based on a misunderstanding. The New Oxford American Dictionary (3rd Edition, 2010) lists "octopuses" as the only acceptable pluralisation, and indicates that "octopodes" is still occasionally used, but that "octopi" is incorrect.
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
SIZE
The giant Pacific octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini) is often cited as the largest known octopus species. Adults usually weigh around 15 kg, with an arm span of up to 4.3 m. The largest specimen of this species to be scientifically documented was an animal with a live mass of 71 kg. Much larger sizes have been claimed for the giant Pacific octopus: one specimen was recorded as 272 kg with an arm span of 9 m. A carcass of the seven-arm octopus, Haliphron atlanticus, weighed 61 kg and was estimated to have had a live mass of 75 kg. The smallest species is Octopus wolfi, which is around 2.5 cm and weighs less than 1 g.
EXTERNAL CHARACTERISTICS
The octopus is bilaterally symmetrical along its dorso-ventral axis; the head and foot are at one end of an elongated body and function as the anterior (front) of the animal. The head includes the mouth and brain. The foot has evolved into a set of flexible, prehensile appendages, known as "arms", that surround the mouth and are attached to each other near their base by a webbed structure. The arms can be described based on side and sequence position (such as L1, R1, L2, R2) and divided into four pairs. The two rear appendages are generally used to walk on the sea floor, while the other six are used to forage for food; hence some biologists refer to the animals as having six "arms" and two "legs". The bulbous and hollow mantle is fused to the back of the head and is known as the visceral hump; it contains most of the vital organs. The mantle cavity has muscular walls and contains the gills; it is connected to the exterior by a funnel or siphon. The mouth of an octopus, located underneath the arms, has a sharp hard beak.
The skin consists of a thin outer epidermis with mucous cells and sensory cells, and a connective tissue dermis consisting largely of collagen fibres and various cells allowing colour change. Most of the body is made of soft tissue allowing it to lengthen, contract, and contort itself. The octopus can squeeze through tiny gaps; even the larger species can pass through an opening close to 2.5 cm in diameter. Lacking skeletal support, the arms work as muscular hydrostats and contain longitudinal, transverse and circular muscles around a central axial nerve. They can extend and contract, twist to left or right, bend at any place in any direction or be held rigid.
The interior surfaces of the arms are covered with circular, adhesive suckers. The suckers allow the octopus to anchor itself or to manipulate objects. Each sucker is usually circular and bowl-like and has two distinct parts: an outer shallow cavity called an infundibulum and a central hollow cavity called an acetabulum, both of which are thick muscles covered in a protective chitinous cuticle. When a sucker attaches to a surface, the orifice between the two structures is sealed. The infundibulum provides adhesion while the acetabulum remains free, and muscle contractions allow for attachment and detachment.
The eyes of the octopus are large and are at the top of the head. They are similar in structure to those of a fish and are enclosed in a cartilaginous capsule fused to the cranium. The cornea is formed from a translucent epidermal layer and the slit-shaped pupil forms a hole in the iris and lies just behind. The lens is suspended behind the pupil and photoreceptive retinal cells cover the back of the eye. The pupil can be adjusted in size and a retinal pigment screens incident light in bright conditions.Some species differ in form from the typical octopus body shape. Basal species, the Cirrina, have stout gelatinous bodies with webbing that reaches near the tip of their arms, and two large fins above the eyes, supported by an internal shell. Fleshy papillae or cirri are found along the bottom of the arms, and the eyes are more developed.
CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
Octopuses have a closed circulatory system, in which the blood remains inside blood vessels. Octopuses have three hearts; a systemic heart that circulates blood around the body and two branchial hearts that pump it through each of the two gills. The systemic heart is inactive when the animal is swimming and thus it tires quickly and prefers to crawl. Octopus blood contains the copper-rich protein haemocyanin to transport oxygen. This makes the blood very viscous and it requires considerable pressure to pump it around the body; octopuses' blood pressures can exceed 75 mmHg. In cold conditions with low oxygen levels, haemocyanin transports oxygen more efficiently than haemoglobin. The haemocyanin is dissolved in the plasma instead of being carried within blood cells, and gives the blood a bluish colour.
The systemic heart has muscular contractile walls and consists of a single ventricle and two atria, one for each side of the body. The blood vessels consist of arteries, capillaries and veins and are lined with a cellular endothelium which is quite unlike that of most other invertebrates. The blood circulates through the aorta and capillary system, to the vena cavae, after which the blood is pumped through the gills by the auxiliary hearts and back to the main heart. Much of the venous system is contractile, which helps circulate the blood.
RESPIRATION
Respiration involves drawing water into the mantle cavity through an aperture, passing it through the gills, and expelling it through the siphon. The ingress of water is achieved by contraction of radial muscles in the mantle wall, and flapper valves shut when strong circular muscles force the water out through the siphon. Extensive connective tissue lattices support the respiratory muscles and allow them to expand the respiratory chamber. The lamella structure of the gills allows for a high oxygen uptake, up to 65% in water at 20 °C. Water flow over the gills correlates with locomotion, and an octopus can propel its body when it expels water out of its siphon.
The thin skin of the octopus absorbs additional oxygen. When resting, around 41% of an octopus's oxygen absorption is through the skin. This decreases to 33% when it swims, as more water flows over the gills; skin oxygen uptake also increases. When it is resting after a meal, absorption through the skin can drop to 3% of its total oxygen uptake.
DIGESTION AND EXCRETION
The digestive system of the octopus begins with the buccal mass which consists of the mouth with its chitinous beak, the pharynx, radula and salivary glands. The radula is a spiked, muscular tongue-like organ with multiple rows of tiny teeth. Food is broken down and is forced into the oesophagus by two lateral extensions of the esophageal side walls in addition to the radula. From there it is transferred to the gastrointestinal tract, which is mostly suspended from the roof of the mantle cavity by numerous membranes. The tract consists of a crop, where the food is stored; a stomach, where food is ground down; a caecum where the now sludgy food is sorted into fluids and particles and which plays an important role in absorption; the digestive gland, where liver cells break down and absorb the fluid and become "brown bodies"; and the intestine, where the accumulated waste is turned into faecal ropes by secretions and blown out of the funnel via the rectum.
During osmoregulation, fluid is added to the pericardia of the branchial hearts. The octopus has two nephridia (equivalent to vertebrate kidneys) which are associated with the branchial hearts; these and their associated ducts connect the pericardial cavities with the mantle cavity. Before reaching the branchial heart, each branch of the vena cava expands to form renal appendages which are in direct contact with the thin-walled nephridium. The urine is first formed in the pericardial cavity, and is modified by excretion, chiefly of ammonia, and selective absorption from the renal appendages, as it is passed along the associated duct and through the nephridiopore into the mantle cavity.
NERVOUS SYSTEM AND SENSES
The octopus (along with cuttlefish) has the highest brain-to-body mass ratios of all invertebrates; it is also greater than that of many vertebrates. It has a highly complex nervous system, only part of which is localised in its brain, which is contained in a cartilaginous capsule. Two-thirds of an octopus's neurons are found in the nerve cords of its arms, which show a variety of complex reflex actions that persist even when they have no input from the brain. Unlike vertebrates, the complex motor skills of octopuses are not organised in their brain via an internal somatotopic map of its body, instead using a nonsomatotopic system unique to large-brained invertebrates.
Like other cephalopods, octopuses can distinguish the polarisation of light. Colour vision appears to vary from species to species, for example being present in O. aegina but absent in O. vulgaris. Researchers believe that opsins in the skin can sense different wavelengths of light and help the creatures choose a coloration that camouflages them, in addition to light input from the eyes. Other researchers hypothesise that cephalopod eyes in species which only have a single photoreceptor protein may use chromatic aberration to turn monochromatic vision into colour vision, though this sacrifices image quality. This would explain pupils shaped like the letter U, the letter W, or a dumbbell, as well as explaining the need for colourful mating displays.
Attached to the brain are two special organs called statocysts (sac-like structures containing a mineralised mass and sensitive hairs), that allow the octopus to sense the orientation of its body. They provide information on the position of the body relative to gravity and can detect angular acceleration. An autonomic response keeps the octopus's eyes oriented so that the pupil is always horizontal. Octopuses may also use the statocyst to hear sound. The common octopus can hear sounds between 400 Hz and 1000 Hz, and hears best at 600 Hz.
Octopuses also have an excellent sense of touch. The octopus's suction cups are equipped with chemoreceptors so the octopus can taste what it touches. Octopus arms do not become tangled or stuck to each other because the sensors recognise octopus skin and prevent self-attachment.
The arms contain tension sensors so the octopus knows whether its arms are stretched out, but this is not sufficient for the brain to determine the position of the octopus's body or arms. As a result, the octopus does not possess stereognosis; that is, it does not form a mental image of the overall shape of the object it is handling. It can detect local texture variations, but cannot integrate the information into a larger picture. The neurological autonomy of the arms means the octopus has great difficulty learning about the detailed effects of its motions. It has a poor proprioceptive sense, and it knows what exact motions were made only by observing the arms visually.
Ink sac
The ink sac of an octopus is located under the digestive gland. A gland attached to the sac produces the ink, and the sac stores it. The sac is close enough to the funnel for the octopus to shoot out the ink with a water jet. Before it leaves the funnel, the ink passes through glands which mix it with mucus, creating a thick, dark blob which allows the animal to escape from a predator. The main pigment in the ink is melanin, which gives it its black colour. Cirrate octopuses lack the ink sac.
LIFECYCLE
REPRODUCTION
Octopuses are gonochoric and have a single, posteriorly-located gonad which is associated with the coelom. The testis in males and the ovary in females bulges into the gonocoel and the gametes are released here. The gonocoel is connected by the gonoduct to the mantle cavity, which it enters at the gonopore. An optic gland creates hormones that cause the octopus to mature and age and stimulate gamete production. The gland may be triggered by environmental conditions such as temperature, light and nutrition, which thus control the timing of reproduction and lifespan.
When octopuses reproduce, the male uses a specialised arm called a hectocotylus to transfer spermatophores (packets of sperm) from the terminal organ of the reproductive tract (the cephalopod "penis") into the female's mantle cavity. The hectocotylus in benthic octopuses is usually the third right arm, which has a spoon-shaped depression and modified suckers near the tip. In most species, fertilisation occurs in the mantle cavity.
The reproduction of octopuses has been studied in only a few species. One such species is the giant Pacific octopus, in which courtship is accompanied, especially in the male, by changes in skin texture and colour. The male may cling to the top or side of the female or position himself beside her. There is some speculation that he may first use his hectocotylus to remove any spermatophore or sperm already present in the female. He picks up a spermatophore from his spermatophoric sac with the hectocotylus, inserts it into the female's mantle cavity, and deposits it in the correct location for the species, which in the giant Pacific octopus is the opening of the oviduct. Two spermatophores are transferred in this way; these are about one metre (yard) long, and the empty ends may protrude from the female's mantle. A complex hydraulic mechanism releases the sperm from the spermatophore, and it is stored internally by the female.
About forty days after mating, the female giant Pacific octopus attaches strings of small fertilised eggs (10,000 to 70,000 in total) to rocks in a crevice or under an overhang. Here she guards and cares for them for about five months (160 days) until they hatch. In colder waters, such as those off of Alaska, it may take as much as 10 months for the eggs to completely develop. The female aerates the eggs and keeps them clean; if left untended, many eggs will not hatch. She does not feed during this time and dies soon afterwards. Males become senescent and die a few weeks after mating.
The eggs have large yolks; cleavage (division) is superficial and a germinal disc develops at the pole. During gastrulation, the margins of this grow down and surround the yolk, forming a yolk sac, which eventually forms part of the gut. The dorsal side of the disc grows upwards and forms the embryo, with a shell gland on its dorsal surface, gills, mantle and eyes. The arms and funnel develop as part of the foot on the ventral side of the disc. The arms later migrate upwards, coming to form a ring around the funnel and mouth. The yolk is gradually absorbed as the embryo develops.
Most young octopuses hatch as paralarvae and are planktonic for weeks to months, depending on the species and water temperature. They feed on copepods, arthropod larvae and other zooplankton, eventually settling on the ocean floor and developing directly into adults with no distinct metamorphoses that are present in other groups of mollusc larvae. Octopus species that produce larger eggs – including the southern blue-ringed, Caribbean reef, California two-spot, Eledone moschata and deep sea octopuses – do not have a paralarval stage, but hatch as benthic animals similar to the adults.In the argonaut (paper nautilus), the female secretes a fine, fluted, papery shell in which the eggs are deposited and in which she also resides while floating in mid-ocean. In this she broods the young, and it also serves as a buoyancy aid allowing her to adjust her depth. The male argonaut is minute by comparison and has no shell.
LIFESPAN
Octopuses have a relatively short life expectancy; some species live for as little as six months. The giant Pacific octopus, one of the two largest species of octopus, may live for as much as five years. Octopus lifespan is limited by reproduction: males can live for only a few months after mating, and females die shortly after their eggs hatch. The larger Pacific striped octopus is an exception, as it can reproduce multiple times over a life of around two years. Octopus reproductive organs mature due to the hormonal influence of the optic gland but result in the inactivation of their digestive glands, typically causing the octopus to die from starvation. Experimental removal of both optic glands after spawning was found to result in the cessation of broodiness, the resumption of feeding, increased growth, and greatly extended lifespans. It has been proposed that the naturally short lifespan may be functional to prevent rapid overpopulation.
DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT
Octopuses live in every ocean, and different species have adapted to different marine habitats. As juveniles, common octopuses inhabit shallow tide pools. The Hawaiian day octopus (Octopus cyanea) lives on coral reefs; argonauts drift in pelagic waters. Abdopus aculeatus mostly lives in near-shore seagrass beds. Some species are adapted to the cold, ocean depths. The spoon-armed octopus (Bathypolypus arcticus) is found at depths of 1,000 m, and Vulcanoctopus hydrothermalis lives near hydrothermal vents at 2,000 m. The cirrate species are often free-swimming and live in deep-water habitats. Although several species are known to live at bathyal and abyssal depths, there is only a single indisputable record of an octopus in the hadal zone; a species of Grimpoteuthis (dumbo octopus) photographed at 6,957 m. No species are known to live in fresh water.
BEHAVIOUR AND ECOLOGY
Most species are solitary when not mating, though a few are known to occur in high densities and with frequent interactions, signaling, mate defending and eviction of individuals from dens. This is likely the result of abundant food supplies combined with limited den sites. The larger Pacific striped octopus however is social, living in groups of up to 40 individuals that share dens. Octopuses hide in dens, which are typically crevices in rocky outcrops or other hard structures, though some species burrow into sand or mud. Octopuses are not territorial but generally remain in a home range; they may leave the area in search of food. They can use navigation skills to return to a den without having to retrace their outward route. They are not known to be migratory.
Octopuses bring captured prey back to the den where they can eat it safely. Sometimes the octopus catches more prey than it can eat, and the den is often surrounded by a midden of dead and uneaten food items. Other creatures, such as fish, crabs, molluscs and echinoderms, often share the den with the octopus, either because they have arrived as scavengers, or because they have survived capture. Octopuses rarely engage in interspecific cooperative hunting with fish as their partners. They regulate the species composition of the hunting group - and the behavior of their partners - by punching them.
FEEDING
Nearly all octopuses are predatory; bottom-dwelling octopuses eat mainly crustaceans, polychaete worms, and other molluscs such as whelks and clams; open-ocean octopuses eat mainly prawns, fish and other cephalopods. Major items in the diet of the giant Pacific octopus include bivalve molluscs such as the cockle Clinocardium nuttallii, clams and scallops and crustaceans such as crabs and spider crabs. Prey that it is likely to reject include moon snails because they are too large and limpets, rock scallops, chitons and abalone, because they are too securely fixed to the rock.
A benthic (bottom-dwelling) octopus typically moves among the rocks and feels through the crevices. The creature may make a jet-propelled pounce on prey and pull it towards the mouth with its arms, the suckers restraining it. Small prey may be completely trapped by the webbed structure. Octopuses usually inject crustaceans like crabs with a paralysing saliva then dismember them with their beaks. Octopuses feed on shelled molluscs either by forcing the valves apart, or by drilling a hole in the shell to inject a nerve toxin. It used to be thought that the hole was drilled by the radula, but it has now been shown that minute teeth at the tip of the salivary papilla are involved, and an enzyme in the toxic saliva is used to dissolve the calcium carbonate of the shell. It takes about three hours for O. vulgaris to create a 0.6 mm hole. Once the shell is penetrated, the prey dies almost instantaneously, its muscles relax, and the soft tissues are easy for the octopus to remove. Crabs may also be treated in this way; tough-shelled species are more likely to be drilled, and soft-shelled crabs are torn apart.
Some species have other modes of feeding. Grimpoteuthis has a reduced or non-existent radula and swallows prey whole. In the deep-sea genus Stauroteuthis, some of the muscle cells that control the suckers in most species have been replaced with photophores which are believed to fool prey by directing them towards the mouth, making them one of the few bioluminescent octopuses.
LOCOMOTION
Octopuses mainly move about by relatively slow crawling with some swimming in a head-first position. Jet propulsion or backwards swimming, is their fastest means of locomotion, followed by swimming and crawling. When in no hurry, they usually crawl on either solid or soft surfaces. Several arms are extended forwards, some of the suckers adhere to the substrate and the animal hauls itself forwards with its powerful arm muscles, while other arms may push rather than pull. As progress is made, other arms move ahead to repeat these actions and the original suckers detach. During crawling, the heart rate nearly doubles, and the animal requires ten or fifteen minutes to recover from relatively minor exercise.
Most octopuses swim by expelling a jet of water from the mantle through the siphon into the sea. The physical principle behind this is that the force required to accelerate the water through the orifice produces a reaction that propels the octopus in the opposite direction. The direction of travel depends on the orientation of the siphon. When swimming, the head is at the front and the siphon is pointed backwards, but when jetting, the visceral hump leads, the siphon points towards the head and the arms trail behind, with the animal presenting a fusiform appearance. In an alternative method of swimming, some species flatten themselves dorso-ventrally, and swim with the arms held out sideways, and this may provide lift and be faster than normal swimming. Jetting is used to escape from danger, but is physiologically inefficient, requiring a mantle pressure so high as to stop the heart from beating, resulting in a progressive oxygen deficit.
Cirrate octopuses cannot produce jet propulsion and rely on their fins for swimming. They have neutral buoyancy and drift through the water with the fins extended. They can also contract their arms and surrounding web to make sudden moves known as "take-offs". Another form of locomotion is "pumping", which involves symmetrical contractions of muscles in their webs producing peristaltic waves. This moves the body slowly.
In 2005, Adopus aculeatus and veined octopus (Amphioctopus marginatus) were found to walk on two arms, while at the same time mimicking plant matter. This form of locomotion allows these octopuses to move quickly away from a potential predator without being recognised. A study of this behaviour led to the suggestion that the two rearmost appendages may be more accurately termed "legs" rather than "arms". Some species of octopus can crawl out of the water briefly, which they may do between tide pools while hunting crustaceans or gastropods or to escape predators. "Stilt walking" is used by the veined octopus when carrying stacked coconut shells. The octopus carries the shells underneath it with two arms, and progresses with an ungainly gait supported by its remaining arms held rigid.
INTELLIGENCE
Octopuses are highly intelligent; the extent of their intelligence and learning capability are not well defined. Maze and problem-solving experiments have shown evidence of a memory system that can store both short- and long-term memory. It is not known precisely what contribution learning makes to adult octopus behaviour. Young octopuses learn nothing from their parents, as adults provide no parental care beyond tending to their eggs until the young octopuses hatch.
In laboratory experiments, octopuses can be readily trained to distinguish between different shapes and patterns. They have been reported to practise observational learning, although the validity of these findings is contested. Octopuses have also been observed in what has been described as play: repeatedly releasing bottles or toys into a circular current in their aquariums and then catching them. Octopuses often break out of their aquariums and sometimes into others in search of food. They have even boarded fishing boats and opened holds to eat crabs. The veined octopus collects discarded coconut shells, then uses them to build a shelter, an example of tool use.
CAMOUFLAGE AND COLOUR CHANGE
Octopuses use camouflage when hunting and to avoid predators. To do this they use specialised skin cells which change the appearance of the skin by adjusting its colour, opacity, or reflectivity. Chromatophores contain yellow, orange, red, brown, or black pigments; most species have three of these colours, while some have two or four. Other colour-changing cells are reflective iridophores and white leucophores. This colour-changing ability is also used to communicate with or warn other octopuses.
Octopuses can create distracting patterns with waves of dark coloration across the body, a display known as the "passing cloud". Muscles in the skin change the texture of the mantle to achieve greater camouflage. In some species, the mantle can take on the spiky appearance of algae; in others, skin anatomy is limited to relatively uniform shades of one colour with limited skin texture. Octopuses that are diurnal and live in shallow water have evolved more complex skin than their nocturnal and deep-sea counterparts.
A "moving rock" trick involves the octopus mimicking a rock and then inching across the open space with a speed matching the movement in the surrounding water, allowing it to move in plain sight of a predator.
DEFENCE
Aside from humans, octopuses may be preyed on by fishes, seabirds, sea otters, pinnipeds, cetaceans, and other cephalopods. Octopuses typically hide or disguise themselves by camouflage and mimicry; some have conspicuous warning coloration (aposematism) or deimatic behaviour. An octopus may spend 40% of its time hidden away in its den. When the octopus is approached, it may extend an arm to investigate. 66% of Enteroctopus dofleini in one study had scars, with 50% having amputated arms. The blue rings of the highly venomous blue-ringed octopus are hidden in muscular skin folds which contract when the animal is threatened, exposing the iridescent warning. The Atlantic white-spotted octopus (Callistoctopus macropus) turns bright brownish red with oval white spots all over in a high contrast display. Displays are often reinforced by stretching out the animal's arms, fins or web to make it look as big and threatening as possible.
Once they have been seen by a predator, they commonly try to escape but can also use distraction with an ink cloud ejected from the ink sac. The ink is thought to reduce the efficiency of olfactory organs, which would aid evasion from predators that employ smell for hunting, such as sharks. Ink clouds of some species might act as pseudomorphs, or decoys that the predator attacks instead.
When under attack, some octopuses can perform arm autotomy, in a manner similar to the way skinks and other lizards detach their tails. The crawling arm may distract would-be predators. Such severed arms remain sensitive to stimuli and move away from unpleasant sensations. Octopuses can replace lost limbs.
Some octopuses, such as the mimic octopus, can combine their highly flexible bodies with their colour-changing ability to mimic other, more dangerous animals, such as lionfish, sea snakes, and eels.
PATHOGENS AND PARASITES
The diseases and parasites that affect octopuses have been little studied, but cephalopods are known to be the intermediate or final hosts of various parasitic cestodes, nematodes and copepods; 150 species of protistan and metazoan parasites have been recognised. The Dicyemidae are a family of tiny worms that are found in the renal appendages of many species; it is unclear whether they are parasitic or are endosymbionts. Coccidians in the genus Aggregata living in the gut cause severe disease to the host. Octopuses have an innate immune system, and the haemocytes respond to infection by phagocytosis, encapsulation, infiltration or cytotoxic activities to destroy or isolate the pathogens. The haemocytes play an important role in the recognition and elimination of foreign bodies and wound repair. Captive animals have been found to be more susceptible to pathogens than wild ones. A gram-negative bacterium, Vibrio lentus, has been found to cause skin lesions, exposure of muscle and death of octopuses in extreme cases.
EVOLUTION
The scientific name Octopoda was first coined and given as the order of octopuses in 1818 by English biologist William Elford Leach, who classified them as Octopoida the previous year. The Octopoda consists of around 300 known species and were historically divided into two suborders, the Incirrina and the Cirrina. However, more recent evidence suggests that Cirrina are merely the most basal species and are not a unique clade. The incirrate octopuses (the majority of species) lack the cirri and paired swimming fins of the cirrates. In addition, the internal shell of incirrates is either present as a pair of stylets or absent altogether.
FOSSIL HISTORY AND PHYLOGENY
Cephalopods have existed for 500 million years and octopus ancestors were in the Carboniferous seas 300 million years ago. The oldest known octopus fossil is Pohlsepia, which lived 296 million years ago. Researchers have identified impressions of eight arms, two eyes, and possibly an ink sac. Octopuses are mostly soft tissue, and so fossils are relatively rare. Octopuses, squids and cuttlefish belong to the clade Coleoidea. They are known as "soft-bodied" cephalopods, lacking the external shell of most molluscs and other cephalopods like the nautiloids and the extinct Ammonoidea. Octopuses have eight limbs like other coleoids but lack the extra specialised feeding appendages known as tentacles which are longer and thinner with suckers only at their club-like ends. The vampire squid (Vampyroteuthis) also lacks tentacles but has sensory filaments.
The cladograms are based on Sanchez et al., 2018, who created a molecular phylogeny based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA marker sequences.
RNA EDITING
Octopuses and other coleoid cephalopods are capable of greater RNA editing (which involves changes to the nucleic acid sequence of the primary transcript of RNA molecules) than any other organisms. Editing is concentrated in the nervous system and affects proteins involved in neural excitability and neuronal morphology. More than 60% of RNA transcripts for coleoid brains are recoded by editing, compared to less than 1% for a human or fruit fly. Coleoids rely mostly on ADAR enzymes for RNA editing, which requires large double-stranded RNA structures to flank the editing sites. Both the structures and editing sites are conserved in the coleoid genome and the mutation rates for the sites are severely hampered. Hence, greater transcriptome plasticity has come at the cost of slower genome evolution. High levels of RNA editing do not appear to be present in more basal cephalopods or other molluscs.
RELATIONSHIP TO HUMANS
CULTURAL REFERENCES
Ancient seafaring people were aware of the octopus, as evidenced by certain artworks and designs. For example, a stone carving found in the archaeological recovery from Bronze Age Minoan Crete at Knossos (1900–1100 BC) has a depiction of a fisherman carrying an octopus. The terrifyingly powerful Gorgon of Greek mythology has been thought to have been inspired by the octopus or squid, the octopus itself representing the severed head of Medusa, the beak as the protruding tongue and fangs, and its tentacles as the snakes. The Kraken are legendary sea monsters of giant proportions said to dwell off the coasts of Norway and Greenland, usually portrayed in art as a giant octopus attacking ships. Linnaeus included it in the first edition of his 1735 Systema Naturae. One translation of the Hawaiian creation myth the Kumulipo suggests that the octopus is the lone survivor of a previous age. The Akkorokamui is a gigantic octopus-like monster from Ainu folklore.
A battle with an octopus plays a significant role in Victor Hugo's book Travailleurs de la mer (Toilers of the Sea), relating to his time in exile on Guernsey. Ian Fleming's 1966 short story collection Octopussy and The Living Daylights, and the 1983 James Bond film were partly inspired by Hugo's book.
Japanese erotic art, shunga, includes ukiyo-e woodblock prints such as Katsushika Hokusai's 1814 print Tako to ama (The Dream of the Fisherman's Wife), in which an ama diver is sexually intertwined with a large and a small octopus. The print is a forerunner of tentacle erotica. The biologist P. Z. Myers noted in his science blog, Pharyngula, that octopuses appear in "extraordinary" graphic illustrations involving women, tentacles, and bare breasts.
Since it has numerous arms emanating from a common centre, the octopus is often used as a symbol for a powerful and manipulative organisation, company, or country.
DANGER
Octopuses generally avoid humans, but incidents have been verified. For example, a 2.4-metre Pacific octopus, said to be nearly perfectly camouflaged, "lunged" at a diver and "wrangled" over his camera before it let go. Another diver recorded the encounter on video.
All species are venomous, but only blue-ringed octopuses have venom that is lethal to humans. Bites are reported each year across the animals' range from Australia to the eastern Indo-Pacific Ocean. They bite only when provoked or accidentally stepped upon; bites are small and usually painless. The venom appears to be able to penetrate the skin without a puncture, given prolonged contact. It contains tetrodotoxin, which causes paralysis by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles. This causes death by respiratory failure leading to cerebral anoxia. No antidote is known, but if breathing can be kept going artificially, patients recover within 24 hours. Bites have been recorded from captive octopuses of other species; they leave swellings which disappear in a day or two.
FISHERIES AND CUISINE
Octopus fisheries exist around the world with total catches varying between 245,320 and 322,999 metric tons from 1986 to 1995. The world catch peaked in 2007 at 380,000 tons, and fell by a tenth by 2012. Methods to capture octopuses include pots, traps, trawls, snares, drift fishing, spearing, hooking and hand collection. Octopus is eaten in many cultures and is a common food on the Mediterranean and Asian coasts. The arms and sometimes other body parts are prepared in various ways, often varying by species or geography. Live octopuses are eaten in several countries around the world, including the US. Animal welfare groups have objected to this practice on the basis that octopuses can experience pain. Octopuses have a food conversion efficiency greater than that of chickens, making octopus aquaculture a possibility.
IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
In classical Greece, Aristotle (384–322 BC) commented on the colour-changing abilities of the octopus, both for camouflage and for signalling, in his Historia animalium: "The octopus ... seeks its prey by so changing its colour as to render it like the colour of the stones adjacent to it; it does so also when alarmed." Aristotle noted that the octopus had a hectocotyl arm and suggested it might be used in sexual reproduction. This claim was widely disbelieved until the 19th century. It was described in 1829 by the French zoologist Georges Cuvier, who supposed it to be a parasitic worm, naming it as a new species, Hectocotylus octopodis. Other zoologists thought it a spermatophore; the German zoologist Heinrich Müller believed it was "designed" to detach during copulation. In 1856 the Danish zoologist Japetus Steenstrup demonstrated that it is used to transfer sperm, and only rarely detaches.
Octopuses offer many possibilities in biological research, including their ability to regenerate limbs, change the colour of their skin, behave intelligently with a distributed nervous system, and make use of 168 kinds of protocadherins (humans have 58), the proteins that guide the connections neurons make with each other. The California two-spot octopus has had its genome sequenced, allowing exploration of its molecular adaptations. Having independently evolved mammal-like intelligence, octopuses have been compared to hypothetical intelligent extraterrestrials. Their problem-solving skills, along with their mobility and lack of rigid structure enable them to escape from supposedly secure tanks in laboratories and public aquariums.
Due to their intelligence, octopuses are listed in some countries as experimental animals on which surgery may not be performed without anesthesia, a protection usually extended only to vertebrates. In the UK from 1993 to 2012, the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) was the only invertebrate protected under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. In 2012, this legislation was extended to include all cephalopods in accordance with a general EU directive.
Some robotics research is exploring biomimicry of octopus features. Octopus arms can move and sense largely autonomously without intervention from the animal's central nervous system. In 2015 a team in Italy built soft-bodied robots able to crawl and swim, requiring only minimal computation. In 2017 a German company made an arm with a soft pneumatically controlled silicone gripper fitted with two rows of suckers. It is able to grasp objects such as a metal tube, a magazine, or a ball, and to fill a glass by pouring water from a bottle.
WIKIPEDIA
buttertwang presents: Frequência Modulada
GRÁFICA ÓPTICA
mosaïque disque géométrique optique
estación: ESPACIO saudade pelo futuro incarnata muse lives life alive in illicit harmony experience love organic architecture whole new way of looking and seeing immersed in light painting now with no filter only 100% real organic naturally occurring analog physical geometric mathematical motion blur un poco loco algoRhythmic ambient guru perfection liquid flow god's dj jet set design graffiti urb scribble urban bright chaos fractal iteration mad busy hectic highway freeway traffic strobing neon signs contemporary abstract expressionism vs. the representational and objective expression and communication of movement and light exploration by means of the rich language of film movies and music thru the fluent use of the vocabulary of moire patterns bokeh and high speed blurry light trails kinetic street art of photography long exposure multiple time distortion compression shooting dtla while driving fast smooth inspired by film noir Ridley Scott Blade Runner, Roman Coppola movie CQ, Ghost in the Shell, etc…
modern, abstraction, sublime, minimal, subliminal, disque, optique, moiré, orb, sun, star, planet, ambient, atmosphere, atmospheric, sci-fi, movie, cinematic, style, video, azulejos, mosaïque, mosaico, mosaic, retro, futuristic, poster
ortho projection mapping 3D dream subtle ambiance symbolism que hubo cubos totally immersive cubic room cubism cubismo logo spin wax blacklight horizontal universal symbol exploding atomic FUEGO sunstar crown mandaLA wireFrame red rad radio flying out golden radial nuclear sepia vector in all directions at once ninja star ojos de brujo infographiste cyber goth rave punk rock ilusión óptica para vuestro placer retinal
Animated Blend Cymatics
Resonance Made Visible
Hard-as-Math Psichromatic Hipgnosis
#adobeillustrator #designer #abstract #algorithmic #vector #graphics #future #art #visual #artist #eye #minimalist #psychrometric #hipgnosis #opart #logo #packaging #record #cover #graphic #graphicdesign #lines #golden #light #reflection #symmetry #god #círculo #geometría #starwars
Jellyfish, also known sea jellies, are the medusa-phase of certain gelatinous members of the subphylum Medusozoa, which is a major part of the phylum Cnidaria.
Jellyfish are mainly free-swimming marine animals with umbrella-shaped bells and trailing tentacles, although a few are anchored to the seabed by stalks rather than being mobile. The bell can pulsate to provide propulsion for highly efficient locomotion. The tentacles are armed with stinging cells and may be used to capture prey and defend against predators. Jellyfish have a complex life cycle. The medusa is normally the sexual phase, which produces planula larvae; these then disperse widely and enter a sedentary polyp phase, before reaching sexual maturity.
Jellyfish are found all over the world, from surface waters to the deep sea. Scyphozoans (the "true jellyfish") are exclusively marine, but some hydrozoans with a similar appearance live in freshwater. Large, often colorful, jellyfish are common in coastal zones worldwide. The medusae of most species are fast-growing, and mature within a few months then die soon after breeding, but the polyp stage, attached to the seabed, may be much more long-lived. Jellyfish have been in existence for at least 500 million years, and possibly 700 million years or more, making them the oldest multi-organ animal group.
Jellyfish are eaten by humans in certain cultures. They are considered a delicacy in some Asian countries, where species in the Rhizostomeae order are pressed and salted to remove excess water. Australian researchers have described them as a "perfect food": sustainable and protein-rich but relatively low in food energy.
They are also used in research, where the green fluorescent protein used by some species to cause bioluminescence has been adapted as a fluorescent marker for genes inserted into other cells or organisms.
The stinging cells used by jellyfish to subdue their prey can injure humans. Thousands of swimmers worldwide are stung every year, with effects ranging from mild discomfort to serious injury or even death. When conditions are favourable, jellyfish can form vast swarms, which can be responsible for damage to fishing gear by filling fishing nets, and sometimes clog the cooling systems of power and desalination plants which draw their water from the sea.
Names
The name jellyfish, in use since 1796, has traditionally been applied to medusae and all similar animals including the comb jellies (ctenophores, another phylum). The term jellies or sea jellies is more recent, having been introduced by public aquaria in an effort to avoid use of the word "fish" with its modern connotation of an animal with a backbone, though shellfish, cuttlefish and starfish are not vertebrates either. In scientific literature, "jelly" and "jellyfish" have been used interchangeably. Many sources refer to only scyphozoans as "true jellyfish".
A group of jellyfish is called a "smack" or a "smuck".
Definition
The term jellyfish broadly corresponds to medusae, that is, a life-cycle stage in the Medusozoa. The American evolutionary biologist Paulyn Cartwright gives the following general definition:
Typically, medusozoan cnidarians have a pelagic, predatory jellyfish stage in their life cycle; staurozoans are the exceptions [as they are stalked].
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines jellyfish as follows:
A free-swimming marine coelenterate that is the sexually reproducing form of a hydrozoan or scyphozoan and has a nearly transparent saucer-shaped body and extensible marginal tentacles studded with stinging cells.
Given that jellyfish is a common name, its mapping to biological groups is inexact. Some authorities have called the comb jellies and certain salps jellyfish, though other authorities state that neither of these are jellyfish, which they consider should be limited to certain groups within the medusozoa.
The non-medusozoan clades called jellyfish by some but not all authorities (both agreeing and disagreeing citations are given in each case) are indicated with on the following cladogram of the animal kingdom:
Jellyfish are not a clade, as they include most of the Medusozoa, barring some of the Hydrozoa. The medusozoan groups included by authorities are indicated on the following phylogenetic tree by the presence of citations. Names of included jellyfish, in English where possible, are shown in boldface; the presence of a named and cited example indicates that at least that species within its group has been called a jellyfish.
Taxonomy
The subphylum Medusozoa includes all cnidarians with a medusa stage in their life cycle. The basic cycle is egg, planula larva, polyp, medusa, with the medusa being the sexual stage. The polyp stage is sometimes secondarily lost. The subphylum include the major taxa, Scyphozoa (large jellyfish), Cubozoa (box jellyfish) and Hydrozoa (small jellyfish), and excludes Anthozoa (corals and sea anemones). This suggests that the medusa form evolved after the polyps. Medusozoans have tetramerous symmetry, with parts in fours or multiples of four.
The four major classes of medusozoan Cnidaria are:
Scyphozoa are sometimes called true jellyfish, though they are no more truly jellyfish than the others listed here. They have tetra-radial symmetry. Most have tentacles around the outer margin of the bowl-shaped bell, and long, oral arms around the mouth in the center of the subumbrella.
Cubozoa (box jellyfish) have a (rounded) box-shaped bell, and their velarium assists them to swim more quickly. Box jellyfish may be related more closely to scyphozoan jellyfish than either are to the Hydrozoa.
Hydrozoa medusae also have tetra-radial symmetry, nearly always have a velum (diaphragm used in swimming) attached just inside the bell margin, do not have oral arms, but a much smaller central stalk-like structure, the manubrium, with terminal mouth opening, and are distinguished by the absence of cells in the mesoglea. Hydrozoa show great diversity of lifestyle; some species maintain the polyp form for their entire life and do not form medusae at all (such as Hydra, which is hence not considered a jellyfish), and a few are entirely medusal and have no polyp form.
Staurozoa (stalked jellyfish) are characterized by a medusa form that is generally sessile, oriented upside down and with a stalk emerging from the apex of the "calyx" (bell), which attaches to the substrate. At least some Staurozoa also have a polyp form that alternates with the medusoid portion of the life cycle. Until recently, Staurozoa were classified within the Scyphozoa.
There are over 200 species of Scyphozoa, about 50 species of Staurozoa, about 50 species of Cubozoa, and the Hydrozoa includes about 1000–1500 species that produce medusae, but many more species that do not.
Fossil history
Since jellyfish have no hard parts, fossils are rare. The oldest unambiguous fossil of a free-swimming medusa is Burgessomedusa from the mid Cambrian Burgess Shale of Canada, which is likely either a stem group of box jellyfish (Cubozoa) or Acraspeda (the clade including Staurozoa, Cubozoa, and Scyphozoa). Other claimed records from the Cambrian of China and Utah in the United States are uncertain, and possibly represent ctenophores instead.
Anatomy
The main feature of a true jellyfish is the umbrella-shaped bell. This is a hollow structure consisting of a mass of transparent jelly-like matter known as mesoglea, which forms the hydrostatic skeleton of the animal. 95% or more of the mesogloea consists of water, but it also contains collagen and other fibrous proteins, as well as wandering amoebocytes which can engulf debris and bacteria. The mesogloea is bordered by the epidermis on the outside and the gastrodermis on the inside. The edge of the bell is often divided into rounded lobes known as lappets, which allow the bell to flex. In the gaps or niches between the lappets are dangling rudimentary sense organs known as rhopalia, and the margin of the bell often bears tentacles.
Anatomy of a scyphozoan jellyfish
On the underside of the bell is the manubrium, a stalk-like structure hanging down from the centre, with the mouth, which also functions as the anus, at its tip. There are often four oral arms connected to the manubrium, streaming away into the water below. The mouth opens into the gastrovascular cavity, where digestion takes place and nutrients are absorbed. This is subdivided by four thick septa into a central stomach and four gastric pockets. The four pairs of gonads are attached to the septa, and close to them four septal funnels open to the exterior, perhaps supplying good oxygenation to the gonads. Near the free edges of the septa, gastric filaments extend into the gastric cavity; these are armed with nematocysts and enzyme-producing cells and play a role in subduing and digesting the prey. In some scyphozoans, the gastric cavity is joined to radial canals which branch extensively and may join a marginal ring canal. Cilia in these canals circulate the fluid in a regular direction.
Discharge mechanism of a nematocyst
The box jellyfish is largely similar in structure. It has a squarish, box-like bell. A short pedalium or stalk hangs from each of the four lower corners. One or more long, slender tentacles are attached to each pedalium. The rim of the bell is folded inwards to form a shelf known as a velarium which restricts the bell's aperture and creates a powerful jet when the bell pulsates, allowing box jellyfish to swim faster than true jellyfish. Hydrozoans are also similar, usually with just four tentacles at the edge of the bell, although many hydrozoans are colonial and may not have a free-living medusal stage. In some species, a non-detachable bud known as a gonophore is formed that contains a gonad but is missing many other medusal features such as tentacles and rhopalia. Stalked jellyfish are attached to a solid surface by a basal disk, and resemble a polyp, the oral end of which has partially developed into a medusa with tentacle-bearing lobes and a central manubrium with four-sided mouth.
Most jellyfish do not have specialized systems for osmoregulation, respiration and circulation, and do not have a central nervous system. Nematocysts, which deliver the sting, are located mostly on the tentacles; true jellyfish also have them around the mouth and stomach. Jellyfish do not need a respiratory system because sufficient oxygen diffuses through the epidermis. They have limited control over their movement, but can navigate with the pulsations of the bell-like body; some species are active swimmers most of the time, while others largely drift. The rhopalia contain rudimentary sense organs which are able to detect light, water-borne vibrations, odour and orientation. A loose network of nerves called a "nerve net" is located in the epidermis. Although traditionally thought not to have a central nervous system, nerve net concentration and ganglion-like structures could be considered to constitute one in most species. A jellyfish detects stimuli, and transmits impulses both throughout the nerve net and around a circular nerve ring, to other nerve cells. The rhopalial ganglia contain pacemaker neurones which control swimming rate and direction.
In many species of jellyfish, the rhopalia include ocelli, light-sensitive organs able to tell light from dark. These are generally pigment spot ocelli, which have some of their cells pigmented. The rhopalia are suspended on stalks with heavy crystals at one end, acting like gyroscopes to orient the eyes skyward. Certain jellyfish look upward at the mangrove canopy while making a daily migration from mangrove swamps into the open lagoon, where they feed, and back again.
Box jellyfish have more advanced vision than the other groups. Each individual has 24 eyes, two of which are capable of seeing colour, and four parallel information processing areas that act in competition, supposedly making them one of the few kinds of animal to have a 360-degree view of its environment.
Box jellyfish eye
The study of jellyfish eye evolution is an intermediary to a better understanding of how visual systems evolved on Earth. Jellyfish exhibit immense variation in visual systems ranging from photoreceptive cell patches seen in simple photoreceptive systems to more derived complex eyes seen in box jellyfish. Major topics of jellyfish visual system research (with an emphasis on box jellyfish) include: the evolution of jellyfish vision from simple to complex visual systems), the eye morphology and molecular structures of box jellyfish (including comparisons to vertebrate eyes), and various uses of vision including task-guided behaviors and niche specialization.
Evolution
Experimental evidence for photosensitivity and photoreception in cnidarians antecedes the mid 1900s, and a rich body of research has since covered evolution of visual systems in jellyfish. Jellyfish visual systems range from simple photoreceptive cells to complex image-forming eyes. More ancestral visual systems incorporate extraocular vision (vision without eyes) that encompass numerous receptors dedicated to single-function behaviors. More derived visual systems comprise perception that is capable of multiple task-guided behaviors.
Although they lack a true brain, cnidarian jellyfish have a "ring" nervous system that plays a significant role in motor and sensory activity. This net of nerves is responsible for muscle contraction and movement and culminates the emergence of photosensitive structures. Across Cnidaria, there is large variation in the systems that underlie photosensitivity. Photosensitive structures range from non-specialized groups of cells, to more "conventional" eyes similar to those of vertebrates. The general evolutionary steps to develop complex vision include (from more ancestral to more derived states): non-directional photoreception, directional photoreception, low-resolution vision, and high-resolution vision. Increased habitat and task complexity has favored the high-resolution visual systems common in derived cnidarians such as box jellyfish.
Basal visual systems observed in various cnidarians exhibit photosensitivity representative of a single task or behavior. Extraocular photoreception (a form of non-directional photoreception), is the most basic form of light sensitivity and guides a variety of behaviors among cnidarians. It can function to regulate circadian rhythm (as seen in eyeless hydrozoans) and other light-guided behaviors responsive to the intensity and spectrum of light. Extraocular photoreception can function additionally in positive phototaxis (in planula larvae of hydrozoans), as well as in avoiding harmful amounts of UV radiation via negative phototaxis. Directional photoreception (the ability to perceive direction of incoming light) allows for more complex phototactic responses to light, and likely evolved by means of membrane stacking. The resulting behavioral responses can range from guided spawning events timed by moonlight to shadow responses for potential predator avoidance. Light-guided behaviors are observed in numerous scyphozoans including the common moon jelly, Aurelia aurita, which migrates in response to changes in ambient light and solar position even though they lack proper eyes.
The low-resolution visual system of box jellyfish is more derived than directional photoreception, and thus box jellyfish vision represents the most basic form of true vision in which multiple directional photoreceptors combine to create the first imaging and spatial resolution. This is different from the high-resolution vision that is observed in camera or compound eyes of vertebrates and cephalopods that rely on focusing optics. Critically, the visual systems of box jellyfish are responsible for guiding multiple tasks or behaviors in contrast to less derived visual systems in other jellyfish that guide single behavioral functions. These behaviors include phototaxis based on sunlight (positive) or shadows (negative), obstacle avoidance, and control of swim-pulse rate.
Box jellyfish possess "proper eyes" (similar to vertebrates) that allow them to inhabit environments that lesser derived medusae cannot. In fact, they are considered the only class in the clade Medusozoa that have behaviors necessitating spatial resolution and genuine vision. However, the lens in their eyes are more functionally similar to cup-eyes exhibited in low-resolution organisms, and have very little to no focusing capability. The lack of the ability to focus is due to the focal length exceeding the distance to the retina, thus generating unfocused images and limiting spatial resolution. The visual system is still sufficient for box jellyfish to produce an image to help with tasks such as object avoidance.
Utility as a model organism
Box jellyfish eyes are a visual system that is sophisticated in numerous ways. These intricacies include the considerable variation within the morphology of box jellyfishes' eyes (including their task/behavior specification), and the molecular makeup of their eyes including: photoreceptors, opsins, lenses, and synapses. The comparison of these attributes to more derived visual systems can allow for a further understanding of how the evolution of more derived visual systems may have occurred, and puts into perspective how box jellyfish can play the role as an evolutionary/developmental model for all visual systems.
Characteristics
Box jellyfish visual systems are both diverse and complex, comprising multiple photosystems. There is likely considerable variation in visual properties between species of box jellyfish given the significant inter-species morphological and physiological variation. Eyes tend to differ in size and shape, along with number of receptors (including opsins), and physiology across species of box jellyfish.
Box jellyfish have a series of intricate lensed eyes that are similar to those of more derived multicellular organisms such as vertebrates. Their 24 eyes fit into four different morphological categories. These categories consist of two large, morphologically different medial eyes (a lower and upper lensed eye) containing spherical lenses, a lateral pair of pigment slit eyes, and a lateral pair of pigment pit eyes. The eyes are situated on rhopalia (small sensory structures) which serve sensory functions of the box jellyfish and arise from the cavities of the exumbrella (the surface of the body) on the side of the bells of the jellyfish. The two large eyes are located on the mid-line of the club and are considered complex because they contain lenses. The four remaining eyes lie laterally on either side of each rhopalia and are considered simple. The simple eyes are observed as small invaginated cups of epithelium that have developed pigmentation. The larger of the complex eyes contains a cellular cornea created by a mono ciliated epithelium, cellular lens, homogenous capsule to the lens, vitreous body with prismatic elements, and a retina of pigmented cells. The smaller of the complex eyes is said to be slightly less complex given that it lacks a capsule but otherwise contains the same structure as the larger eye.
Box jellyfish have multiple photosystems that comprise different sets of eyes. Evidence includes immunocytochemical and molecular data that show photopigment differences among the different morphological eye types, and physiological experiments done on box jellyfish to suggest behavioral differences among photosystems. Each individual eye type constitutes photosystems that work collectively to control visually guided behaviors.
Box jellyfish eyes primarily use c-PRCs (ciliary photoreceptor cells) similar to that of vertebrate eyes. These cells undergo phototransduction cascades (process of light absorption by photoreceptors) that are triggered by c-opsins. Available opsin sequences suggest that there are two types of opsins possessed by all cnidarians including an ancient phylogenetic opsin, and a sister ciliary opsin to the c-opsins group. Box jellyfish could have both ciliary and cnidops (cnidarian opsins), which is something not previously believed to appear in the same retina. Nevertheless, it is not entirely evident whether cnidarians possess multiple opsins that are capable of having distinctive spectral sensitivities.
Comparison with other organisms
Comparative research on genetic and molecular makeup of box jellyfishes' eyes versus more derived eyes seen in vertebrates and cephalopods focuses on: lenses and crystallin composition, synapses, and Pax genes and their implied evidence for shared primordial (ancestral) genes in eye evolution.
Box jellyfish eyes are said to be an evolutionary/developmental model of all eyes based on their evolutionary recruitment of crystallins and Pax genes. Research done on box jellyfish including Tripedalia cystophora has suggested that they possess a single Pax gene, PaxB. PaxB functions by binding to crystallin promoters and activating them. PaxB in situ hybridization resulted in PaxB expression in the lens, retina, and statocysts. These results and the rejection of the prior hypothesis that Pax6 was an ancestral Pax gene in eyes has led to the conclusion that PaxB was a primordial gene in eye evolution, and that the eyes of all organisms likely share a common ancestor.
The lens structure of box jellyfish appears very similar to those of other organisms, but the crystallins are distinct in both function and appearance. Weak reactions were seen within the sera and there were very weak sequence similarities within the crystallins among vertebrate and invertebrate lenses. This is likely due to differences in lower molecular weight proteins and the subsequent lack of immunological reactions with antisera that other organisms' lenses exhibit.
All four of the visual systems of box jellyfish species investigated with detail (Carybdea marsupialis, Chiropsalmus quadrumanus, Tamoya haplonema and Tripedalia cystophora) have invaginated synapses, but only in the upper and lower lensed eyes. Different densities were found between the upper and lower lenses, and between species. Four types of chemical synapses have been discovered within the rhopalia which could help in understanding neural organization including: clear unidirectional, dense-core unidirectional, clear bidirectional, and clear and dense-core bidirectional. The synapses of the lensed eyes could be useful as markers to learn more about the neural circuit in box jellyfish retinal areas.
Evolution as a response to natural stimuli
The primary adaptive responses to environmental variation observed in box jellyfish eyes include pupillary constriction speeds in response to light environments, as well as photoreceptor tuning and lens adaptations to better respond to shifts between light environments and darkness. Interestingly, some box jellyfish species' eyes appear to have evolved more focused vision in response to their habitat.
Pupillary contraction appears to have evolved in response to variation in the light environment across ecological niches across three species of box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri, Chiropsella bronzie, and Carukia barnesi). Behavioral studies suggest that faster pupil contraction rates allow for greater object avoidance, and in fact, species with more complex habitats exhibit faster rates. Ch. bronzie inhabit shallow beach fronts that have low visibility and very few obstacles, thus, faster pupil contraction in response to objects in their environment is not important. Ca. barnesi and Ch. fleckeri are found in more three-dimensionally complex environments like mangroves with an abundance of natural obstacles, where faster pupil contraction is more adaptive. Behavioral studies support the idea that faster pupillary contraction rates assist with obstacle avoidance as well as depth adjustments in response to differing light intensities.
Light/dark adaptation via pupillary light reflexes is an additional form of an evolutionary response to the light environment. This relates to the pupil's response to shifts between light intensity (generally from sunlight to darkness). In the process of light/dark adaptation, the upper and lower lens eyes of different box jellyfish species vary in specific function. The lower lens-eyes contain pigmented photoreceptors and long pigment cells with dark pigments that migrate on light/dark adaptation, while the upper-lens eyes play a concentrated role in light direction and phototaxis given that they face upward towards the water surface (towards the sun or moon). The upper lens of Ch. bronzie does not exhibit any considerable optical power while Tr. cystophora (a box jellyfish species that tends to live in mangroves) does. The ability to use light to visually guide behavior is not of as much importance to Ch. bronzie as it is to species in more obstacle-filled environments. Differences in visually guided behavior serve as evidence that species that share the same number and structure of eyes can exhibit differences in how they control behavior.
Largest and smallest
Jellyfish range from about one millimeter in bell height and diameter, to nearly 2 metres (6+1⁄2 ft) in bell height and diameter; the tentacles and mouth parts usually extend beyond this bell dimension.
The smallest jellyfish are the peculiar creeping jellyfish in the genera Staurocladia and Eleutheria, which have bell disks from 0.5 millimetres (1⁄32 in) to a few millimeters in diameter, with short tentacles that extend out beyond this, which these jellyfish use to move across the surface of seaweed or the bottoms of rocky pools; many of these tiny creeping jellyfish cannot be seen in the field without a hand lens or microscope. They can reproduce asexually by fission (splitting in half). Other very small jellyfish, which have bells about one millimeter, are the hydromedusae of many species that have just been released from their parent polyps; some of these live only a few minutes before shedding their gametes in the plankton and then dying, while others will grow in the plankton for weeks or months. The hydromedusae Cladonema radiatum and Cladonema californicum are also very small, living for months, yet never growing beyond a few mm in bell height and diameter.
The lion's mane jellyfish, Cyanea capillata, was long-cited as the largest jellyfish, and arguably the longest animal in the world, with fine, thread-like tentacles that may extend up to 36.5 m (119 ft 9 in) long (though most are nowhere near that large). They have a moderately painful, but rarely fatal, sting. The increasingly common giant Nomura's jellyfish, Nemopilema nomurai, found in some, but not all years in the waters of Japan, Korea and China in summer and autumn is another candidate for "largest jellyfish", in terms of diameter and weight, since the largest Nomura's jellyfish in late autumn can reach 2 m (6 ft 7 in) in bell (body) diameter and about 200 kg (440 lb) in weight, with average specimens frequently reaching 0.9 m (2 ft 11 in) in bell diameter and about 150 kg (330 lb) in weight. The large bell mass of the giant Nomura's jellyfish can dwarf a diver and is nearly always much greater than the Lion's Mane, whose bell diameter can reach 1 m (3 ft 3 in).
The rarely encountered deep-sea jellyfish Stygiomedusa gigantea is another candidate for "largest jellyfish", with its thick, massive bell up to 100 cm (3 ft 3 in) wide, and four thick, "strap-like" oral arms extending up to 6 m (19+1⁄2 ft) in length, very different from the typical fine, threadlike tentacles that rim the umbrella of more-typical-looking jellyfish, including the Lion's Mane.
Desmonema glaciale, which lives in the Antarctic region, can reach a very large size (several meters). Purple-striped jelly (Chrysaora colorata) can also be extremely long (up to 15 feet).
Life history and behavior
Life cycle
Jellyfish have a complex life cycle which includes both sexual and asexual phases, with the medusa being the sexual stage in most instances. Sperm fertilize eggs, which develop into larval planulae, become polyps, bud into ephyrae and then transform into adult medusae. In some species certain stages may be skipped.
Upon reaching adult size, jellyfish spawn regularly if there is a sufficient supply of food. In most species, spawning is controlled by light, with all individuals spawning at about the same time of day; in many instances this is at dawn or dusk. Jellyfish are usually either male or female (with occasional hermaphrodites). In most cases, adults release sperm and eggs into the surrounding water, where the unprotected eggs are fertilized and develop into larvae. In a few species, the sperm swim into the female's mouth, fertilizing the eggs within her body, where they remain during early development stages. In moon jellies, the eggs lodge in pits on the oral arms, which form a temporary brood chamber for the developing planula larvae.
The planula is a small larva covered with cilia. When sufficiently developed, it settles onto a firm surface and develops into a polyp. The polyp generally consists of a small stalk topped by a mouth that is ringed by upward-facing tentacles. The polyps resemble those of closely related anthozoans, such as sea anemones and corals. The jellyfish polyp may be sessile, living on the bottom, boat hulls or other substrates, or it may be free-floating or attached to tiny bits of free-living plankton or rarely, fish or other invertebrates. Polyps may be solitary or colonial. Most polyps are only millimetres in diameter and feed continuously. The polyp stage may last for years.
After an interval and stimulated by seasonal or hormonal changes, the polyp may begin reproducing asexually by budding and, in the Scyphozoa, is called a segmenting polyp, or a scyphistoma. Budding produces more scyphistomae and also ephyrae. Budding sites vary by species; from the tentacle bulbs, the manubrium (above the mouth), or the gonads of hydromedusae. In a process known as strobilation, the polyp's tentacles are reabsorbed and the body starts to narrow, forming transverse constrictions, in several places near the upper extremity of the polyp. These deepen as the constriction sites migrate down the body, and separate segments known as ephyra detach. These are free-swimming precursors of the adult medusa stage, which is the life stage that is typically identified as a jellyfish. The ephyrae, usually only a millimeter or two across initially, swim away from the polyp and grow. Limnomedusae polyps can asexually produce a creeping frustule larval form, which crawls away before developing into another polyp. A few species can produce new medusae by budding directly from the medusan stage. Some hydromedusae reproduce by fission.
Lifespan
Little is known of the life histories of many jellyfish as the places on the seabed where the benthic forms of those species live have not been found. However, an asexually reproducing strobila form can sometimes live for several years, producing new medusae (ephyra larvae) each year.
An unusual species, Turritopsis dohrnii, formerly classified as Turritopsis nutricula, might be effectively immortal because of its ability under certain circumstances to transform from medusa back to the polyp stage, thereby escaping the death that typically awaits medusae post-reproduction if they have not otherwise been eaten by some other organism. So far this reversal has been observed only in the laboratory.
Locomotion
Jellyfish locomotion is highly efficient. Muscles in the jellylike bell contract, setting up a start vortex and propelling the animal. When the contraction ends, the bell recoils elastically, creating a stop vortex with no extra energy input.
Using the moon jelly Aurelia aurita as an example, jellyfish have been shown to be the most energy-efficient swimmers of all animals. They move through the water by radially expanding and contracting their bell-shaped bodies to push water behind them. They pause between the contraction and expansion phases to create two vortex rings. Muscles are used for the contraction of the body, which creates the first vortex and pushes the animal forward, but the mesoglea is so elastic that the expansion is powered exclusively by relaxing the bell, which releases the energy stored from the contraction. Meanwhile, the second vortex ring starts to spin faster, sucking water into the bell and pushing against the centre of the body, giving a secondary and "free" boost forward. The mechanism, called passive energy recapture, only works in relatively small jellyfish moving at low speeds, allowing the animal to travel 30 percent farther on each swimming cycle. Jellyfish achieved a 48 percent lower cost of transport (food and oxygen intake versus energy spent in movement) than other animals in similar studies. One reason for this is that most of the gelatinous tissue of the bell is inactive, using no energy during swimming.
Ecology
Diet
Jellyfish are, like other cnidarians, generally carnivorous (or parasitic), feeding on planktonic organisms, crustaceans, small fish, fish eggs and larvae, and other jellyfish, ingesting food and voiding undigested waste through the mouth. They hunt passively using their tentacles as drift lines, or sink through the water with their tentacles spread widely; the tentacles, which contain nematocysts to stun or kill the prey, may then flex to help bring it to the mouth. Their swimming technique also helps them to capture prey; when their bell expands it sucks in water which brings more potential prey within reach of the tentacles.
A few species such as Aglaura hemistoma are omnivorous, feeding on microplankton which is a mixture of zooplankton and phytoplankton (microscopic plants) such as dinoflagellates. Others harbour mutualistic algae (Zooxanthellae) in their tissues; the spotted jellyfish (Mastigias papua) is typical of these, deriving part of its nutrition from the products of photosynthesis, and part from captured zooplankton. The upside-down jellyfish (Cassiopea andromeda) also has a symbiotic relationship with microalgae, but captures tiny animals to supplement their diet. This is done by releasing tiny balls of living cells composed of mesoglea. These use cilia to drive them through water and stinging cells which stun the prey. The blobs also seems to have digestive capabilities.
Predation
Other species of jellyfish are among the most common and important jellyfish predators. Sea anemones may eat jellyfish that drift into their range. Other predators include tunas, sharks, swordfish, sea turtles and penguins. Jellyfish washed up on the beach are consumed by foxes, other terrestrial mammals and birds. In general however, few animals prey on jellyfish; they can broadly be considered to be top predators in the food chain. Once jellyfish have become dominant in an ecosystem, for example through overfishing which removes predators of jellyfish larvae, there may be no obvious way for the previous balance to be restored: they eat fish eggs and juvenile fish, and compete with fish for food, preventing fish stocks from recovering.
Symbiosis
Some small fish are immune to the stings of the jellyfish and live among the tentacles, serving as bait in a fish trap; they are safe from potential predators and are able to share the fish caught by the jellyfish. The cannonball jellyfish has a symbiotic relationship with ten different species of fish, and with the longnose spider crab, which lives inside the bell, sharing the jellyfish's food and nibbling its tissues.
Main article: Jellyfish bloom
Jellyfish form large masses or blooms in certain environmental conditions of ocean currents, nutrients, sunshine, temperature, season, prey availability, reduced predation and oxygen concentration. Currents collect jellyfish together, especially in years with unusually high populations. Jellyfish can detect marine currents and swim against the current to congregate in blooms. Jellyfish are better able to survive in nutrient-rich, oxygen-poor water than competitors, and thus can feast on plankton without competition. Jellyfish may also benefit from saltier waters, as saltier waters contain more iodine, which is necessary for polyps to turn into jellyfish. Rising sea temperatures caused by climate change may also contribute to jellyfish blooms, because many species of jellyfish are able to survive in warmer waters. Increased nutrients from agricultural or urban runoff with nutrients including nitrogen and phosphorus compounds increase the growth of phytoplankton, causing eutrophication and algal blooms. When the phytoplankton die, they may create dead zones, so-called because they are hypoxic (low in oxygen). This in turn kills fish and other animals, but not jellyfish, allowing them to bloom. Jellyfish populations may be expanding globally as a result of land runoff and overfishing of their natural predators. Jellyfish are well placed to benefit from disturbance of marine ecosystems. They reproduce rapidly; they prey upon many species, while few species prey on them; and they feed via touch rather than visually, so they can feed effectively at night and in turbid waters. It may be difficult for fish stocks to re-establish themselves in marine ecosystems once they have become dominated by jellyfish, because jellyfish feed on plankton, which includes fish eggs and larvae.
As suspected at the turn of this century, jellyfish blooms are increasing in frequency. Between 2013 and 2020 the Mediterranean Science Commission monitored on a weekly basis the frequency of such outbreaks in coastal waters from Morocco to the Black Sea, revealing a relatively high frequency of these blooms nearly all year round, with peaks observed from March to July and often again in the autumn. The blooms are caused by different jellyfish species, depending on their localisation within the Basin: one observes a clear dominance of Pelagia noctiluca and Velella velella outbreaks in the western Mediterranean, of Rhizostoma pulmo and Rhopilema nomadica outbreaks in the eastern Mediterranean, and of Aurelia aurita and Mnemiopsis leidyi outbreaks in the Black Sea.
Some jellyfish populations that have shown clear increases in the past few decades are invasive species, newly arrived from other habitats: examples include the Black Sea, Caspian Sea, Baltic Sea, central and eastern Mediterranean, Hawaii, and tropical and subtropical parts of the West Atlantic (including the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and Brazil).
Jellyfish blooms can have significant impact on community structure. Some carnivorous jellyfish species prey on zooplankton while others graze on primary producers. Reductions in zooplankton and ichthyoplankton due to a jellyfish bloom can ripple through the trophic levels. High-density jellyfish populations can outcompete other predators and reduce fish recruitment. Increased grazing on primary producers by jellyfish can also interrupt energy transfer to higher trophic levels.
During blooms, jellyfish significantly alter the nutrient availability in their environment. Blooms require large amounts of available organic nutrients in the water column to grow, limiting availability for other organisms. Some jellyfish have a symbiotic relationship with single-celled dinoflagellates, allowing them to assimilate inorganic carbon, phosphorus, and nitrogen creating competition for phytoplankton. Their large biomass makes them an important source of dissolved and particulate organic matter for microbial communities through excretion, mucus production, and decomposition. The microbes break down the organic matter into inorganic ammonium and phosphate. However, the low carbon availability shifts the process from production to respiration creating low oxygen areas making the dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus largely unavailable for primary production.
These blooms have very real impacts on industries. Jellyfish can outcompete fish by utilizing open niches in over-fished fisheries. Catch of jellyfish can strain fishing gear and lead to expenses relating to damaged gear. Power plants have been shut down due to jellyfish blocking the flow of cooling water. Blooms have also been harmful for tourism, causing a rise in stings and sometimes the closure of beaches.
Jellyfish form a component of jelly-falls, events where gelatinous zooplankton fall to the seafloor, providing food for the benthic organisms there. In temperate and subpolar regions, jelly-falls usually follow immediately after a bloom.
Habitats
Most jellyfish are marine animals, although a few hydromedusae inhabit freshwater. The best known freshwater example is the cosmopolitan hydrozoan jellyfish, Craspedacusta sowerbii. It is less than an inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, colorless and does not sting. Some jellyfish populations have become restricted to coastal saltwater lakes, such as Jellyfish Lake in Palau. Jellyfish Lake is a marine lake where millions of golden jellyfish (Mastigias spp.) migrate horizontally across the lake daily.
Although most jellyfish live well off the ocean floor and form part of the plankton, a few species are closely associated with the bottom for much of their lives and can be considered benthic. The upside-down jellyfish in the genus Cassiopea typically lie on the bottom of shallow lagoons where they sometimes pulsate gently with their umbrella top facing down. Even some deep-sea species of hydromedusae and scyphomedusae are usually collected on or near the bottom. All of the stauromedusae are found attached to either seaweed or rocky or other firm material on the bottom.
Some species explicitly adapt to tidal flux. In Roscoe Bay, jellyfish ride the current at ebb tide until they hit a gravel bar, and then descend below the current. They remain in still waters until the tide rises, ascending and allowing it to sweep them back into the bay. They also actively avoid fresh water from mountain snowmelt, diving until they find enough salt.
Parasites
Jellyfish are hosts to a wide variety of parasitic organisms. They act as intermediate hosts of endoparasitic helminths, with the infection being transferred to the definitive host fish after predation. Some digenean trematodes, especially species in the family Lepocreadiidae, use jellyfish as their second intermediate hosts. Fish become infected by the trematodes when they feed on infected jellyfish.
Relation to humans
Jellyfish have long been eaten in some parts of the world. Fisheries have begun harvesting the American cannonball jellyfish, Stomolophus meleagris, along the southern Atlantic coast of the United States and in the Gulf of Mexico for export to Asia.
Jellyfish are also harvested for their collagen, which is being investigated for use in a variety of applications including the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Aquaculture and fisheries of other species often suffer severe losses – and so losses of productivity – due to jellyfish.
Products
Main article: Jellyfish as food
In some countries, including China, Japan, and Korea, jellyfish are a delicacy. The jellyfish is dried to prevent spoiling. Only some 12 species of scyphozoan jellyfish belonging to the order Rhizostomeae are harvested for food, mostly in southeast Asia. Rhizostomes, especially Rhopilema esculentum in China (海蜇 hǎizhé, 'sea stingers') and Stomolophus meleagris (cannonball jellyfish) in the United States, are favored because of their larger and more rigid bodies and because their toxins are harmless to humans.
Traditional processing methods, carried out by a jellyfish master, involve a 20- to 40-day multi-phase procedure in which, after removing the gonads and mucous membranes, the umbrella and oral arms are treated with a mixture of table salt and alum, and compressed. Processing makes the jellyfish drier and more acidic, producing a crisp texture. Jellyfish prepared this way retain 7–10% of their original weight, and the processed product consists of approximately 94% water and 6% protein. Freshly processed jellyfish has a white, creamy color and turns yellow or brown during prolonged storage.
In China, processed jellyfish are desalted by soaking in water overnight and eaten cooked or raw. The dish is often served shredded with a dressing of oil, soy sauce, vinegar and sugar, or as a salad with vegetables. In Japan, cured jellyfish are rinsed, cut into strips and served with vinegar as an appetizer. Desalted, ready-to-eat products are also available.
Biotechnology
The hydromedusa Aequorea victoria was the source of green fluorescent protein, studied for its role in bioluminescence and later for use as a marker in genetic engineering.
Pliny the Elder reported in his Natural History that the slime of the jellyfish "Pulmo marinus" produced light when rubbed on a walking stick.
In 1961, Osamu Shimomura extracted green fluorescent protein (GFP) and another bioluminescent protein, called aequorin, from the large and abundant hydromedusa Aequorea victoria, while studying photoproteins that cause bioluminescence in this species. Three decades later, Douglas Prasher sequenced and cloned the gene for GFP. Martin Chalfie figured out how to use GFP as a fluorescent marker of genes inserted into other cells or organisms. Roger Tsien later chemically manipulated GFP to produce other fluorescent colors to use as markers. In 2008, Shimomura, Chalfie and Tsien won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their work with GFP. Man-made GFP became widely used as a fluorescent tag to show which cells or tissues express specific genes. The genetic engineering technique fuses the gene of interest to the GFP gene. The fused DNA is then put into a cell, to generate either a cell line or (via IVF techniques) an entire animal bearing the gene. In the cell or animal, the artificial gene turns on in the same tissues and the same time as the normal gene, making a fusion of the normal protein with GFP attached to the end, illuminating the animal or cell reveals what tissues express that protein—or at what stage of development. The fluorescence shows where the gene is expressed.
Aquarium display
Jellyfish are displayed in many public aquariums. Often the tank's background is blue and the animals are illuminated by side light, increasing the contrast between the animal and the background. In natural conditions, many jellies are so transparent that they are nearly invisible. Jellyfish are not adapted to closed spaces. They depend on currents to transport them from place to place. Professional exhibits as in the Monterey Bay Aquarium feature precise water flows, typically in circular tanks to avoid trapping specimens in corners. The outflow is spread out over a large surface area and the inflow enters as a sheet of water in front of the outflow, so the jellyfish do not get sucked into it. As of 2009, jellyfish were becoming popular in home aquariums, where they require similar equipment.
Stings
Jellyfish are armed with nematocysts, a type of specialized stinging cell. Contact with a jellyfish tentacle can trigger millions of nematocysts to pierce the skin and inject venom, but only some species' venom causes an adverse reaction in humans. In a study published in Communications Biology, researchers found a jellyfish species called Cassiopea xamachana which when triggered will release tiny balls of cells that swim around the jellyfish stinging everything in their path. Researchers described these as "self-propelling microscopic grenades" and named them cassiosomes.
The effects of stings range from mild discomfort to extreme pain and death. Most jellyfish stings are not deadly, but stings of some box jellyfish (Irukandji jellyfish), such as the sea wasp, can be deadly. Stings may cause anaphylaxis (a form of shock), which can be fatal. Jellyfish kill 20 to 40 people a year in the Philippines alone. In 2006 the Spanish Red Cross treated 19,000 stung swimmers along the Costa Brava.
Vinegar (3–10% aqueous acetic acid) may help with box jellyfish stings but not the stings of the Portuguese man o' war. Clearing the area of jelly and tentacles reduces nematocyst firing. Scraping the affected skin, such as with the edge of a credit card, may remove remaining nematocysts. Once the skin has been cleaned of nematocysts, hydrocortisone cream applied locally reduces pain and inflammation. Antihistamines may help to control itching. Immunobased antivenins are used for serious box jellyfish stings.
In Elba Island and Corsica dittrichia viscosa is now used by residents and tourists to heal stings from jellyfish, bees and wasps pressing fresh leaves on the skin with quick results.
Mechanical issues
Jellyfish in large quantities can fill and split fishing nets and crush captured fish. They can clog cooling equipment, having disabled power stations in several countries; jellyfish caused a cascading blackout in the Philippines in 1999, as well as damaging the Diablo Canyon Power Plant in California in 2008. They can also stop desalination plants and ships' engines.
栃木県宇都宮市原眼科
網膜剥離手術後
So I had to take a peek. Figured they'd have hissy fits if they knew. Got lucky as I just got the patch down and was geotagging the shot when cute nurse #1 came in w/ my medicine. Close, but safe! :D
Have to say, it looks nasty. Wonder what it'll feel like when the anaesthetic wears off... my AAaaarrrs might not be very pirate-y.
UL'd via cell.
Update: When the anesthetic wore off, it hurt quite a bit. Pain pills took about 3-4 hrs to finally have any effect. I kind of wonder if they were worthless and the pain subsided on its own. Either way, it was *Not Fun.*
Oh, for anyone joining late and not having seen the leadup shots, this is the result of Retinal Detachment surgery. If you want to see what it takes to make an eyeball look like this, just search YouTube.com for "retinal detachment." Not for the weak at heart.
Update:
The octopus (plural octopuses) is a soft-bodied, eight-limbed mollusc of the order Octopoda (/ɒkˈtɒpədə/, ok-TO-pə-də). Around 300 species are recognised, and the order is grouped within the class Cephalopoda with squids, cuttlefish, and nautiloids. Like other cephalopods, the octopus is bilaterally symmetric with two eyes and a beak, with its mouth at the center point of the eight limbs.[a] The soft body can rapidly alter its shape, enabling octopuses to squeeze through small gaps. They trail their eight appendages behind them as they swim. The siphon is used both for respiration and for locomotion, by expelling a jet of water. Octopuses have a complex nervous system and excellent sight, and are among the most intelligent and behaviourally diverse of all invertebrates.
Octopuses inhabit various regions of the ocean, including coral reefs, pelagic waters, and the seabed; some live in the intertidal zone and others at abyssal depths. Most species grow quickly, mature early, and are short-lived. In most species, the male uses a specially adapted arm to deliver a bundle of sperm directly into the female's mantle cavity, after which he becomes senescent and dies, while the female deposits fertilised eggs in a den and cares for them until they hatch, after which she also dies. Strategies to defend themselves against predators include the expulsion of ink, the use of camouflage and threat displays, the ability to jet quickly through the water and hide, and even deceit. All octopuses are venomous, but only the blue-ringed octopuses are known to be deadly to humans.
Octopuses appear in mythology as sea monsters like the Kraken of Norway and the Akkorokamui of the Ainu, and probably the Gorgon of ancient Greece. A battle with an octopus appears in Victor Hugo's book Toilers of the Sea, inspiring other works such as Ian Fleming's Octopussy. Octopuses appear in Japanese erotic art, shunga. They are eaten and considered a delicacy by humans in many parts of the world, especially the Mediterranean and the Asian seas.
ETYMOLOGY AND PLURALISATION
The scientific Latin term octopus was derived from Ancient Greek ὀκτώπους, a compound form of ὀκτώ (oktō, "eight") and πούς (pous, "foot"), itself a variant form of ὀκτάπους, a word used for example by Alexander of Tralles (c. 525–605) for the common octopus. The standard pluralised form of "octopus" in English is "octopuses"; the Ancient Greek plural ὀκτώποδες, "octopodes" (/ɒkˈtɒpədiːz/), has also been used historically. The alternative plural "octopi" is considered grammatically incorrect because it wrongly assumes that octopus is a Latin second declension "-us" noun or adjective when, in either Greek or Latin, it is a third declension noun.
Fowler's Modern English Usage states that the only acceptable plural in English is "octopuses", that "octopi" is misconceived, and "octopodes" pedantic; the latter is nonetheless used frequently enough to be acknowledged by the descriptivist Merriam-Webster 11th Collegiate Dictionary and Webster's New World College Dictionary. The Oxford English Dictionary lists "octopuses", "octopi", and "octopodes", in that order, reflecting frequency of use, calling "octopodes" rare and noting that "octopi" is based on a misunderstanding. The New Oxford American Dictionary (3rd Edition, 2010) lists "octopuses" as the only acceptable pluralisation, and indicates that "octopodes" is still occasionally used, but that "octopi" is incorrect.
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
SIZE
The giant Pacific octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini) is often cited as the largest known octopus species. Adults usually weigh around 15 kg, with an arm span of up to 4.3 m. The largest specimen of this species to be scientifically documented was an animal with a live mass of 71 kg. Much larger sizes have been claimed for the giant Pacific octopus: one specimen was recorded as 272 kg with an arm span of 9 m. A carcass of the seven-arm octopus, Haliphron atlanticus, weighed 61 kg and was estimated to have had a live mass of 75 kg. The smallest species is Octopus wolfi, which is around 2.5 cm and weighs less than 1 g.
EXTERNAL CHARACTERISTICS
The octopus is bilaterally symmetrical along its dorso-ventral axis; the head and foot are at one end of an elongated body and function as the anterior (front) of the animal. The head includes the mouth and brain. The foot has evolved into a set of flexible, prehensile appendages, known as "arms", that surround the mouth and are attached to each other near their base by a webbed structure. The arms can be described based on side and sequence position (such as L1, R1, L2, R2) and divided into four pairs. The two rear appendages are generally used to walk on the sea floor, while the other six are used to forage for food; hence some biologists refer to the animals as having six "arms" and two "legs". The bulbous and hollow mantle is fused to the back of the head and is known as the visceral hump; it contains most of the vital organs. The mantle cavity has muscular walls and contains the gills; it is connected to the exterior by a funnel or siphon. The mouth of an octopus, located underneath the arms, has a sharp hard beak.
The skin consists of a thin outer epidermis with mucous cells and sensory cells, and a connective tissue dermis consisting largely of collagen fibres and various cells allowing colour change. Most of the body is made of soft tissue allowing it to lengthen, contract, and contort itself. The octopus can squeeze through tiny gaps; even the larger species can pass through an opening close to 2.5 cm in diameter. Lacking skeletal support, the arms work as muscular hydrostats and contain longitudinal, transverse and circular muscles around a central axial nerve. They can extend and contract, twist to left or right, bend at any place in any direction or be held rigid.
The interior surfaces of the arms are covered with circular, adhesive suckers. The suckers allow the octopus to anchor itself or to manipulate objects. Each sucker is usually circular and bowl-like and has two distinct parts: an outer shallow cavity called an infundibulum and a central hollow cavity called an acetabulum, both of which are thick muscles covered in a protective chitinous cuticle. When a sucker attaches to a surface, the orifice between the two structures is sealed. The infundibulum provides adhesion while the acetabulum remains free, and muscle contractions allow for attachment and detachment.
The eyes of the octopus are large and are at the top of the head. They are similar in structure to those of a fish and are enclosed in a cartilaginous capsule fused to the cranium. The cornea is formed from a translucent epidermal layer and the slit-shaped pupil forms a hole in the iris and lies just behind. The lens is suspended behind the pupil and photoreceptive retinal cells cover the back of the eye. The pupil can be adjusted in size and a retinal pigment screens incident light in bright conditions.Some species differ in form from the typical octopus body shape. Basal species, the Cirrina, have stout gelatinous bodies with webbing that reaches near the tip of their arms, and two large fins above the eyes, supported by an internal shell. Fleshy papillae or cirri are found along the bottom of the arms, and the eyes are more developed.
CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
Octopuses have a closed circulatory system, in which the blood remains inside blood vessels. Octopuses have three hearts; a systemic heart that circulates blood around the body and two branchial hearts that pump it through each of the two gills. The systemic heart is inactive when the animal is swimming and thus it tires quickly and prefers to crawl. Octopus blood contains the copper-rich protein haemocyanin to transport oxygen. This makes the blood very viscous and it requires considerable pressure to pump it around the body; octopuses' blood pressures can exceed 75 mmHg. In cold conditions with low oxygen levels, haemocyanin transports oxygen more efficiently than haemoglobin. The haemocyanin is dissolved in the plasma instead of being carried within blood cells, and gives the blood a bluish colour.
The systemic heart has muscular contractile walls and consists of a single ventricle and two atria, one for each side of the body. The blood vessels consist of arteries, capillaries and veins and are lined with a cellular endothelium which is quite unlike that of most other invertebrates. The blood circulates through the aorta and capillary system, to the vena cavae, after which the blood is pumped through the gills by the auxiliary hearts and back to the main heart. Much of the venous system is contractile, which helps circulate the blood.
RESPIRATION
Respiration involves drawing water into the mantle cavity through an aperture, passing it through the gills, and expelling it through the siphon. The ingress of water is achieved by contraction of radial muscles in the mantle wall, and flapper valves shut when strong circular muscles force the water out through the siphon. Extensive connective tissue lattices support the respiratory muscles and allow them to expand the respiratory chamber. The lamella structure of the gills allows for a high oxygen uptake, up to 65% in water at 20 °C. Water flow over the gills correlates with locomotion, and an octopus can propel its body when it expels water out of its siphon.
The thin skin of the octopus absorbs additional oxygen. When resting, around 41% of an octopus's oxygen absorption is through the skin. This decreases to 33% when it swims, as more water flows over the gills; skin oxygen uptake also increases. When it is resting after a meal, absorption through the skin can drop to 3% of its total oxygen uptake.
DIGESTION AND EXCRETION
The digestive system of the octopus begins with the buccal mass which consists of the mouth with its chitinous beak, the pharynx, radula and salivary glands. The radula is a spiked, muscular tongue-like organ with multiple rows of tiny teeth. Food is broken down and is forced into the oesophagus by two lateral extensions of the esophageal side walls in addition to the radula. From there it is transferred to the gastrointestinal tract, which is mostly suspended from the roof of the mantle cavity by numerous membranes. The tract consists of a crop, where the food is stored; a stomach, where food is ground down; a caecum where the now sludgy food is sorted into fluids and particles and which plays an important role in absorption; the digestive gland, where liver cells break down and absorb the fluid and become "brown bodies"; and the intestine, where the accumulated waste is turned into faecal ropes by secretions and blown out of the funnel via the rectum.
During osmoregulation, fluid is added to the pericardia of the branchial hearts. The octopus has two nephridia (equivalent to vertebrate kidneys) which are associated with the branchial hearts; these and their associated ducts connect the pericardial cavities with the mantle cavity. Before reaching the branchial heart, each branch of the vena cava expands to form renal appendages which are in direct contact with the thin-walled nephridium. The urine is first formed in the pericardial cavity, and is modified by excretion, chiefly of ammonia, and selective absorption from the renal appendages, as it is passed along the associated duct and through the nephridiopore into the mantle cavity.
NERVOUS SYSTEM AND SENSES
The octopus (along with cuttlefish) has the highest brain-to-body mass ratios of all invertebrates; it is also greater than that of many vertebrates. It has a highly complex nervous system, only part of which is localised in its brain, which is contained in a cartilaginous capsule. Two-thirds of an octopus's neurons are found in the nerve cords of its arms, which show a variety of complex reflex actions that persist even when they have no input from the brain. Unlike vertebrates, the complex motor skills of octopuses are not organised in their brain via an internal somatotopic map of its body, instead using a nonsomatotopic system unique to large-brained invertebrates.
Like other cephalopods, octopuses can distinguish the polarisation of light. Colour vision appears to vary from species to species, for example being present in O. aegina but absent in O. vulgaris. Researchers believe that opsins in the skin can sense different wavelengths of light and help the creatures choose a coloration that camouflages them, in addition to light input from the eyes. Other researchers hypothesise that cephalopod eyes in species which only have a single photoreceptor protein may use chromatic aberration to turn monochromatic vision into colour vision, though this sacrifices image quality. This would explain pupils shaped like the letter U, the letter W, or a dumbbell, as well as explaining the need for colourful mating displays.
Attached to the brain are two special organs called statocysts (sac-like structures containing a mineralised mass and sensitive hairs), that allow the octopus to sense the orientation of its body. They provide information on the position of the body relative to gravity and can detect angular acceleration. An autonomic response keeps the octopus's eyes oriented so that the pupil is always horizontal. Octopuses may also use the statocyst to hear sound. The common octopus can hear sounds between 400 Hz and 1000 Hz, and hears best at 600 Hz.
Octopuses also have an excellent sense of touch. The octopus's suction cups are equipped with chemoreceptors so the octopus can taste what it touches. Octopus arms do not become tangled or stuck to each other because the sensors recognise octopus skin and prevent self-attachment.
The arms contain tension sensors so the octopus knows whether its arms are stretched out, but this is not sufficient for the brain to determine the position of the octopus's body or arms. As a result, the octopus does not possess stereognosis; that is, it does not form a mental image of the overall shape of the object it is handling. It can detect local texture variations, but cannot integrate the information into a larger picture. The neurological autonomy of the arms means the octopus has great difficulty learning about the detailed effects of its motions. It has a poor proprioceptive sense, and it knows what exact motions were made only by observing the arms visually.
Ink sac
The ink sac of an octopus is located under the digestive gland. A gland attached to the sac produces the ink, and the sac stores it. The sac is close enough to the funnel for the octopus to shoot out the ink with a water jet. Before it leaves the funnel, the ink passes through glands which mix it with mucus, creating a thick, dark blob which allows the animal to escape from a predator. The main pigment in the ink is melanin, which gives it its black colour. Cirrate octopuses lack the ink sac.
LIFECYCLE
REPRODUCTION
Octopuses are gonochoric and have a single, posteriorly-located gonad which is associated with the coelom. The testis in males and the ovary in females bulges into the gonocoel and the gametes are released here. The gonocoel is connected by the gonoduct to the mantle cavity, which it enters at the gonopore. An optic gland creates hormones that cause the octopus to mature and age and stimulate gamete production. The gland may be triggered by environmental conditions such as temperature, light and nutrition, which thus control the timing of reproduction and lifespan.
When octopuses reproduce, the male uses a specialised arm called a hectocotylus to transfer spermatophores (packets of sperm) from the terminal organ of the reproductive tract (the cephalopod "penis") into the female's mantle cavity. The hectocotylus in benthic octopuses is usually the third right arm, which has a spoon-shaped depression and modified suckers near the tip. In most species, fertilisation occurs in the mantle cavity.
The reproduction of octopuses has been studied in only a few species. One such species is the giant Pacific octopus, in which courtship is accompanied, especially in the male, by changes in skin texture and colour. The male may cling to the top or side of the female or position himself beside her. There is some speculation that he may first use his hectocotylus to remove any spermatophore or sperm already present in the female. He picks up a spermatophore from his spermatophoric sac with the hectocotylus, inserts it into the female's mantle cavity, and deposits it in the correct location for the species, which in the giant Pacific octopus is the opening of the oviduct. Two spermatophores are transferred in this way; these are about one metre (yard) long, and the empty ends may protrude from the female's mantle. A complex hydraulic mechanism releases the sperm from the spermatophore, and it is stored internally by the female.
About forty days after mating, the female giant Pacific octopus attaches strings of small fertilised eggs (10,000 to 70,000 in total) to rocks in a crevice or under an overhang. Here she guards and cares for them for about five months (160 days) until they hatch. In colder waters, such as those off of Alaska, it may take as much as 10 months for the eggs to completely develop. The female aerates the eggs and keeps them clean; if left untended, many eggs will not hatch. She does not feed during this time and dies soon afterwards. Males become senescent and die a few weeks after mating.
The eggs have large yolks; cleavage (division) is superficial and a germinal disc develops at the pole. During gastrulation, the margins of this grow down and surround the yolk, forming a yolk sac, which eventually forms part of the gut. The dorsal side of the disc grows upwards and forms the embryo, with a shell gland on its dorsal surface, gills, mantle and eyes. The arms and funnel develop as part of the foot on the ventral side of the disc. The arms later migrate upwards, coming to form a ring around the funnel and mouth. The yolk is gradually absorbed as the embryo develops.
Most young octopuses hatch as paralarvae and are planktonic for weeks to months, depending on the species and water temperature. They feed on copepods, arthropod larvae and other zooplankton, eventually settling on the ocean floor and developing directly into adults with no distinct metamorphoses that are present in other groups of mollusc larvae. Octopus species that produce larger eggs – including the southern blue-ringed, Caribbean reef, California two-spot, Eledone moschata and deep sea octopuses – do not have a paralarval stage, but hatch as benthic animals similar to the adults.In the argonaut (paper nautilus), the female secretes a fine, fluted, papery shell in which the eggs are deposited and in which she also resides while floating in mid-ocean. In this she broods the young, and it also serves as a buoyancy aid allowing her to adjust her depth. The male argonaut is minute by comparison and has no shell.
LIFESPAN
Octopuses have a relatively short life expectancy; some species live for as little as six months. The giant Pacific octopus, one of the two largest species of octopus, may live for as much as five years. Octopus lifespan is limited by reproduction: males can live for only a few months after mating, and females die shortly after their eggs hatch. The larger Pacific striped octopus is an exception, as it can reproduce multiple times over a life of around two years. Octopus reproductive organs mature due to the hormonal influence of the optic gland but result in the inactivation of their digestive glands, typically causing the octopus to die from starvation. Experimental removal of both optic glands after spawning was found to result in the cessation of broodiness, the resumption of feeding, increased growth, and greatly extended lifespans. It has been proposed that the naturally short lifespan may be functional to prevent rapid overpopulation.
DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT
Octopuses live in every ocean, and different species have adapted to different marine habitats. As juveniles, common octopuses inhabit shallow tide pools. The Hawaiian day octopus (Octopus cyanea) lives on coral reefs; argonauts drift in pelagic waters. Abdopus aculeatus mostly lives in near-shore seagrass beds. Some species are adapted to the cold, ocean depths. The spoon-armed octopus (Bathypolypus arcticus) is found at depths of 1,000 m, and Vulcanoctopus hydrothermalis lives near hydrothermal vents at 2,000 m. The cirrate species are often free-swimming and live in deep-water habitats. Although several species are known to live at bathyal and abyssal depths, there is only a single indisputable record of an octopus in the hadal zone; a species of Grimpoteuthis (dumbo octopus) photographed at 6,957 m. No species are known to live in fresh water.
BEHAVIOUR AND ECOLOGY
Most species are solitary when not mating, though a few are known to occur in high densities and with frequent interactions, signaling, mate defending and eviction of individuals from dens. This is likely the result of abundant food supplies combined with limited den sites. The larger Pacific striped octopus however is social, living in groups of up to 40 individuals that share dens. Octopuses hide in dens, which are typically crevices in rocky outcrops or other hard structures, though some species burrow into sand or mud. Octopuses are not territorial but generally remain in a home range; they may leave the area in search of food. They can use navigation skills to return to a den without having to retrace their outward route. They are not known to be migratory.
Octopuses bring captured prey back to the den where they can eat it safely. Sometimes the octopus catches more prey than it can eat, and the den is often surrounded by a midden of dead and uneaten food items. Other creatures, such as fish, crabs, molluscs and echinoderms, often share the den with the octopus, either because they have arrived as scavengers, or because they have survived capture. Octopuses rarely engage in interspecific cooperative hunting with fish as their partners. They regulate the species composition of the hunting group - and the behavior of their partners - by punching them.
FEEDING
Nearly all octopuses are predatory; bottom-dwelling octopuses eat mainly crustaceans, polychaete worms, and other molluscs such as whelks and clams; open-ocean octopuses eat mainly prawns, fish and other cephalopods. Major items in the diet of the giant Pacific octopus include bivalve molluscs such as the cockle Clinocardium nuttallii, clams and scallops and crustaceans such as crabs and spider crabs. Prey that it is likely to reject include moon snails because they are too large and limpets, rock scallops, chitons and abalone, because they are too securely fixed to the rock.
A benthic (bottom-dwelling) octopus typically moves among the rocks and feels through the crevices. The creature may make a jet-propelled pounce on prey and pull it towards the mouth with its arms, the suckers restraining it. Small prey may be completely trapped by the webbed structure. Octopuses usually inject crustaceans like crabs with a paralysing saliva then dismember them with their beaks. Octopuses feed on shelled molluscs either by forcing the valves apart, or by drilling a hole in the shell to inject a nerve toxin. It used to be thought that the hole was drilled by the radula, but it has now been shown that minute teeth at the tip of the salivary papilla are involved, and an enzyme in the toxic saliva is used to dissolve the calcium carbonate of the shell. It takes about three hours for O. vulgaris to create a 0.6 mm hole. Once the shell is penetrated, the prey dies almost instantaneously, its muscles relax, and the soft tissues are easy for the octopus to remove. Crabs may also be treated in this way; tough-shelled species are more likely to be drilled, and soft-shelled crabs are torn apart.
Some species have other modes of feeding. Grimpoteuthis has a reduced or non-existent radula and swallows prey whole. In the deep-sea genus Stauroteuthis, some of the muscle cells that control the suckers in most species have been replaced with photophores which are believed to fool prey by directing them towards the mouth, making them one of the few bioluminescent octopuses.
LOCOMOTION
Octopuses mainly move about by relatively slow crawling with some swimming in a head-first position. Jet propulsion or backwards swimming, is their fastest means of locomotion, followed by swimming and crawling. When in no hurry, they usually crawl on either solid or soft surfaces. Several arms are extended forwards, some of the suckers adhere to the substrate and the animal hauls itself forwards with its powerful arm muscles, while other arms may push rather than pull. As progress is made, other arms move ahead to repeat these actions and the original suckers detach. During crawling, the heart rate nearly doubles, and the animal requires ten or fifteen minutes to recover from relatively minor exercise.
Most octopuses swim by expelling a jet of water from the mantle through the siphon into the sea. The physical principle behind this is that the force required to accelerate the water through the orifice produces a reaction that propels the octopus in the opposite direction. The direction of travel depends on the orientation of the siphon. When swimming, the head is at the front and the siphon is pointed backwards, but when jetting, the visceral hump leads, the siphon points towards the head and the arms trail behind, with the animal presenting a fusiform appearance. In an alternative method of swimming, some species flatten themselves dorso-ventrally, and swim with the arms held out sideways, and this may provide lift and be faster than normal swimming. Jetting is used to escape from danger, but is physiologically inefficient, requiring a mantle pressure so high as to stop the heart from beating, resulting in a progressive oxygen deficit.
Cirrate octopuses cannot produce jet propulsion and rely on their fins for swimming. They have neutral buoyancy and drift through the water with the fins extended. They can also contract their arms and surrounding web to make sudden moves known as "take-offs". Another form of locomotion is "pumping", which involves symmetrical contractions of muscles in their webs producing peristaltic waves. This moves the body slowly.
In 2005, Adopus aculeatus and veined octopus (Amphioctopus marginatus) were found to walk on two arms, while at the same time mimicking plant matter. This form of locomotion allows these octopuses to move quickly away from a potential predator without being recognised. A study of this behaviour led to the suggestion that the two rearmost appendages may be more accurately termed "legs" rather than "arms". Some species of octopus can crawl out of the water briefly, which they may do between tide pools while hunting crustaceans or gastropods or to escape predators. "Stilt walking" is used by the veined octopus when carrying stacked coconut shells. The octopus carries the shells underneath it with two arms, and progresses with an ungainly gait supported by its remaining arms held rigid.
INTELLIGENCE
Octopuses are highly intelligent; the extent of their intelligence and learning capability are not well defined. Maze and problem-solving experiments have shown evidence of a memory system that can store both short- and long-term memory. It is not known precisely what contribution learning makes to adult octopus behaviour. Young octopuses learn nothing from their parents, as adults provide no parental care beyond tending to their eggs until the young octopuses hatch.
In laboratory experiments, octopuses can be readily trained to distinguish between different shapes and patterns. They have been reported to practise observational learning, although the validity of these findings is contested. Octopuses have also been observed in what has been described as play: repeatedly releasing bottles or toys into a circular current in their aquariums and then catching them. Octopuses often break out of their aquariums and sometimes into others in search of food. They have even boarded fishing boats and opened holds to eat crabs. The veined octopus collects discarded coconut shells, then uses them to build a shelter, an example of tool use.
CAMOUFLAGE AND COLOUR CHANGE
Octopuses use camouflage when hunting and to avoid predators. To do this they use specialised skin cells which change the appearance of the skin by adjusting its colour, opacity, or reflectivity. Chromatophores contain yellow, orange, red, brown, or black pigments; most species have three of these colours, while some have two or four. Other colour-changing cells are reflective iridophores and white leucophores. This colour-changing ability is also used to communicate with or warn other octopuses.
Octopuses can create distracting patterns with waves of dark coloration across the body, a display known as the "passing cloud". Muscles in the skin change the texture of the mantle to achieve greater camouflage. In some species, the mantle can take on the spiky appearance of algae; in others, skin anatomy is limited to relatively uniform shades of one colour with limited skin texture. Octopuses that are diurnal and live in shallow water have evolved more complex skin than their nocturnal and deep-sea counterparts.
A "moving rock" trick involves the octopus mimicking a rock and then inching across the open space with a speed matching the movement in the surrounding water, allowing it to move in plain sight of a predator.
DEFENCE
Aside from humans, octopuses may be preyed on by fishes, seabirds, sea otters, pinnipeds, cetaceans, and other cephalopods. Octopuses typically hide or disguise themselves by camouflage and mimicry; some have conspicuous warning coloration (aposematism) or deimatic behaviour. An octopus may spend 40% of its time hidden away in its den. When the octopus is approached, it may extend an arm to investigate. 66% of Enteroctopus dofleini in one study had scars, with 50% having amputated arms. The blue rings of the highly venomous blue-ringed octopus are hidden in muscular skin folds which contract when the animal is threatened, exposing the iridescent warning. The Atlantic white-spotted octopus (Callistoctopus macropus) turns bright brownish red with oval white spots all over in a high contrast display. Displays are often reinforced by stretching out the animal's arms, fins or web to make it look as big and threatening as possible.
Once they have been seen by a predator, they commonly try to escape but can also use distraction with an ink cloud ejected from the ink sac. The ink is thought to reduce the efficiency of olfactory organs, which would aid evasion from predators that employ smell for hunting, such as sharks. Ink clouds of some species might act as pseudomorphs, or decoys that the predator attacks instead.
When under attack, some octopuses can perform arm autotomy, in a manner similar to the way skinks and other lizards detach their tails. The crawling arm may distract would-be predators. Such severed arms remain sensitive to stimuli and move away from unpleasant sensations. Octopuses can replace lost limbs.
Some octopuses, such as the mimic octopus, can combine their highly flexible bodies with their colour-changing ability to mimic other, more dangerous animals, such as lionfish, sea snakes, and eels.
PATHOGENS AND PARASITES
The diseases and parasites that affect octopuses have been little studied, but cephalopods are known to be the intermediate or final hosts of various parasitic cestodes, nematodes and copepods; 150 species of protistan and metazoan parasites have been recognised. The Dicyemidae are a family of tiny worms that are found in the renal appendages of many species; it is unclear whether they are parasitic or are endosymbionts. Coccidians in the genus Aggregata living in the gut cause severe disease to the host. Octopuses have an innate immune system, and the haemocytes respond to infection by phagocytosis, encapsulation, infiltration or cytotoxic activities to destroy or isolate the pathogens. The haemocytes play an important role in the recognition and elimination of foreign bodies and wound repair. Captive animals have been found to be more susceptible to pathogens than wild ones. A gram-negative bacterium, Vibrio lentus, has been found to cause skin lesions, exposure of muscle and death of octopuses in extreme cases.
EVOLUTION
The scientific name Octopoda was first coined and given as the order of octopuses in 1818 by English biologist William Elford Leach, who classified them as Octopoida the previous year. The Octopoda consists of around 300 known species and were historically divided into two suborders, the Incirrina and the Cirrina. However, more recent evidence suggests that Cirrina are merely the most basal species and are not a unique clade. The incirrate octopuses (the majority of species) lack the cirri and paired swimming fins of the cirrates. In addition, the internal shell of incirrates is either present as a pair of stylets or absent altogether.
FOSSIL HISTORY AND PHYLOGENY
Cephalopods have existed for 500 million years and octopus ancestors were in the Carboniferous seas 300 million years ago. The oldest known octopus fossil is Pohlsepia, which lived 296 million years ago. Researchers have identified impressions of eight arms, two eyes, and possibly an ink sac. Octopuses are mostly soft tissue, and so fossils are relatively rare. Octopuses, squids and cuttlefish belong to the clade Coleoidea. They are known as "soft-bodied" cephalopods, lacking the external shell of most molluscs and other cephalopods like the nautiloids and the extinct Ammonoidea. Octopuses have eight limbs like other coleoids but lack the extra specialised feeding appendages known as tentacles which are longer and thinner with suckers only at their club-like ends. The vampire squid (Vampyroteuthis) also lacks tentacles but has sensory filaments.
The cladograms are based on Sanchez et al., 2018, who created a molecular phylogeny based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA marker sequences.
RNA EDITING
Octopuses and other coleoid cephalopods are capable of greater RNA editing (which involves changes to the nucleic acid sequence of the primary transcript of RNA molecules) than any other organisms. Editing is concentrated in the nervous system and affects proteins involved in neural excitability and neuronal morphology. More than 60% of RNA transcripts for coleoid brains are recoded by editing, compared to less than 1% for a human or fruit fly. Coleoids rely mostly on ADAR enzymes for RNA editing, which requires large double-stranded RNA structures to flank the editing sites. Both the structures and editing sites are conserved in the coleoid genome and the mutation rates for the sites are severely hampered. Hence, greater transcriptome plasticity has come at the cost of slower genome evolution. High levels of RNA editing do not appear to be present in more basal cephalopods or other molluscs.
RELATIONSHIP TO HUMANS
CULTURAL REFERENCES
Ancient seafaring people were aware of the octopus, as evidenced by certain artworks and designs. For example, a stone carving found in the archaeological recovery from Bronze Age Minoan Crete at Knossos (1900–1100 BC) has a depiction of a fisherman carrying an octopus. The terrifyingly powerful Gorgon of Greek mythology has been thought to have been inspired by the octopus or squid, the octopus itself representing the severed head of Medusa, the beak as the protruding tongue and fangs, and its tentacles as the snakes. The Kraken are legendary sea monsters of giant proportions said to dwell off the coasts of Norway and Greenland, usually portrayed in art as a giant octopus attacking ships. Linnaeus included it in the first edition of his 1735 Systema Naturae. One translation of the Hawaiian creation myth the Kumulipo suggests that the octopus is the lone survivor of a previous age. The Akkorokamui is a gigantic octopus-like monster from Ainu folklore.
A battle with an octopus plays a significant role in Victor Hugo's book Travailleurs de la mer (Toilers of the Sea), relating to his time in exile on Guernsey. Ian Fleming's 1966 short story collection Octopussy and The Living Daylights, and the 1983 James Bond film were partly inspired by Hugo's book.
Japanese erotic art, shunga, includes ukiyo-e woodblock prints such as Katsushika Hokusai's 1814 print Tako to ama (The Dream of the Fisherman's Wife), in which an ama diver is sexually intertwined with a large and a small octopus. The print is a forerunner of tentacle erotica. The biologist P. Z. Myers noted in his science blog, Pharyngula, that octopuses appear in "extraordinary" graphic illustrations involving women, tentacles, and bare breasts.
Since it has numerous arms emanating from a common centre, the octopus is often used as a symbol for a powerful and manipulative organisation, company, or country.
DANGER
Octopuses generally avoid humans, but incidents have been verified. For example, a 2.4-metre Pacific octopus, said to be nearly perfectly camouflaged, "lunged" at a diver and "wrangled" over his camera before it let go. Another diver recorded the encounter on video.
All species are venomous, but only blue-ringed octopuses have venom that is lethal to humans. Bites are reported each year across the animals' range from Australia to the eastern Indo-Pacific Ocean. They bite only when provoked or accidentally stepped upon; bites are small and usually painless. The venom appears to be able to penetrate the skin without a puncture, given prolonged contact. It contains tetrodotoxin, which causes paralysis by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles. This causes death by respiratory failure leading to cerebral anoxia. No antidote is known, but if breathing can be kept going artificially, patients recover within 24 hours. Bites have been recorded from captive octopuses of other species; they leave swellings which disappear in a day or two.
FISHERIES AND CUISINE
Octopus fisheries exist around the world with total catches varying between 245,320 and 322,999 metric tons from 1986 to 1995. The world catch peaked in 2007 at 380,000 tons, and fell by a tenth by 2012. Methods to capture octopuses include pots, traps, trawls, snares, drift fishing, spearing, hooking and hand collection. Octopus is eaten in many cultures and is a common food on the Mediterranean and Asian coasts. The arms and sometimes other body parts are prepared in various ways, often varying by species or geography. Live octopuses are eaten in several countries around the world, including the US. Animal welfare groups have objected to this practice on the basis that octopuses can experience pain. Octopuses have a food conversion efficiency greater than that of chickens, making octopus aquaculture a possibility.
IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
In classical Greece, Aristotle (384–322 BC) commented on the colour-changing abilities of the octopus, both for camouflage and for signalling, in his Historia animalium: "The octopus ... seeks its prey by so changing its colour as to render it like the colour of the stones adjacent to it; it does so also when alarmed." Aristotle noted that the octopus had a hectocotyl arm and suggested it might be used in sexual reproduction. This claim was widely disbelieved until the 19th century. It was described in 1829 by the French zoologist Georges Cuvier, who supposed it to be a parasitic worm, naming it as a new species, Hectocotylus octopodis. Other zoologists thought it a spermatophore; the German zoologist Heinrich Müller believed it was "designed" to detach during copulation. In 1856 the Danish zoologist Japetus Steenstrup demonstrated that it is used to transfer sperm, and only rarely detaches.
Octopuses offer many possibilities in biological research, including their ability to regenerate limbs, change the colour of their skin, behave intelligently with a distributed nervous system, and make use of 168 kinds of protocadherins (humans have 58), the proteins that guide the connections neurons make with each other. The California two-spot octopus has had its genome sequenced, allowing exploration of its molecular adaptations. Having independently evolved mammal-like intelligence, octopuses have been compared to hypothetical intelligent extraterrestrials. Their problem-solving skills, along with their mobility and lack of rigid structure enable them to escape from supposedly secure tanks in laboratories and public aquariums.
Due to their intelligence, octopuses are listed in some countries as experimental animals on which surgery may not be performed without anesthesia, a protection usually extended only to vertebrates. In the UK from 1993 to 2012, the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) was the only invertebrate protected under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. In 2012, this legislation was extended to include all cephalopods in accordance with a general EU directive.
Some robotics research is exploring biomimicry of octopus features. Octopus arms can move and sense largely autonomously without intervention from the animal's central nervous system. In 2015 a team in Italy built soft-bodied robots able to crawl and swim, requiring only minimal computation. In 2017 a German company made an arm with a soft pneumatically controlled silicone gripper fitted with two rows of suckers. It is able to grasp objects such as a metal tube, a magazine, or a ball, and to fill a glass by pouring water from a bottle.
WIKIPEDIA
A study of the effects of high voltage and household cleaning products on instant pull apart color film.
Materials: Fujifilm FP100-45C Instant Color Film, various household cleaning products (bleach, vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, salt, rubbing alcohol), 15,000 volt neon tube ballast.
Copyright Phillip Stearns
Moving outside with TxPilot's snazzy device. I need a bit of thought put into the patterns, as generated by Phil Wright's incredibly clever code generator.
For we're here and FAF.
Don't you hate it when you come home to find one of these, especially when you have to go the office to pick it up between the hours of 10:05 and 1039 on a Tuesday and you have to have a retinal scan to get it.
Not true but it can be infuriating especially when you work.
We're lucky, in that our postie just leaves things in the shed now.
Sorry this is not really what the theme had in mind, but I have not had any daylight time to go looking for letter boxes.
The white tiger or bleached tiger is a leucistic pigmentation variant of the mainland Asian tiger. It is reported in the wild from time to time in the Indian states of Madhya Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, in the Sunderbans region and especially in the former State of Rewa. It has the typical black stripes of a tiger, but its coat is otherwise white or near-white and blue eyes.
Variation
The white Bengal tigers are distinctive due to the color of their fur. The white fur is caused by a lack of the pigment pheomelanin, which is found in Bengal tigers with orange color fur. When compared to Bengal tigers, the white Bengal tigers tend to grow faster and heavier than the orange Bengal tiger.[citation needed] They also tend to be somewhat bigger at birth, and as fully grown adults.[citation needed] White Bengal tigers are fully grown when they are 2–3 years of age. White male tigers reach weights of 200 to 230 kilograms (440 to 510 lb) and can grow up to 3 meters (9.8 ft) in length. As with all tigers, the white Bengal tiger's stripes are like fingerprints, with no two tigers having the same pattern. The stripes of the tiger are a pigmentation of the skin; if an individual were to be shaved, its distinctive coat pattern would still be visible.
For a white Bengal tiger to be born, both parents must carry the unusual gene for white colouring, which only happens naturally about once in 10,000 births. Dark-striped white individuals are well-documented in the Bengal tiger subspecies (Panthera tigris) as well as having been reported historically in several other subspecies. Currently, several hundred white tigers are in captivity worldwide, with about one hundred being found in India. Their unique white color fur has made them popular in entertainment showcasing exotic animals, and at zoos. Their rarity could be because the recessive allele is the result of a one-time mutation or because white tigers lack adequate camouflage, reducing their ability to stalk prey or avoid other predators. (Downes 2021)
Genetics
A white tiger's pale coloration is due to the lack of the red and yellow pheomelanin pigments that normally produce the orange coloration This had long been attributed to a mutation in the gene for the tyrosinase (TYR) enzyme. A knockout mutation in this gene results in albinism, the ability to make neither pheomelanin (red and yellow pigments) nor eumelanin (black and brown pigments), while a less severe mutation in the same gene in other mammals results in selective loss of pheomelanin, the so-called Chinchilla trait. The white phenotype in tigers had been attributed to such a Chinchilla mutation in tyrosinase, and in the past white tigers were sometimes referred to as 'partial albinos'. While whole genome sequencing determined that such a TYR mutation is responsible for the white lion leucistic variant, a normal TYR gene was found in both white tigers and snow leopards. Instead in white tigers a naturally-occurring point mutation in the SLC45A2 transport protein gene was found to underlie its pigmentation. The resultant single amino acid substitution introduces an alanine residue that protrudes into the transport protein's central passageway, apparently blocking it, and by a mechanism yet to be determined this prevents pheomelanin expression in the fur. Mutations in the same gene are known to result in 'cream' coloration in horses, and play a role in the paler skin of humans of European descent. This is a recessive trait, meaning that it is only seen in individuals that are homozygous for this mutation, and that while the progeny of white tigers will all be white, white tigers can be also bred from colored Bengal tiger pairs in which each possesses a single copy of the unique mutation. Inbreeding promotes recessive traits and has been used as a strategy to produce white tigers in captivity, but this has also resulted in a range of other genetic defects.
The stripe color varies due to the influence and interaction of other genes. Another genetic characteristic makes the stripes of the tiger very pale; white tigers of this type are called snow-white or "pure white". White tigers, Siamese cats, and Himalayan rabbits have enzymes in their fur which react to temperature, causing them to grow darker in the cold. A white tiger named Mohini was whiter than her relatives in the Bristol Zoo, who showed more cream tones. This may have been because she spent less time outdoors in the winter. Kailash Sankhala observed that white tigers were always whiter in Rewa State, even when they were born in New Delhi and returned there. "In spite of living in a dusty courtyard, they were always snow white." A weakened immune system is directly linked to reduced pigmentation in white tigers.
Stripeless tigers
An additional genetic condition can result in near-complete absence of stripes, making the tiger almost pure white. One such specimen was exhibited at Exeter Change in England in 1820, and described by Georges Cuvier as "A white variety of Tiger is sometimes seen, with the stripes very opaque, and not to be observed except in certain angles of light." Naturalist Richard Lydekker said that, "a white tiger, in which the fur was of a creamy tint, with the usual stripes faintly visible in certain parts, was exhibited at the old menagerie at Exeter Change about the year 1820." Hamilton Smith said, "A wholly white tiger, with the stripe-pattern visible only under reflected light, like the pattern of a white tabby cat, was exhibited in the Exeter Change Menagerie in 1820.", and John George Wood stated that, "a creamy white, with the ordinary tigerine stripes so faintly marked that they were only visible in certain lights." Edwin Henry Landseer also drew this tigress in 1824.
The modern strain of snow white tigers came from repeated brother–sister matings of Bhim and Sumita at Cincinnati Zoo. The gene involved may have come from a Siberian tiger, their part-Siberian ancestor Tony. Continued inbreeding appears to have caused a recessive gene to become homozygous and produce the stripeless phenotype. About one fourth of Bhim and Sumita's offspring were stripeless. Their striped white offspring, which have been sold to zoos around the world, may also carry the gene for the stripeless trait. Because Tony's genome is present in many white tiger pedigrees, the gene may also be present in other captive white tigers. As a result, stripeless white tigers have appeared in zoos as far afield as the Czech Republic (Liberec), Spain and Mexico. Stage magicians Siegfried & Roy were the first to attempt to selectively breed for stripeless tigers; they owned snow-white Bengal tigers taken from Cincinnati Zoo (Tsumura, Mantra, Mirage and Akbar-Kabul) and Guadalajara, Mexico (Vishnu and Jahan), as well as a stripeless Siberian tiger called Apollo.
In 2004, a blue-eyed, stripeless white tiger was born in a wildlife refuge in Alicante, Spain. Its parents are normal orange Bengals. The cub was named "Artico" ("Arctic").
Defects
Outside of India, inbred white tigers have been prone to crossed eyes, a condition known as strabismus, due to incorrectly routed visual pathways in the brains of white tigers. When stressed or confused, all white tigers cross their eyes. Strabismus is associated with white tigers of mixed Bengal and Siberian ancestry. The only pure-Bengal white tiger reported to be cross-eyed was Mohini's daughter Rewati. Strabismus is directly linked to the white gene and is not a separate consequence of inbreeding.
The orange litter-mates of white tigers are not prone to strabismus. Siamese cats and albinos of every species which have been studied all exhibit the same visual pathway abnormality found in white tigers. Siamese cats are also sometimes cross-eyed, as are some albino ferrets. The visual pathway abnormality was first documented in white tigers in the brain of a white tiger called Moni after he died, although his eyes were of normal alignment. The abnormality is that there is a disruption in the optic chiasm. The examination of Moni's brain suggested the disruption is less severe in white tigers than it is in Siamese cats. Because of the visual pathway abnormality, by which some optic nerves are routed to the wrong side of the brain, white tigers have a problem with spatial orientation, and bump into things until they learn to compensate. Some tigers compensate by crossing their eyes. When the neurons pass from the retina to the brain and reach the optic chiasma, some cross and some do not, so that visual images are projected to the wrong hemisphere of the brain. White tigers cannot see as well as normal tigers and suffer from photophobia, like albinos.
Other genetic problems include shortened tendons of the forelegs, club foot, kidney problems, arched or crooked backbone and twisted neck. Reduced fertility and miscarriages, noted by "tiger man" Kailash Sankhala in pure-Bengal white tigers, were attributed to inbreeding depression. A condition known as "star-gazing" (the head and neck are raised almost straight up, as if the affected animal is gazing at the stars), which is associated with inbreeding in big cats, has also been reported in white tigers.
There was a 200 kg (450 lb) male cross-eyed white tiger at the Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo in Hawaii, which was donated to the zoo by Las Vegas magician Dirk Arthur. There is a picture of a white tiger which appears to be cross-eyed on just one side in the book Siegfried and Roy: Mastering the Impossible. A white tiger, named Scarlett O'Hara, who was Tony's sister, was cross-eyed only on the right side.
A male tiger named 'Cheytan', a son of Bhim and Sumita who was born at the Cincinnati Zoo, died at the San Antonio Zoo in 1992, from anaesthesia complications during root canal therapy. It appears that white tigers also react strangely to anaesthesia. The best drug for immobilizing a tiger is CI 744, but a few tigers, white ones in particular, undergo a re-sedation effect 24–36 hours later. This is due to their inability to produce normal tyrosinase, a trait they share with albinos, according to zoo veterinarian David Taylor. He treated a pair of white tigers from the Cincinnati Zoo at Fritz Wurm's safari park in Stukenbrock, Germany, for salmonella poisoning, which reacted strangely to the anaesthesia.
Mohini was checked for Chédiak–Higashi syndrome in 1960, but the results were inconclusive. This condition is similar to albino mutations and causes bluish lightening of the fur color, crossed eyes, and prolonged bleeding after surgery. Also, in the event of an injury, the blood is slow to coagulate. This condition has been observed in domestic cats, but there has never been a case of a white tiger having Chédiak–Higashi syndrome. There has been a single case of a white tiger having central retinal degeneration, reported from the Milwaukee County Zoo, which could be related to reduced pigmentation in the eye. The white tiger in question was a male named Mota on loan from the Cincinnati Zoo.
There is a myth that white tigers have an 80% infant mortality rate. However, the infant mortality rate for white tigers is no higher than it is for normal orange tigers bred in captivity. Cincinnati Zoo director Ed Maruska said:
"We have not experienced premature death among our white tigers. Forty-two animals born in our collection are still alive. Mohan, a large white tiger, died just short of his 20th birthday, an enviable age for a male of any subspecies, since most males live shorter captive lives. Premature deaths in other collections may be artifacts of captive environmental conditions...in 52 births we had four stillbirths, one of which was an unexplained loss. We lost two additional cubs from viral pneumonia, which is not excessive. Without data from non-inbred tiger lines, it is difficult to determine whether this number is high or low with any degree of accuracy."
Ed Maruska also addressed the issue of deformities:
"Other than a case of hip dysplasia that occurred in a male white tiger, we have not encountered any other body deformities or any physiological or neurological disorders. Some of these reported maladies in mutant tigers in other collections may be a direct result of inbreeding or improper rearing management of tigers generally."
Inbreeding and outcrossing
Because of the extreme rarity of the white tiger allele in the wild, the breeding pool was limited to the small number of white tigers in captivity. According to Kailash Sankhala, the last white tiger ever seen in the wild was shot in 1958. Today there is a large number of white tigers in captivity. A white Amur tiger may have been born at Center Hill and has given rise to a strain of white Amur tigers. A man named Robert Baudy realized that his tigers had white genes when a tiger he sold to Marwell Zoo in England developed white spots, and bred them accordingly. The Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa Bay had four of these white Amur tigers, descended from Robert Baudy's stock.
It has also been possible to expand the white-gene pool by outcrossing white tigers with unrelated orange tigers and then using the cubs to produce more white tigers. The white tigers Ranjit, Bharat, Priya and Bhim were all outcrossed, in some instances to more than one tiger. Bharat was bred to an unrelated orange tiger named Jack from the San Francisco Zoo and had an orange daughter named Kanchana. Bharat and Priya were also bred with an unrelated orange tiger from Knoxville Zoo, and Ranjit was bred to this tiger's sister, also from Knoxville Zoo. Bhim fathered several litters with an unrelated orange tigress named Kimanthi at the Cincinnati Zoo. ankam Ranjeeth had several mates at the Omaha Zoo.
The last descendants of Bristol Zoo's white tigers were a group of orange tigers from outcrosses which were bought by a Pakistani senator and shipped to Pakistan. Rajiv, Pretoria Zoo's white tiger, who was born in the Cincinnati Zoo, was also outcrossed and sired at least two litters of orange cubs at Pretoria Zoo. Outcrossing is not necessarily done with the intent of producing more white cubs by resuming inbreeding further down the line. Outcrossing is a way of bringing fresh blood into the white strain. The New Delhi Zoo loaned out white tigers to some of India's better zoos for outcrossing, and the government had to impose a whip to force zoos to return either the white tigers or their orange offspring.
Siegfried & Roy performed at least one outcross. In the mid-1980s they offered to work with the Indian government in the creation of a healthier strain of white tigers. The Indian government reportedly considered the offer; however, India had a moratorium on breeding white tigers after cubs were born at New Delhi Zoo with arched backs and clubbed feet, necessitating euthanasia. Siegfried & Roy have bred white tigers in collaboration with the Nashville Zoo.
To better preserve genetic diversity and avoid genetic defects, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums barred member zoos from intentionally breeding to produce white tigers, white lions, or king cheetahs in a white paper adopted by the board of directors in July 2011. The paper explains that selecting for or against any particular allele would result in a loss of genetic diversity. Instead, the alleles should be maintained at their natural frequencies. Inbreeding to produce abnormal appearances can also produce congenital defects that impact health and welfare. Sometimes the traits themselves can cause problems, such as albinism's visual and neural effects. Additionally, animals with an abnormal appearance do not serve as well as ambassadors for their species in the zoos' mission to educate the public.
Miracle of the eye
ref:
www.miracleintheeye.com/miracle_eye_06.html
www.evidencesofcreation.com/index.php
www.astrolabe.com/books/array-quran-and-science-and-harun...
In order to better understand the perfection of God's creation, look at only a few of the millions of other examples of His art. As it says in Qur'an, all creatures are under His complete control:
. There is no creature He does not hold by the forelock. (Qur'an, 11: 56)
A countless number of organisms are living on this planet; and millions of different insect species alone.Of all the different types of eye, the human eye is the most superior overall, although the eyes of some species boast of features that are superior to those of humans. There are as many different types of eye as there are species, and we have already shown how impossible it is for such a variety to evolve through mutations and natural selection.
God has given every organism an eye that suits their lifestyle and feeding habits. In this section, we'll examine the eye structures of many different species.
Insect Eyes
Insects view the world through thousands of tiny eyes.
Compared to human eyes, the eyes of insects are considerably different. Their structures come in one of two types, simple or complex.
Simple-structured eyes are round and small, capable only of separating light and dark. Compound eyes, on the other hand, are larger and more complex, made up of hundreds of small pieces. Each "piece" is actually a small eye because it contains light sensitivecells, a lens, and connections to the brain.
As mentioned before, a human eye's lens can change shape, letting us focus on objects at various distances. The lens in an insect's eye cannot change shape, however, and so insects cannot focus.
The compound eye works by each of the eye's six-sided compartments (called ommatidia) detecting a tiny portion of the visual field. The information from each ommatidium is then combined, like pieces of a mosaic, to form a single image of the outside world.
The higher the number of ommatidia, the keener the vision becomes, with each unit contributing a different part of the complete picture. 35
The head of the common housefly is dominated by a pair of large compound eyes containing approximately 4,000 ommatidia. In wingless insects such as female fireflies there are 300 ommatidia, 5,100 in mayflies, 9,000 in yellow-winged coleopterans and between 10,000 and 28,000 in dragonflies and damselflies.
The wide visual perspective of a fly's eyes.
A Visual Range of 360 Degrees
The housefly's eye contains 4,000 small, simple ommatidia which can be moved at will. Since each ommatidium faces a different direction, the fly is able to see to the front, back, left, right, top and bottom, giving it a 360 degree perspective of the world.
Each ommatidium is sensitive to light shining in its direction, and uses its own lens and eight sensitive cells to process it. House flies have a combined total of 48,000 light-sensitive cells, allowing them to see 100 images per second. In this regard, their vision is ten times superior to the human eye. Two-thirds of the fly's brain is devoted purely to sight. The total number of light-sensitive cells means that 48,000 signals are sent here every tenth of a second.
Most people think of the fly as one of the most basic forms of life, but its visual system is in fact one of the most complicated we know.
Thanks to the flawless design of its eyes, the housefly can look 360 degrees around. At left, a detailed diagram of an ommatidium, of which the fly's eye contains some 4,000.
A tiny fly did not evolve or mutate its 4,000 eyes over a period a time. Clearly. This is a special creation. Of course, the fly is not composed of merely its visual system-it also has special digestive, reproductive and flight systems. Only with all its systems intact can the fly thrive. It is not possible for a fly to exist, for example, without a digestive or respiratory system. Nor are there any blind insects flying around! This is solid evidence that the fly was created by God in its current state, as mentioned in the Qur'an:
Mankind! An example has been made, so listen to it carefully. Those whom you call upon besides God are not even able to create a single fly, even if they were to join together to do it. And if a fly steals something from them, they cannot get it back. How feeble are both the seeker and the sought! (Qur'an, 22: 73)
An Insect with 56,000 Eyes
Among all known species, dragonflies have the greatest number of ommatidia. Each eye contains 30,000 of them,36 which can clearly see objects up to 20 feet away.37
To recap this phenomenon, a single tiny insect has a total of 56,000 eyes, each of which has a lens, retina, and thousands of nerves connecting it to the central nervous system. As a result of this, the dragonfly can see its prey and understand what it is seeing.
The presence of just a single eye with a single neuron and the ability to evaluate a single signal is a miracle on its own. But there are thousands of these eyes, all working in complete harmony. This is just another of God's countless phenomenon. God is the One Who has no equal in creation.
Ultraviolet Vision
Butterflies and bees both possess a special sense of sight, allowing them to reach sources of food with ease.
In some flowers, the pigments form distinct patterns that are invisible to us, but visible to bees and butterflies, who can see ultraviolet light. Called nectar guides, these patterns are like the landing strips of an airport, directing the insects to the nectar within the flower. It is as if their food sources were lit up and signposted especially for them. To our eyes, the coneflower appears to be a uniformly yellowish orange, but to a bee or butterfly, it appears as a corona of yellow with a glowing ultraviolet bull's eye in its center. This pattern guides the bee to where it can collect the nectar or pollen.
Bees feed on the pollen produced by plants. The plants, on the other hand, needs the bee to spread their pollen among other flowers of the same species in order to reproduce. Therefore, the flower uses its petals to attract the bee and sticks pollen onto the bee's legs as it feeds. Both partners possess the necessary features to enable this collaboration. Imagine a situation wherein flowers continued to reflect in the ultraviolet range, but bees were unable to see that portion of the spectrum. Both species would swiftly go extinct, because the bee would not be able to feed, nor the flower to reproduce. This is proof that these co-dependent organisms were created by the same Creator.
Birds
For a flying creature, the most important sense is sight, because the miracle of flight would become a very dangerous affair without the
ability to see. Birds, therefore, have been blessed by God with a superior sense of sight, in addition to the ability to fly.
A bird's sense of sight has a wider perspective and can operate much more quickly than a human's can. An object or view that we humans have to regard at length, a bird can see as a whole, in one quick glance.
Eyes are crucial for the predator owl, which can see ten times more powerfully than humans at night.38
Unlike a human, a bird cannot move its eyes in their sockets. But birds can quickly move their heads and necks around to expand their perspective. Without moving its head, an owl has an 80-degree field of vision. But some species of owl can rotate their heads to up to 360 degrees-a full circle!
The visual field of one human eye is 150 degrees laterally, and only 180 degrees binocularly, or a half circle.39
As mentioned already, predators such as the owl have very keen night vision, often six times greater than that of humans. This allows them to perform precisely accurate hunting maneuvers.
Larger eyes contain more visual cells, providing better vision. A predator bird can have more than a million visual cells in each of its eyes.
At night, owls and similar nocturnal birds can see much better than other species. Looking for food, these predator birds search for small animals on the ground, and their eyes can pick up the slightest movements, thanks to a high number of light-sensitive rods in their retinas. As we explained, the more rod cells, the keener night vision becomes. But for this vision, predator birds do pay a price: They sacrifice the sense of color. They see the world in black and white but, owing to their lifestyle, they do not need to see color. So cone cells are quite fewer in the eyes of nocturnal birds.
During the past minute, as you read this book, you blinked 22 times. That's how your eyes maintained their moisture and cleanliness. But for that split-second that you blinked, your eyes stopped doing their job. For the relatively sedate lifestyle of a human, this may not be a problem. But for a bird in flight, that split-second may be critical.
This is why birds have a third eyelid-a transparent layer that blinks and cleans-without their having to close their outer eyelids. This lid sweeps sideways across the eyeball, starting from the side nearest the beak. For birds that dive underwater, it also acts as goggles, protecting the eye from harm. In a sense, birds have been equipped with goggles and aviator glasses from birth.
Although nocturnal birds cannot see color, some smaller birds feed on seeds and insects, and therefore do need to discern colors. The eyes of these smaller birds are placed on either side of the head, which lets them see a wide area with minimal movement of the head and neck.
The umbrella birds, also known as black herons, encounter a number of difficulties when they hunt in water. As is well-known, most light reflects off the water-which has a negative effect on the bird's ability to see objects under the water's surface. The black heron solves this problem by spreading its wings. This cuts the sunlight and any reflections, allowing it to see more clearly and hunt for fish underwater.
If the black heron didn't use its wings this way, it would be unable to see its food and therefore starve. But seabirds are somehow born knowing the laws of optics, and take the needed precautions accordingly. Could it be that all the seabirds came together to find a practical solution to their problem? Or did they take a mass physics lesson and arrive at a solution by experimenting?
Hunting Eyes
Eagles fly at an altitude of thousands of meters, in a manner similar to modern war planes, yet are able to comb the landscape below in staggering detail. The eagle can detect even the slightest of movements or color changes while in flight. It owes this ability to a very special eye structure.
In humans, the portion of the retina with the most acute vision is the fovea centralis, which has the highest concentration of cone cells. Eagles have two foveae, giving them an incredibly sharp sense of sight. Humans have only one fovea in each eye-for binocular, or forward vision. When we look at an object, both our eyes are directed toward the object. This allows our brain to merge both the images to create a sense of depth. The eagle contains a binocular fovea like ours, but also has a fovea for monocular vision that allows each eye to look sideways and see a separate image. So eagles can see both forward and to the side at the same time.40
The eagle has a visual perspective of some 300 degrees, as well as an extra focusing power. Humans change the shape of their lenses to focus. But an eagle can change the shape of both lens and cornea. This gives it extra focusing power.41 It can also scan a 30,000 hectare (116 square miles) field from an altitude of 4,500 meters (14,700 feet), or spot a camouflaged rabbit from 90 meters (300 feet) with ease.42
To attain this super-sharp vision, an eagle's retinal cells are tinted with special colored oil droplets, increasing the contrast for objects seen against the blue sky or green forest. Thanks to this, the eagle can spot minute changes in contrast from thousands of meters above and swoop down to hunt. The fact that a mere drop of oil makes this possible is doubtlessly one of God's countless blessings.
Flying is a miracle in itself. If one aspect of the present structure or position of a bird's wing were changed, it would be unable to fly. Therefore, it isn't possible for wings to have evolved over time.
As mentioned before, something else that couldn't possibly have evolved is the visual system. This is reinforced by the flawless nature of an eagle's eye. An eye with two foveae cannot form over time, as a result of coincidences. That second fovea was deliberately created to answer the bird's needs.
For an eagle, that droplet of oil in its retina cells is of staggering importance... But who made this fine optical adjustment? Did the eagle add
the oil himself, or on other animals' recommendation? Of course not. The eagles have enjoyed this feature from birth, for thousands of years.
So why are our eyes not as sharp as an eagle's? If human eyes contained the same features, they'd each be the size of a grapefruit. Moreover, humans don't need to spot a camouflaged rabbit from a kilometer away. This is why God gave humans their present eyes in a most aesthetic form.
Jumping Spiders
Compared to ordinary spiders, the jumping spider leads a very unusual life. Rather than make a web and wait for a catch, these spiders hunt their prey instead. This is why-unlike ordinary spiders, which are almost blind-they have exceptionally acute vision.
A jumping spider hunts by securing itself to the branch of a tree with the thread it secretes. Then it throws itself toward an insect flying nearby, catching it in midair. In order to snare its catch, the spider needs to see its prey, and determine the direction and speed at which the target is traveling. Also, of course, it must determine its own speed and the duration of the leap. In order to do all this, the spider needs not only an advanced visual system, but an information processing center to make all the necessary calculations.
Jumping spiders have four pairs of eyes, for a total of eight. The front two are the most impressive, perhaps the best eyes one can find in any arthropod. The retina inside the eye can move in three dimensions, enabling the spider to look in all directions and focus on its subject. The other six eyes are positioned around the head, affording 360-degree vision.43
The jumping spider's visual acuity is actually very similar to our own, such that they even perceive images on a television screen. When most animals look at a television, they see only a series of moving dots. But research has indicated that jumping spiders respond to televised pictures of other spiders and insects.
The jumping spider's visual system is highly complex and, in some respects, surpasses even a human's. A tiny spider can look in different directions, detect motions, and estimate speed and distance. Of course, the spider never asked for these abilities, nor did it develop them on its own, over time. Everything the spider possesses was given to him by God.
The Protection of Animal Eyes
As the body's most sensitive organs, the eyes must therefore be well protected. This is why animal skulls have been constructed in such a way as to provide their eyes with maximum protection.
In animals like cats and dogs, the majority of the eye lies inside the skull, with only a small portion protruding outside. The bones surrounding the eye effectively act as a shield against impacts, and the eyelids help protect against direct injury.
The eyes of a camel-a mammal that lives under incredibly harsh conditions-are provided with the protection they need. The bone structure around its eye not only protects it from impacts, but also from harsh sunrays. Not even violent sandstorms can harm a camel's eyes, thanks to its eyelashes, which are long and intertwined, preventing any dust from entering.
Eyes in the Sea
There are considerable differences between land and underwater creatures, because under the surface is effectively another world, whose inhabitants have been modeled to best suit their environment. But just because they spend their lives underwater doesn't mean that their basic requirements are any different from ours. To stay alive, they still need to breathe, feed and avoid being hunted. They have to be able to see the world around them, so that they can distinguish between prey and foe-and require special eyes that let them see clearly underwater.
Fish view their world through a transparent layer that covers their eyes, similar in principle to the goggles worn by human divers. But be it a whale or a herring, an underwater creature's field of vision is restricted. Deeper than 30 meters (99 feet) below the surface, distant vision becomes unnecessary. Most of the time, in fact, fish need to see only those objects directly in front of them, and their eyes are created to meet this need. Their rigid, globular lens is particularly adapted for seeing close objects. But when they do need to see at a distance, a set of special muscles pulls the entire lens back toward the retina.44
The spherical lens in a fish's eye works well underwater. Because of the higher degree of refraction (the bending of light) in water than in air, a fish's lens has to be much more curved than a human's. To produce a clear image, the lens bends the light a lot more than does a flatter one-such as those in humans and other land animals.45
Water creatures are always in danger of becoming food for larger creatures. But they do have a special defense mechanism not seen in mammals: Fish can perceive more than one image at the same time.
A fish's eyes are placed on either side of its head. The image seen by each eye is recorded in the opposite half of its brain. But since the image is viewed by one eye only, it is two-dimensional, which prevents the fish from judging distances. This is why, when it spots some potential threat, both eyes focus in the same direction to judge the distance. Straight ahead, the visual arcs of the two eyes overlap to provide a narrow band, where the fish enjoys binocular vision.
With the exception of a few species, fish cannot see in color. They have no need to, because only a few meters underwater, most colors are absorbed and disappear. A fish's entire world is mostly shades of blue and green.
Fish are more sensitive than land animals to dim light, because their retinas contain a higher number of cells sensitive to low intensities, letting them make use of every amount of light possible.
Sea turtles generally feed on fish. In the process, they also consume a large quantity of sea salt, which could be unhealthy if they digested it. Rather then simply eject salt from the body, the turtle transfers it to special sacs located on to the side of its eyes. Here, the salt is cleverly recycled and used to produce tears.46
Octopus Eyes
Of all the invertebrates, the octopus has one of the most complex eye structures. As in vertebrates, each of the octopus's two large, complex eyes is like a camera, in structure, and the creature's vision is acute.
The octopus eye and the vertebrate eye are extraordinarily similar. Each includes a cornea, an iris, an accommodating lens, a fluid-filled vitreous humor, and a retina. However, there are major differences. For instance, octopi change their range of focus by moving the entire lens closer or farther away from the retina, whereas we change the shape of our cellular lens in order to bring objects into focus.
As mentioned earlier, one of the biggest struggles for evolutionists was in forming some explanation of how octopus eyes originated. According to evolutionary theory, octopi (which are invertebrates) and men (vertebrates) developed completely independently of each other, over time. And yet both man and octopus have equally well-developed visual systems, with similar structures performing similar functions.
But if the two species developed separately, why are their eyes so similar? It seems that the impossible has taken place not just once, but at several times and in several places. If the human eye is the product of coincidences and not creation, then shouldn't it be considerably different than the octopus's eye? The theory of evolution simply cannot answer thousands of basic questions like this.
The Archer Fish
Archer fish hunt by firing mouthfuls of water at nearby insects. Their superior sense of sight allows them to make acute geometric calculations from underwater so as to estimate the correct location of the prey in the outside air. They never miss their targets. This intelligent behavior surely is not the work of the fish itself. It is God Who inspires the Archer fish and all other creatures how to act.
This fish is famous for being a living water pistol-filling its mouth with water and squirting it at insects resting on branches or twigs above the water. The element of surprise causes the insect to lose its grip and plunge into the water, where it becomes an easy catch.
What's remarkable about the process is that even as the archer fish prepares itself, it doesn't raise its head out of the water. While still submerged, it can accurately determine the insect's location. But the apparent position of objects outside the water is distorted by the retraction of light. For example, if you wanted to shoot an arrow from beneath a swimming pool at a point in the air outside, you'd have to know at what angle light retracts upon the water and adjust your aim accordingly.
But this fish seems to overcome this problem and shoots on target every time. It is able to hit a tiny insect with no difficulty.47 All archer fish possess this ability, but not through lessons and physical calculations. It is God Who inspires this creature.
The Crab's Periscope
A crab has two eyes on the ends of stalks. These act like little periscopes, allowing the crab to see what's going on above, even if it is hiding beneath the sand. At any sign of danger, the stalks can be lowered for protection into sockets on the carapace.
REPTILE EYES
Most reptiles can see a large array of colors, allowing them to pick out even the most effectively camouflaged insects. This gives them a major hunting advantage.
Chameleons feed on insects, and their hunting tactics are most unusual because their eyes play a greater role than usual. Chameleons can move each eye independently of the other, allowing them scout the surroundings and watch their insect prey at the same time, as they edge closer to their objective.48 When it is close enough, a chameleon turns both eyes upon its prey, determines its position, and then shoots out its long sticky tongue to catch the meal.
Double Vision
On most species of snakes, the eyes are placed on either side of the head, which produces two different images in the snake's brain.
However, this location of the eyes doesn't stop the snake from seeing forward. In fact, this positioning gives the snake a wide visual perspective, allowing it to look forwards, backwards and upwards with ease.
Infrared Vision
As you've seen, the human eye can perceive only a specific range of wavelengths of light. Some species of snake are capable of seeing greater wavelengths than humans, including infrared light, which humans can sense only as heat.
Snakes have small pit organs that can visually register infrared radiation. These organs are a hundred thousand times more sensitive to infrared than human skin and can detect even the slightest change in a body's temperature.
For example, the rattlesnake can locate a warm-blooded animal or human even in pitch darkness, because such creatures radiate off heat waves that the snake can detect-an incredible advantage for any creature hunting at night.
The principle of detecting objects and soldiers by the heat they emit is also used in recent optical military equipment. It took years of research to develop the technology behind this kind of equipment, but snakes enjoy the same ability from the moment they hatch from their eggs. It took decades for humans to develop heat-sensing equipment, but snakes have always had it.
Eyelids
There are vast differences between a reptile's eyelids and the eyelids of other creatures. It may appear as if snakes do not have eyelids, for example, but their eyes are in fact covered by an immobile, transparent layer of scales.
Lizards, on the other hand, have movable eyelids. But in the desert lizard especially, the eyelids are upturned. This keeps out the sand, preventing it from harming the eye when the lizard buries itself in the sand.
The Sensitive Eyes of a Frog
Recent research has revealed some of the frog's eye's interesting abilities. One kind of retinal cell responds strongly to small, dark, round moving objects and is most active when those objects moved irregularly. It is as if the neurons of the frog eyes were designed especially to detect flies. Some scientists call their eyes "bug detectors."49
Cats' Eyes
The eye of a cat contains a layer called the tapetum lucidum, not found in humans. Positioned immediately behind the retina, it reflects incoming light, doubling the amount of light the eye can use and allowing cats to see in much dimmer light than we can.
This layer is also the reason why cat eyes seem to glow when a flashlight beam is shined directly at them.
Cat eyelids are prized wide open at night, allowing as much light as possible to enter. Another reason why cats can see so well in the dark is because their retinas contain more rod cells than cone cells. Thanks to this system created by God, wild cats can comfortably hunt at night.
'XD Retinal, Writings about the Obscenity of Teeth' by Francesca Pennini, performed by Collettivo Cinetico (Italy) during the 1st European Festival of Contemporary Dance - Kraków/Bytom. Teatr PWST, Kraków, Poland
The Anguillidae are a family of ray-finned fish that contains the freshwater eels. Eighteen of the 19 extant species and six subspecies in this family are in the genus Anguilla. They are elongated fish with snake-like bodies, their long dorsal, caudal and anal fins forming a continuous fringe. They are catadromous fish, spending their adult lives in fresh water, but migrating to the ocean to spawn. Eels are an important food fish and some species are now farm-raised, but not bred in captivity. Many populations in the wild are now threatened, and Seafood Watch recommend consumers avoid eating anguillid eels.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
Adult freshwater eels are elongated with tubelike, snake-shaped bodies. They have large, pointed heads and their dorsal fins are usually continuous with their caudal and anal fins, to form a fringe lining the posterior end of their bodies. They have relatively well developed eyes and pectoral fins compared to saltwater eels that they use to navigate and maneuver through river bottoms and shallow water. Unlike most eels, freshwater eels have not lost their scales, and instead have soft, thin, scales that are embedded in the epidermis. Additionally, freshwater eels possess small, granular teeth arranged in bands on the jaws and vomer. Anguillidae do exhibit size-dependent sexual dimorphism. Male anguillids invest more energy into mating with as many females as he can, than they do into growth. Therefore, female anguillids are usually larger, ranging from 1.5 – 3 feet, while male anguillids rarely get larger than 1.5 feet long. Adult anguillidae can vary in color, but normally are brown, olive or olive-yellow, and can be mottled. Coloration matches the floor of rivers and lakes which prevents the eels from being seen by predators while in clear or shallow water. Freshwater eels go through physical changes in their bodies when going to and from the ocean for different stages of life.
PALEONTOLOGY
There are two important fossils used to date the origin of freshwater eels. The first is the fossil is Nardoechelys robinsi which represents the ancestor to all extant eels, and marks the lower-boundary of the age of anguillidae. The second is Anguilla ignota, which is the fossil that represents the ancestor to all extant freshwater eels and marks the upper boundary of the age of anguillidae. Using these two fossil calibration points, freshwater eels are said to originate between 83 million years ago and 43.8 million years ago.
NARDOECHELYS ROBINSI
N. robinsi was found by Italian scientists in 2002 in the Santonian-Campanian Calcari di Melissano, which is a fossil bed located near the town of Nardò. Strontium-isotope stratigraphy concluded the age of N. robinsi to be 83 million years old. The fossil was discovered incomplete and lacked the skull and part of the anterior skeleton. Despite the morphological uncertainty, cranial and branchial features confirmed it was an eel. At first, it was classified the earliest member of the eel family, Ophichthidae (snake eels). However, upon further inspection, the fossil only displayed one synapomorphy of snake eels, and possessed morphological features more congruent with an ancestral anguilliform. Therefore, many phylogenetic studies use this fossil as a calibration point to date crown anguilliforms. Therefore, if the oldest eel is 83 million years old, it can be concluded that anguillidae could not have originated any earlier than that.
ANGUILLA IGNOTA
The earliest known fossil of an anguillid eel is “Anguilla ignota” and was found in Messel, Germany. The Messel fossil deposit is dated to be 43.8 million years old during the mid-eocene epoch. During this time period, Messel was undergoing intense volcanic activity which resulted in the formation of freshwater maar lakes. A. ignota was found in the geological remains of one of these lakes, which makes it the oldest eel to inhabit a freshwater environment. Arguably, the most defining feature of Anguillidae is the fact that they inhabit freshwater, being the only family of eels to do so. Therefore, the hypothesis stating that A. ignota is the ancestor to all freshwater eels is strongly supported. This fossil is commonly used as a calibration fossil to pinpoint the lower boundary of the age of freshwater eels.
PHYLOGENY
The exact placement of freshwater eels is still being debated, but there is a general consensus that Anguillidae are firmly nested within Anguilliformes. Traditionally, molecular studies have placed Anguillidae in the subclass "Anguilloidei" with two other families: Nemichthyidae (snipe eels) and Serrivomeridae (sawtooth eels). Until 2013, this subclass has been lumped together into a cohesive clade. However, recent molecular studies have suggested that Anguillidae are actually more closely related to the Saccopharyngiforms (Gulpers and relatives) than they are to the other Anguilloid families. This leads to two possibilities: Either Anguilloidei is a paraphyletic group, or it was originally delineated inaccurately, and Anguillidae should not be included in this subclass. However, more studies need to be conducted to confirm the placement of freshwater eels within Anguilliformes, and determine the composition of the Anguilloidei subclass.
DISTRIBUTION AND CONSERVATION
Anguillid eels have a global distribution, and inhabit the waters of more than 150 countries. They are mainly found in tropical and temperate waters, except in the Eastern Pacific and South Atlantic. Conservation is difficult for this taxa because not much is known about their life history and behaviors. However, many Aguilllid eels are of conservation concern, including the European eel (A. Anguilla), The American Eel (A. rostrata), the Japanese Eel (A. japonica), the New Zealand Longfin Eel (A. dieffenbachii), and the Indonesian Longfinned Eel (A. borneensis). Threats to these species include: habitat loss/modification, migration barriers, pollution, parasitism, exploitation, and consumption, as eels are a popular food source especially in Asia and Europe. Fluctuating oceanic conditions associated with climate change also make these species vulnerable, with reduced water quality leading to biodiversity loss among the largest threats. In the Northern hemisphere, anguillid eels have had large declines in populations due to a number of reasons including overexploitation and migration inhibition via migration barriers. According to the IUCN Anguillid Eel Specialist Group, or the AESG, the need for conservation of this family is clear given recent declines. However, conservation efforts are being inhibited by a lack of knowledge of the biology of these species, especially in their social and spawning behavior, as well as a lack of long-term data sets.
COMMERCIAL IMPORTANCE
Anguillid eels are important food fish. Eel aquaculture is a fast-growing industry. Important food eel species include longfin eel, Australian long-finned eel, short-finned eel, and Japanese eel. Most eel production historically has been in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, but in recent years, the greatest production has been in China.
Seafood Watch, one of the better-known sustainable seafood advisory lists, recommends consumers avoid eating anguillid eels due to significant pressures on worldwide populations. Several species used as unagi have seen their population sizes greatly reduced in the past half century. Catches of the European eel, for example, have declined about 80% since the 1960s. Although about 90% of freshwater eels consumed in the US are farm-raised, they are not bred in captivity. Instead, young eels are collected from the wild and then raised in various enclosures. In addition to wild eel populations being reduced by this process, eels are often farmed in open-net pens, which allow parasites, waste products, and diseases to flow directly back into wild eel habitat, further threatening wild populations. Freshwater eels are carnivores so are fed other wild-caught fish, adding another element of unsustainability to current eel-farming practices.
ECOLOGY
Freshwater eels are aquatic and live in various habitats, including freshwater, estuaries, and saltwater/marine habitats, and occupy the roles of both predator and prey, and evidence has been found of nematode parasitism in some species. Some eel species have been observed consuming the eggs of predatory fish such as trout, aiding in population control in these systems. Juvenile eels occupy small spaces in between rocks, in crevices or mud. Freshwater eels are widespread and are catadromous, meaning they spend most of their life in freshwater (rivers mainly) and migrate to the ocean to breed. Leptocephali (larval) migration can range from months to up to almost a year. Temperate eels migrate on average for approximately 6-10 months, while tropical eels undergo shorter migrations between approximately 3-5 months on average. The European eel (A. anguillidae) has one of the longest migrations of all freshwater eels, migrating up to 6000 km in a single migration loop. Migration loops may be flexible in some species, and this variability is still being investigated. However, some eels in this family have altered their migration loop to become completely marine, not returning to fresh waters to develop. Ocean-resident eels are the exception of this family, and this behavior may be more common in areas in which the freshwater habitat is of lower quality or productivity.
REPRODUCTION AND LIFE CYCLE
Anguillid eels are semelparous, meaning they only live to reproduce once, as they die after reproduction. However, these eels do not necessarily reproduce every year-they will sometimes wait until conditions are right in order to migrate and breed. The European eel can spawn starting at 7 years old, and the oldest of this species that has been found in the wild was 85 years of age. These conditions may include fat content, water quality or temperature, prey availability, river height and water flow rate, etc. This variability allows some eels to live even 50-70 years, however the lifespan of freshwater eels is not well documented. Very little is known about the mechanics of fertilization and spawning, and the time it takes these eels to hatch from their eggs is variable. Tsukamoto and associates found evidence of Japanese eels (A. japonica) may synchronize their breeding cycles during the spawning season with the new moon.
Members of this family spend their lives in freshwater rivers, lakes, or estuaries, and return to the ocean to spawn. All eels pass through several stages of development through their life cycle. Anguillid eels undergo morphological changes during these developmental stages that are associated with environmental conditions and aid in preparing them for further growth and finally reproduction. Anguillid eels begin their life as an egg in the ocean, and once hatched, enter a larval stage called leptocephali. The young eel larvae live only in the ocean and consume small particles called marine snow. Anguillid eels lay adhesive demersal eggs (eggs that are free-floating or attached to substrate), and most species have no parental care. Japanese eels (A. japonica) can lay between 2 million and 10 million eggs. These planktonic (free floating) eggs and translucent, leaf-like larvae are dispersed via ocean currents and migrate sometimes thousands of miles. They grow larger in size, and in their next growth stage, they are called glass eels. At this stage, they enter estuaries-upon returning to freshwater growing habitat, the eels become pigmented and develop through the elver and yellow eel stages. The yellow and silver eel stages are named aptly for the coloration of the underbelly of the eel during these developmental stages. Elvers travel upstream in freshwater rivers, where they grow to adulthood. Finally, anguillids transition through the silver eel stage into adulthood and migrate to the oceanic breeding grounds to reproduce and begin the cycle anew. The discovery of the spawning area of the American and European eels in the Sargasso Sea is one of the more famous anecdotes in the history of ichthyology. The spawning areas of some other anguillid eels, such as the Japanese eel, and the giant mottled eel, were also discovered recently in the western North Pacific Ocean.
BEHAVIOR
Eels in the family Anguillidae are known to be primarily solitary in nature; they are not known to communicate socially or actively school, however large masses of elvers can be found as a result of synchronicity in response to environmental conditions. These eels are known as generalists and opportunistic feeders; most will consume whatever acceptable prey they happen upon, including things like crustaceans, fishes, and other aquatic fauna. Aside from their reduced pectoral fins, eels lack of paired appendages: use axial-based lateral undulation as means of locomotion, similar to snakes. High maneuverability of trunk is adaptation for hunting in structurally-complex habitats such as reefs. Some species are known to burrow into the sea bed/sediment, including species that utilize head-first or tail-first burrowing techniques. This is related to both foraging and anti-predatory behavior. Freshwater eels have several natural predators such as large fish and piscivorous birds. Much is unknown about Anguillid eel behavior and its origins, due to the difficulty in observation, particularly in the context of reproduction, social constructs, and migration.
SENSORY
Anguillidae unlike its other relatives have a fully developed lateral line along their trunk. Lateral lines provide the ability for Anguillidae to sense their surrounding environment through water displacement which aids in predation and hunting especially because they are predominantly nocturnal generalists.
Olfactory senses in this family are heightened for various reasons. Within the nasal sac are olfactory cells which have the capability of detecting extremely diluted chemicals as low as three to four molecules. This is extremely helpful in their nocturnal endeavors as well as for migratory purposes. They use terrestrial odors as cues in migration as well as low salinity and colder temperatures to direct themselves.
Geomagnetic sensing has been identified as one of the most important specialized senses in this family. Unlike the other relatives the Anguillidae are catadromous meaning they must migrate for an extended period and depending on what life stage they are in they may be in the open ocean. The Anguillidae were placed in “magnetic displacement” experiment where the geomagnetic north could be altered, and their actions could be monitored. The results showed that at different stages of life, the Anguillidae, are capable of responding to the geomagnetic field and will alter their direction of interest accordingly. They depend on the intensity and inclination of the magnetic field to migrate. Within this experiment they also looked at how the glass eel may rely on the circatidal rhythm in the ocean to work its way back to the coast and into the freshwater systems, but it is not yet fully understood.
PHYSIOLOGY
Paired frontal bones of skull make for a stronger cranium which aids in their variable burrowing tendencies with mud as well as maneuvering through terrestrial obstacles when hiding under rocks and logs that they encounter at the waters bottom where they spend most of their time during the day.
Ventral lateral gill slits make up eighty-five percent of gas exchange and are highly efficient in converting between salt and freshwater. This feature really separates the Anguillidae, freshwater eels, from other eels who have internal gill chambers.
Many species have variegated skin which means they will vary in color depending on their environment so that they can maintain the highest grade of camouflage.
Since the dorsal, anal and caudal fins are fused there is no need for pelvic fins. Dorsal fin begins mid body creating a long continuous fin where in other species it begins more posterior and is not as prominent in length. Their body movement depends highly on undulation originating near the anterior axial end. Due to the fins being fused we see a highly skilled swimmer amongst the Anguillidae which aids in migration and hunting/predation.
It was mistakenly reported that Anguillidae lack a scapular bone after further research and more advanced staining techniques they have a scapula and coracoid which make up their pectoral girdle. The prescience of a scapula is important in muscle attachment and allows for the upper head to move in various directions as well as increase strength of body undulation increasing swimming capabilities. Scapula presence also allows for stronger movements of pictorial fins which aid in movement across terrestrial obstacles. Understanding the complete anatomy really plays a role in the direction of studies for this specific family of which we know very little about.
OTHER FEATURES
Cutaneous respiration accounts for approximately fifteen percent of their oxygen intake but when they are out of water, they are capable of receiving approximately fifty percent of their oxygen through gas exchange via the outer integument. This is an important feature since Anguillidae at many times need to move between bodies of water to maintain an aquatic environment. It is also known that they will burrow down into mud so having the capability to exchange gas outside of water is highly beneficial to this family.
It is known that when bodies of water start to dry up the Anguillidae burrow down into the mud and wait for rain while undergoing torpor. Since rain is not predictable torpor allows for the organism to lower its metabolic rate as well as its body temperature increasing its survivability.
Anguillidae are great swimmers due to their axial muscle attachment and W shaped myomeres giving them the capability of swimming backwards just as well as they can swim forward. Not many other fish can do so. Since their mouths are not very large, they use their swimming capabilities to aid in feeding where they will bite onto their food and twist/spin rapidly tearing off a piece perfectly sized for them.
Population density sex determination is a feature where the Anguillidae regulate their population’s gender depending on the abundance of eggs present. High egg concentrations will result in more male than female ratios as well as vice versa. It does not mean that the eggs will all become one sex but rather have a higher ratio in one of the two sexes present.
Mucous cells within epidermis are found in both the non-sexually mature and sexually mature adult stages. The mucous cells are made of glycoproteins which are found in higher concentrations on dorsal and ventral sides of body. It is believed that the family Anguillidae has higher concentrations of slime than other families. This aids in predation as well as helping keep themselves moist outside of water increasing efficiency of cutaneous respiration.
Metamorphosis is a big part in the lives of Anguillidae and many changes happen in preparation for migration amongst the adults going from the yellow eel stage to the silver eel stage. The gas bladder adapts for higher pressures which it'll be exposed to in the ocean where it will dive much deeper in search of food and avoiding strong currents. Fat reserves increase in preparation for less abundant food sources in the ocean. Females will experience a higher increase than males for the reason of egg production. The eyes also change increasing in size by two times and retinal pigments which are sensitive to red light in shallow waters change to pigments that are sensitive to blue light which is better adapted for the deep ocean that the silver eel will be experiencing.
One experiment talked about the driving force that is seen in Anguillidae. When held in captivity it was reported that they would hit their heads against the glass or make fast for an escape route most likely looking for the fresh or saltwater they seek. This was a key indicator that they are constantly migrating.
WIKIPEDIA
[Français]
Cacher dans une cellule à décodage rétinien.
L'esclave Orionne fut retrouver par le mercenaire Shepard
L'endroit était une abominable salle de torture sexuelle BDSM avec des système laser pour jouer avec l'esclave.
[Anglais]
Hide in a cell to retinal decoding.
The slave Orione was found by the mercenary Shepard.
The place was an abominable BDSM sexual torture chamber with laser system to play with the slave.
Diana: “You have severe retinal burns. How long ago did this happen?”
Machiko: “Just… maybe a few hours? A laser hit me. My friend went down to the basement and then I could hear all these sounds and felt crazy pressure around me. We have to check on him because-“
Diana: “Let’s let my team mates handle that. You need help too. What’s your name?”
Machiko: “Machiko. Machiko Noguchi.”
Diana: “Machiko, I’m Diana. Wait right here, I need to retrieve something from my quarters at the Hall of Justice in the city. This injury may be recent enough for me to reverse.”
buttertwang presents: Frequência Modulada
GRÁFICA ÓPTICA
mosaïque disque géométrique optique
estación: ESPACIO saudade pelo futuro incarnata muse lives life alive in illicit harmony experience love organic architecture whole new way of looking and seeing immersed in light painting now with no filter only 100% real organic naturally occurring analog physical geometric mathematical motion blur un poco loco algoRhythmic ambient guru perfection liquid flow god's dj jet set design graffiti urb scribble urban bright chaos fractal iteration mad busy hectic highway freeway traffic strobing neon signs contemporary abstract expressionism vs. the representational and objective expression and communication of movement and light exploration by means of the rich language of film movies and music thru the fluent use of the vocabulary of moire patterns bokeh and high speed blurry light trails kinetic street art of photography long exposure multiple time distortion compression shooting dtla while driving fast smooth inspired by film noir Ridley Scott Blade Runner, Roman Coppola movie CQ, Ghost in the Shell, etc…
modern, abstraction, sublime, minimal, subliminal, disque, optique, moiré, orb, sun, star, planet, ambient, atmosphere, atmospheric, sci-fi, movie, cinematic, style, video, azulejos, mosaïque, mosaico, mosaic, retro, futuristic, poster
ortho projection mapping 3D dream subtle ambiance symbolism que hubo cubos totally immersive cubic room cubism cubismo logo spin wax blacklight horizontal universal symbol exploding atomic FUEGO sunstar crown mandaLA wireFrame red rad radio flying out golden radial nuclear sepia vector in all directions at once ninja star ojos de brujo infographiste cyber goth rave punk rock ilusión óptica para vuestro placer retinal
Animated Blend Cymatics
Resonance Made Visible
Hard-as-Math Psichromatic Hipgnosis
#adobeillustrator #designer #abstract #algorithmic #vector #graphics #future #art #visual #artist #eye #minimalist #psychrometric #hipgnosis #opart #logo #packaging #record #cover #graphic #graphicdesign #lines #golden #light #reflection #symmetry #god #círculo #geometría #starwars
A while ago we got in touch with Sr. X and asked if he'd be interested in doing a collaboration with us. We'd always liked his style and thought we may well be able to have some fun with a bit of street work. After knocking a few ideas round between us we settled on the idea of a stare off using the same image of a rather angry man as our starting point and seeing where we'd end up each doing it in our own style. So, with a somewhat unnatural day of sunshine promised for Sunday we packed up the id-iomobile and set off for the East End with hope in our hearts.
We'd had to guesstimate the size of the gates based on a photo but it turns out that we'd got the measurement just about spot on. So far, so good. Once we'd made the requisite amount of mess for his face it was just a matter or adding the stencil again and getting some shading in there. Meanwhile, Sr. X was adding his signature paint splashes that give a certain motion to the whole thing. At this point I remembered the LED's we'd brought along so it was decided to have some laser eyes that would hopefully give the whole piece a bit of a lift when darkness fell. I'm not entirely sure how long they last but I'm hoping maybe a week or so (if they haven't been stolen or removed by that time). I'm not sure who's going to win the stare off but all the loser has got to look forward to is some permanent retinal damage...
Cheers
id-iom
buttertwang presents: Frequência Modulada
GRÁFICA ÓPTICA
mosaïque disque géométrique optique
estación: ESPACIO saudade pelo futuro incarnata muse lives life alive in illicit harmony experience love organic architecture whole new way of looking and seeing immersed in light painting now with no filter only 100% real organic naturally occurring analog physical geometric mathematical motion blur un poco loco algoRhythmic ambient guru perfection liquid flow god's dj jet set design graffiti urb scribble urban bright chaos fractal iteration mad busy hectic highway freeway traffic strobing neon signs contemporary abstract expressionism vs. the representational and objective expression and communication of movement and light exploration by means of the rich language of film movies and music thru the fluent use of the vocabulary of moire patterns bokeh and high speed blurry light trails kinetic street art of photography long exposure multiple time distortion compression shooting dtla while driving fast smooth inspired by film noir Ridley Scott Blade Runner, Roman Coppola movie CQ, Ghost in the Shell, etc…
modern, abstraction, sublime, minimal, subliminal, disque, optique, moiré, orb, sun, star, planet, ambient, atmosphere, atmospheric, sci-fi, movie, cinematic, style, video, azulejos, mosaïque, mosaico, mosaic, retro, futuristic, poster
ortho projection mapping 3D dream subtle ambiance ying yang sun face mythological archetype symbolism que hubo cubos totally immersive cubic room cubism cubismo logo spin wax blacklight horizontal universal symbol exploding atomic FUEGO sunstar crown mandaLA wireFrame red rad radio flying out golden radial nuclear sepia vector in all directions at once ninja star ojos de brujo infographiste cyber goth rave punk rock ilusión óptica para vuestro placer retinal
Animated Blend Cymatics
Resonance Made Visible
Hard-as-Math Psichromatic Hipgnosis
#adobeillustrator #designer #abstract #algorithmic #vector #graphics #future #art #visual #artist #eye #minimalist #psychrometric #hipgnosis #opart #logo #packaging #record #cover #graphic #graphicdesign #lines #golden #light #reflection #symmetry #god #círculo #geometría #starwars
What a kidder!
Goya loved the video app. His deafness made silent movies the way to go. Bordeaux was just not ready for this! But then it wasn't ready for Goya either.
A.I. Overview
The statement "Marcel Duchamp feigning shock to make Goya laugh in infrathin" is an invented, surreal phrase that explores conceptual territory, rather than describing a real historical event. It combines three distinct ideas from the history of art and uses them to describe an impossible, but evocative, "in-between" moment.
Breaking down the elements
Marcel Duchamp feigning shock: The 20th-century conceptual artist Marcel Duchamp, known for his ready-mades and anti-retinal art, was a master of challenging conventions. The idea of him "feigning shock" is fitting for an artist who deliberately provoked the art world with works like his signed urinal, Fountain. This feigned reaction suggests a performance designed to elicit a response, rather than a genuine emotion.
To make Goya laugh: Francisco Goya was a 19th-century Spanish artist whose later work, known as the "Black Paintings," was intensely dark and pessimistic. He is most certainly not known for his laughter. The phrase creates an anachronistic and absurd juxtaposition between Duchamp's playful provocation and Goya's somber worldview. Goya's famously dark art makes the prospect of him laughing at anything seem like a strange, almost impossible occurrence.
Infrathin: This is a term coined by Marcel Duchamp himself, which he refused to precisely define. Instead, he provided examples like "the warmth of a seat that has just been vacated" or "the difference between the sound of a bullet and the sound of the bullet hole". It refers to a tiny, fleeting, and unquantifiable difference—the essence of a transition.
Meaning of the phrase
Putting these three ideas together creates a statement that is not about historical fact, but about a conceptual event that occurs in an impossible, transitional space:
Duchamp's performative, conceptual art meets Goya's emotional, deeply subjective painting.
Duchamp's manufactured "shock" is designed to trigger a rare, genuine emotional reaction—laughter—from the notoriously dark Goya.
The entire event exists in the conceptual space of the "infrathin"—a fleeting, almost-imperceptible moment of transition. It is an artwork that exists only in the idea, not in reality. (Think again, Bozo)
The phrase is a literary or artistic exercise that evokes the spirit of both artists: Duchamp's intellectual subversion and Goya's profound emotionality. It's a surreal, dadaist mashup that suggests a profound, unseeable interaction between two very different artistic sensibilities.
But, butt, chicken-butt, Cloaca, Infrathin is real!
Our winter was long and brutal. It's been so nice just to be still, at home and outside. In her former life, Blue was an outside living farm dog. She'll sit by me in the grass like this all day.
buttertwang presents: Frequência Modulada
GRÁFICA ÓPTICA
mosaïque disque géométrique optique
estación: ESPACIO saudade pelo futuro incarnata muse lives life alive in illicit harmony experience love organic architecture whole new way of looking and seeing immersed in light painting now with no filter only 100% real organic naturally occurring analog physical geometric mathematical motion blur un poco loco algoRhythmic ambient guru perfection liquid flow god's dj jet set design graffiti urb scribble urban bright chaos fractal iteration mad busy hectic highway freeway traffic strobing neon signs contemporary abstract expressionism vs. the representational and objective expression and communication of movement and light exploration by means of the rich language of film movies and music thru the fluent use of the vocabulary of moire patterns bokeh and high speed blurry light trails kinetic street art of photography long exposure multiple time distortion compression shooting dtla while driving fast smooth inspired by film noir Ridley Scott Blade Runner, Roman Coppola movie CQ, Ghost in the Shell, etc…
modern, abstraction, sublime, minimal, subliminal, disque, optique, moiré, orb, sun, star, planet, ambient, atmosphere, atmospheric, sci-fi, movie, cinematic, style, video, azulejos, mosaïque, mosaico, mosaic, retro, futuristic, poster
ortho projection mapping 3D dream subtle ambiance ying yang sun face mythological archetype symbolism que hubo cubos totally immersive cubic room cubism cubismo logo spin wax blacklight horizontal universal symbol exploding atomic FUEGO sunstar crown mandaLA wireFrame red rad radio flying out golden radial nuclear sepia vector in all directions at once ninja star ojos de brujo infographiste cyber goth rave punk rock ilusión óptica para vuestro placer retinal
Animated Blend Cymatics
Resonance Made Visible
Hard-as-Math Psichromatic Hipgnosis
#adobeillustrator #designer #abstract #algorithmic #vector #graphics #future #art #visual #artist #eye #minimalist #psychrometric #hipgnosis #opart #logo #packaging #record #cover #graphic #graphicdesign #lines #golden #light #reflection #symmetry #god #círculo #geometría #starwars
buttertwang presents: Frequência Modulada
GRÁFICA ÓPTICA
mosaïque disque géométrique optique
estación: ESPACIO saudade pelo futuro incarnata muse lives life alive in illicit harmony experience love organic architecture whole new way of looking and seeing immersed in light painting now with no filter only 100% real organic naturally occurring analog physical geometric mathematical motion blur un poco loco algoRhythmic ambient guru perfection liquid flow god's dj jet set design graffiti urb scribble urban bright chaos fractal iteration mad busy hectic highway freeway traffic strobing neon signs contemporary abstract expressionism vs. the representational and objective expression and communication of movement and light exploration by means of the rich language of film movies and music thru the fluent use of the vocabulary of moire patterns bokeh and high speed blurry light trails kinetic street art of photography long exposure multiple time distortion compression shooting dtla while driving fast smooth inspired by film noir Ridley Scott Blade Runner, Roman Coppola movie CQ, Ghost in the Shell, etc…
modern, abstraction, sublime, minimal, subliminal, disque, optique, moiré, orb, sun, star, planet, ambient, atmosphere, atmospheric, sci-fi, movie, cinematic, style, video, azulejos, mosaïque, mosaico, mosaic, retro, futuristic, poster
ortho projection mapping 3D dream subtle ambiance symbolism que hubo cubos totally immersive cubic room cubism cubismo logo spin wax blacklight horizontal universal symbol exploding atomic FUEGO sunstar crown mandaLA wireFrame red rad radio flying out golden radial nuclear sepia vector in all directions at once ninja star ojos de brujo infographiste cyber goth rave punk rock ilusión óptica para vuestro placer retinal
Animated Blend Cymatics
Resonance Made Visible
Hard-as-Math Psichromatic Hipgnosis
#adobeillustrator #designer #abstract #algorithmic #vector #graphics #future #art #visual #artist #eye #minimalist #psychrometric #hipgnosis #opart #logo #packaging #record #cover #graphic #graphicdesign #lines #golden #light #reflection #symmetry #god #círculo #geometría #starwars
buttertwang presents: Frequência Modulada
GRÁFICA ÓPTICA
mosaïque disque géométrique optique
estación: ESPACIO saudade pelo futuro incarnata muse lives life alive in illicit harmony experience love organic architecture whole new way of looking and seeing immersed in light painting now with no filter only 100% real organic naturally occurring analog physical geometric mathematical motion blur un poco loco algoRhythmic ambient guru perfection liquid flow god's dj jet set design graffiti urb scribble urban bright chaos fractal iteration mad busy hectic highway freeway traffic strobing neon signs contemporary abstract expressionism vs. the representational and objective expression and communication of movement and light exploration by means of the rich language of film movies and music thru the fluent use of the vocabulary of moire patterns bokeh and high speed blurry light trails kinetic street art of photography long exposure multiple time distortion compression shooting dtla while driving fast smooth inspired by film noir Ridley Scott Blade Runner, Roman Coppola movie CQ, Ghost in the Shell, etc…
modern, abstraction, sublime, minimal, subliminal, disque, optique, moiré, orb, sun, star, planet, ambient, atmosphere, atmospheric, sci-fi, movie, cinematic, style, video, azulejos, mosaïque, mosaico, mosaic, retro, futuristic, poster
ortho projection mapping 3D dream subtle ambiance ying yang sun face mythological archetype symbolism que hubo cubos totally immersive cubic room cubism cubismo logo spin wax blacklight horizontal universal symbol exploding atomic FUEGO sunstar crown mandaLA wireFrame red rad radio flying out golden radial nuclear sepia vector in all directions at once ninja star ojos de brujo infographiste cyber goth rave punk rock ilusión óptica para vuestro placer retinal
Animated Blend Cymatics
Resonance Made Visible
Hard-as-Math Psichromatic Hipgnosis
#adobeillustrator #designer #abstract #algorithmic #vector #graphics #future #art #visual #artist #eye #minimalist #psychrometric #hipgnosis #opart #logo #packaging #record #cover #graphic #graphicdesign #lines #golden #light #reflection #symmetry #god #círculo #geometría #starwars
buttertwang presents: Frequência Modulada
GRÁFICA ÓPTICA
mosaïque disque géométrique optique
estación: ESPACIO saudade pelo futuro incarnata muse lives life alive in illicit harmony experience love organic architecture whole new way of looking and seeing immersed in light painting now with no filter only 100% real organic naturally occurring analog physical geometric mathematical motion blur un poco loco algoRhythmic ambient guru perfection liquid flow god's dj jet set design graffiti urb scribble urban bright chaos fractal iteration mad busy hectic highway freeway traffic strobing neon signs contemporary abstract expressionism vs. the representational and objective expression and communication of movement and light exploration by means of the rich language of film movies and music thru the fluent use of the vocabulary of moire patterns bokeh and high speed blurry light trails kinetic street art of photography long exposure multiple time distortion compression shooting dtla while driving fast smooth inspired by film noir Ridley Scott Blade Runner, Roman Coppola movie CQ, Ghost in the Shell, etc…
modern, abstraction, sublime, minimal, subliminal, disque, optique, moiré, orb, sun, star, planet, ambient, atmosphere, atmospheric, sci-fi, movie, cinematic, style, video, azulejos, mosaïque, mosaico, mosaic, retro, futuristic, poster
ortho projection mapping 3D dream subtle ambiance ying yang sun face mythological archetype symbolism que hubo cubos totally immersive cubic room cubism cubismo logo spin wax blacklight horizontal universal symbol exploding atomic FUEGO sunstar crown mandaLA wireFrame red rad radio flying out golden radial nuclear sepia vector in all directions at once ninja star ojos de brujo infographiste cyber goth rave punk rock ilusión óptica para vuestro placer retinal
Animated Blend Cymatics
Resonance Made Visible
Hard-as-Math Psichromatic Hipgnosis
#adobeillustrator #designer #abstract #algorithmic #vector #graphics #future #art #visual #artist #eye #minimalist #psychrometric #hipgnosis #opart #logo #packaging #record #cover #graphic #graphicdesign #lines #golden #light #reflection #symmetry #god #círculo #geometría #starwars
buttertwang presents: Frequência Modulada
GRÁFICA ÓPTICA
mosaïque disque géométrique optique
estación: ESPACIO saudade pelo futuro incarnata muse lives life alive in illicit harmony experience love organic architecture whole new way of looking and seeing immersed in light painting now with no filter only 100% real organic naturally occurring analog physical geometric mathematical motion blur un poco loco algoRhythmic ambient guru perfection liquid flow god's dj jet set design graffiti urb scribble urban bright chaos fractal iteration mad busy hectic highway freeway traffic strobing neon signs contemporary abstract expressionism vs. the representational and objective expression and communication of movement and light exploration by means of the rich language of film movies and music thru the fluent use of the vocabulary of moire patterns bokeh and high speed blurry light trails kinetic street art of photography long exposure multiple time distortion compression shooting dtla while driving fast smooth inspired by film noir Ridley Scott Blade Runner, Roman Coppola movie CQ, Ghost in the Shell, etc…
modern, abstraction, sublime, minimal, subliminal, disque, optique, moiré, orb, sun, star, planet, ambient, atmosphere, atmospheric, sci-fi, movie, cinematic, style, video, azulejos, mosaïque, mosaico, mosaic, retro, futuristic, poster
ortho projection mapping 3D dream subtle ambiance symbolism que hubo cubos totally immersive cubic room cubism cubismo logo spin wax blacklight horizontal universal symbol exploding atomic FUEGO sunstar crown mandaLA wireFrame red rad radio flying out golden radial nuclear sepia vector in all directions at once ninja star ojos de brujo infographiste cyber goth rave punk rock ilusión óptica para vuestro placer retinal
Animated Blend Cymatics
Resonance Made Visible
Hard-as-Math Psichromatic Hipgnosis
#adobeillustrator #designer #abstract #algorithmic #vector #graphics #future #art #visual #artist #eye #minimalist #psychrometric #hipgnosis #opart #logo #packaging #record #cover #graphic #graphicdesign #lines #golden #light #reflection #symmetry #god #círculo #geometría #starwars
buttertwang presents: Frequência Modulada
GRÁFICA ÓPTICA
mosaïque disque géométrique optique
estación: ESPACIO saudade pelo futuro incarnata muse lives life alive in illicit harmony experience love organic architecture whole new way of looking and seeing immersed in light painting now with no filter only 100% real organic naturally occurring analog physical geometric mathematical motion blur un poco loco algoRhythmic ambient guru perfection liquid flow god's dj jet set design graffiti urb scribble urban bright chaos fractal iteration mad busy hectic highway freeway traffic strobing neon signs contemporary abstract expressionism vs. the representational and objective expression and communication of movement and light exploration by means of the rich language of film movies and music thru the fluent use of the vocabulary of moire patterns bokeh and high speed blurry light trails kinetic street art of photography long exposure multiple time distortion compression shooting dtla while driving fast smooth inspired by film noir Ridley Scott Blade Runner, Roman Coppola movie CQ, Ghost in the Shell, etc…
modern, abstraction, sublime, minimal, subliminal, disque, optique, moiré, orb, sun, star, planet, ambient, atmosphere, atmospheric, sci-fi, movie, cinematic, style, video, azulejos, mosaïque, mosaico, mosaic, retro, futuristic, poster
ortho projection mapping 3D dream subtle ambiance symbolism que hubo cubos totally immersive cubic room cubism cubismo logo spin wax blacklight horizontal universal symbol exploding atomic FUEGO sunstar crown mandaLA wireFrame red rad radio flying out golden radial nuclear sepia vector in all directions at once ninja star ojos de brujo infographiste cyber goth rave punk rock ilusión óptica para vuestro placer retinal
Animated Blend Cymatics
Resonance Made Visible
Hard-as-Math Psichromatic Hipgnosis
#adobeillustrator #designer #abstract #algorithmic #vector #graphics #future #art #visual #artist #eye #minimalist #psychrometric #hipgnosis #opart #logo #packaging #record #cover #graphic #graphicdesign #lines #golden #light #reflection #symmetry #god #círculo #geometría #starwars
buttertwang presents: Frequência Modulada
GRÁFICA ÓPTICA
mosaïque disque géométrique optique
estación: ESPACIO saudade pelo futuro incarnata muse lives life alive in illicit harmony experience love organic architecture whole new way of looking and seeing immersed in light painting now with no filter only 100% real organic naturally occurring analog physical geometric mathematical motion blur un poco loco algoRhythmic ambient guru perfection liquid flow god's dj jet set design graffiti urb scribble urban bright chaos fractal iteration mad busy hectic highway freeway traffic strobing neon signs contemporary abstract expressionism vs. the representational and objective expression and communication of movement and light exploration by means of the rich language of film movies and music thru the fluent use of the vocabulary of moire patterns bokeh and high speed blurry light trails kinetic street art of photography long exposure multiple time distortion compression shooting dtla while driving fast smooth inspired by film noir Ridley Scott Blade Runner, Roman Coppola movie CQ, Ghost in the Shell, etc…
modern, abstraction, sublime, minimal, subliminal, disque, optique, moiré, orb, sun, star, planet, ambient, atmosphere, atmospheric, sci-fi, movie, cinematic, style, video, azulejos, mosaïque, mosaico, mosaic, retro, futuristic, poster
ortho projection mapping 3D dream subtle ambiance ying yang sun face mythological archetype symbolism que hubo cubos totally immersive cubic room cubism cubismo logo spin wax blacklight horizontal universal symbol exploding atomic FUEGO sunstar crown mandaLA wireFrame red rad radio flying out golden radial nuclear sepia vector in all directions at once ninja star ojos de brujo infographiste cyber goth rave punk rock ilusión óptica para vuestro placer retinal
Animated Blend Cymatics
Resonance Made Visible
Hard-as-Math Psichromatic Hipgnosis
#adobeillustrator #designer #abstract #algorithmic #vector #graphics #future #art #visual #artist #eye #minimalist #psychrometric #hipgnosis #opart #logo #packaging #record #cover #graphic #graphicdesign #lines #golden #light #reflection #symmetry #god #círculo #geometría #starwars
The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized working sled dog breed. The breed belongs to the Spitz genetic family. It is recognizable by its thickly furred double coat, erect triangular ears, and distinctive markings, and is smaller than the similar-looking Alaskan Malamute.
Siberian Huskies originated in Northeast Asia where they are bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia for sled pulling and companionship. It is an active, energetic, resilient breed, whose ancestors lived in the extremely cold and harsh environment of the Siberian Arctic. William Goosak, a Russian fur trader, introduced them to Nome, Alaska, during the Nome Gold Rush, initially as sled dogs to work the mining fields and for expeditions through otherwise impassable terrain. Today, the Siberian Husky is typically kept as a house pet, though they are still frequently used as sled dogs by competitive and recreational mushers.
Lineage
Further information: Origin of the domestic dog
In 2015, a DNA study indicated that the Siberian Husky, the Alaskan Malamute and the Alaskan husky share a close genetic relationship between each other and were related to Chukotka sled dogs from Siberia. They were separate to the two Inuit dogs, the Canadian Eskimo Dog and the Greenland Dog. In North America, the Siberian Husky and the Malamute both had maintained their Siberian lineage and had contributed significantly to the Alaskan husky, which was developed through crossing with European breeds. Siberian Huskies show a genetic affinity with historical East Siberian dogs and ancient Lake Baikal dogs, and can be traced to a lineage which is over 9,500 years old.
Several Arctic dog breeds, including the Siberian, show a significant genetic closeness with the now-extinct Taimyr wolf of North Asia due to admixture. These breeds are associated with high latitudes – the Siberian Husky and Greenland Dog, also associated with arctic human populations and to a lesser extent, the Shar-Pei and Finnish Spitz. There is data to indicate admixture of between 1 and 3% between the Taymyr wolf population and the ancestral dog population of these four high-latitude breeds. This introgression could have provided early dogs living in high latitudes with phenotypic variation beneficial for adaption to a new and challenging environment. It also indicates the ancestry of present-day dog breeds descends from more than one region.
The Siberian Husky was originally developed by the Chukchi people of the Chukchi Peninsula in eastern Siberia. They were brought to Nome, Alaska in 1908 to serve as working sled dogs, and were eventually developed and used for sled dog racing.
Description
A Siberian Husky has a double coat that is thicker than that of most other dog breeds. It has two layers: a dense, finely wavy undercoat and a longer topcoat of thicker, straight guard hairs. It protects the dogs effectively against harsh Arctic winters, and also reflects heat in the summer. It is able to withstand temperatures as low as −50 to −60 °C (−58 to −76 °F). The undercoat is often absent during shedding. Their thick coats require weekly grooming. An excessively long coat, sometimes referred to as a "wooly" or "woolie" coat, is considered a fault by the breed's standard as it lacks the thicker protection of the standard coat's guard hairs, obscures the dog's clear-cut outline, causes quicker overheating during serious harness work, and becomes easily matted and encrusted with snow and ice.
Siberian Huskies come in a variety of colors and patterns, often with white paws and legs, facial markings, and tail tip. Example coat colors are black and white, copper-red and white, grey and white, pure white, and the rare "agouti" coat, though many individuals have blondish or piebald spotting. Some other individuals also have the "saddle back" pattern, in which black-tipped guard hairs are restricted to the saddle area while the head, haunches and shoulders are either light red or white. Striking masks, spectacles, and other facial markings occur in wide variety. All coat colors from black to pure white are allowed. Merle coat patterns are not permitted by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and The Kennel Club (KC). This pattern is often associated with health issues and impure breeding.
Eyes
The American Kennel Club describes the Siberian Husky's eyes as "an almond shape, moderately spaced and set slightly obliquely." The AKC breed standard is that eyes may be brown, blue or black; one of each or particoloured are acceptable (complete is heterochromia). These eye-color combinations are considered acceptable by the American Kennel Club. The parti-color does not affect the vision of the dog.
Nose
Show-quality dogs are preferred to have neither pointed nor square noses. The nose is black in gray dogs, tan in black dogs, liver in copper-colored dogs, and may be light tan in white dogs. In some instances, Siberian Huskies can exhibit what is called "snow nose" or "winter nose." This condition is called hypopigmentation in animals. "Snow nose" is acceptable in the show ring.
Tail
Siberian Husky tails are heavily furred; these dogs will often curl up with their tails over their faces and noses in order to provide additional warmth. When curled up to sleep the Siberian Husky will cover its nose for warmth, often referred to as the "Siberian Swirl". The AKC recommends the tail should be expressive, held low when the dog is relaxed, and curved upward in a "sickle" shape when excited or interested in something.
Size
The breed standard indicates that the males of the breed are ideally between 20 and 24 inches (51 and 61 cm) tall at the withers and weighing between 45 and 60 pounds (20 and 27 kg). Females are smaller, growing to between 19 and 23 inches (48 and 58 cm) tall at the withers and weighing between 35 and 50 pounds (16 and 23 kg). The people of Nome referred to Siberian Huskies as "Siberian Rats" due to their size of 40–50 lb (18–23 kg), versus the Alaskan Malamute's size of 75–85 lb (34–39 kg).
Behavior
The Husky usually howls instead of barking. They have been described as escape artists, which can include digging under, chewing through, or even jumping over fences.
Because the Siberian Husky had been raised in a family setting by the Chukchi and not left to fend for themselves, they could be trusted with children. The ASPCA classifies the breed as good with children. It also states they exhibit high energy indoors, have special exercise needs, and may be destructive "without proper care".
Siberian Huskies have a high prey drive due to the Chukchi allowing them to roam free in the summer. The dogs hunted in packs and preyed on wild cats, birds, and squirrels, but with training can be trusted with other small animals. They would only return to the Chukchi villages when the snow returned and food became scarce. Their hunting instincts can still be found in the breed today, noted by their typically high prey-drive.
A 6 ft (1.83 m) fence is recommended for this breed as a pet, although some have been known to overcome fences as high as 8 ft (2.44 m). Electric pet fencing may not be effective. They need the frequent companionship of people and other dogs, and their need to feel as part of a pack is very strong.
The character of the Siberian Husky is friendly and gentle. The Husky cannot be used as a guard dog; Siberian Huskies typically have no aggression towards humans. In addition, the breed often shows independence, which is a disadvantage for service dogs. Attempting to teach Siberian Huskies aggressive behavior can lead to mental problems in the dog. It can be dangerous for the owner. The dog is intelligent, but can be stubborn because of its independence, impulsivity and inattention. To achieve obedience it is highly beneficial to start training at an early age.
Siberian Huskies were ranked 77th out of 138 compared breeds for their intelligence by canine psychologist Stanley Coren. However, the rankings in Coren's published work utilized only one of three defined forms of dog intelligence, "Working and Obedience Intelligence", which focused on trainability—a dog's ability to follow direction and commands in a direct context, specifically by trial judges in a controlled course setting. The Siberian Husky's work as a sled dog, with minimal active direction from a driver, and a driver's reliance on the dogs to make their own decisions in poor conditions, utilizes the other two forms, "Instinctive Intelligence" and "Adaptive Intelligence", to a much greater extent.
Health
A 1999 ASPCA publication shows the average life span of the Siberian Husky is 12 to 14 years. Health issues in the breed are mainly genetic, such as seizures and defects of the eye (juvenile cataracts, corneal dystrophy, canine glaucoma and progressive retinal atrophy) and congenital laryngeal paralysis. Hip dysplasia is not often found in this breed; however, as with many medium or larger-sized canines, it can occur. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals currently has the Siberian Husky ranked 155th out of a possible 160 breeds at risk for hip dysplasia, with only two percent of tested Siberian Huskies showing dysplasia.
Siberian Huskies used for sled racing may also be prone to other ailments, such as gastric disease, bronchitis or bronchopulmonary ailments ("ski asthma"), and gastric erosions or ulcerations.
Modern Siberian Huskies registered in the US are almost entirely the descendants of the 1930 Siberia imports and of Leonhard Seppala's dogs, particularly Togo. The limited number of registered foundational dogs has led to some discussion about their vulnerability to the founder effect.
History
The Chukotka Sled Dog is considered the progenitor to the Siberian Husky. Developed by the Chukchi people of Russia, Chukotka sled dog teams have been used since prehistoric times to pulls sleds in harsh conditions, such as hunting sea mammals on oceanic pack ice.
Origination of Name and Split from Chukotka Sled Dogs (1890s–1930s)
From the 1890s to the 1930s, Chukotka sled dogs were actively imported into Alaska, to transport gold miners to the Yukon, first as part of the Klondike Gold Rush, then later the "All-Alaska Sweepstakes", a 408-mile (657-km) distance dog sled race from Nome, to Candle, and back. At this time, "Esquimaux" or "Eskimo" was a common pejorative term for native Arctic inhabitants with many dialectal permutations including Uskee, Uskimay and Huskemaw. Thus dogs used by Arctic people were the dogs of the Huskies, the Huskie's dogs, and eventually simply the husky dogs. Canadian and American settlers, not well versed on Russian geography, would distinguish the Chukotka imports by referring to them as Siberian huskies as Chukotka is part of Siberia.
Smaller, faster and more enduring than the 100- to 120-pound (45- to 54-kg) freighting dogs then in general use, they immediately dominated the Sweepstakes race. Leonhard Seppala, the foremost breeder of Siberian sled dogs of the time, participated in competitions from 1909 to the mid-1920s with a number of championships to his name.
Gunnar Kaasen and Balto
On February 3, 1925, Gunnar Kaasen was the final musher in the 1925 serum run to Nome to deliver diphtheria serum from Nenana, over 600 miles to Nome. This was a group effort by several sled dog teams and mushers, with the longest (264 miles or 422 km) and most dangerous segment of the run covered by Leonhard Seppala and his sled team lead dog Togo. The event is depicted in the 2019 film Togo. A measure of this is also depicted in the 1995 animated film Balto; the name of Gunnar Kaasen's lead dog in his sled team was Balto, although unlike the real dog, Balto the character was portrayed as a wolf-dog in the film. In honor of this lead dog, a bronze statue was erected at Central Park in New York City. The plaque upon it is inscribed,
Dedicated to the indomitable spirit of the sled dogs that relayed antitoxin six hundred miles over rough ice, across treacherous waters, through Arctic blizzards from Nenana to the relief of stricken Nome in the winter of 1925. Endurance · Fidelity · Intelligence
Siberian huskies gained mass popularity with the story of the "Great Race of Mercy", the 1925 serum run to Nome, featuring Balto and Togo. Although Balto is considered the more famous, being the dog that delivered the serum to Nome after running the final 53-mile leg, it was Togo who made the longest run of the relay, guiding his musher Leonhard Seppala on a 261-mile journey that included crossing the deadly Norton Sound to Golovin, and who ultimately became a foundation dog for the Siberian Husky breed, through his progeny Toto, Molinka, Kingeak, Ammoro, Sepp III, and Togo II.
In 1930, exportation of the dogs from Siberia was halted. The same year saw recognition of the Siberian Husky by the American Kennel Club. Nine years later, the breed was first registered in Canada. The United Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1938 as the "Arctic Husky", changing the name to Siberian Husky in 1991. Seppala owned a kennel in Alaska before moving to New England, where he became partners with Elizabeth Ricker. The two co-owned the Poland Springs kennel and began to race and exhibit their dogs all over the Northeast. The kennel was sold to Canadian Harry Wheeler in 1931, following Seppala's return to Alaska
The breed's foundation stock per records and studbooks consists of:
Kree Vanka (Male, 1930 Siberia Import)
Tserko (Male, 1930 Siberia Import),
Tosca (Female, Harry x Kolyma)
Duke (Male, also known as Chapman's Duke, reportedly Ici x Wanda)
Tanta of Alyeska (Female, Tuck x Toto)
Sigrid III of Foxstand (Female, Chenuk x Molinka)
Smokey of Seppala (Male, Kingeak x Pearl)
Sepp III (Male, Togo x Dolly)
Smoky (Male, unknown parentage)
Dushka (Female, Bonzo x Nanuk)
Kabloona (Female, Ivan x Duchess)
Rollinsford Nina of Marilyn (Female, Kotlik x Nera of Marilyn)
As the breed was beginning to come to prominence, in 1933 Navy Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd brought about 50 Siberian Huskies with him on an expedition in which he hoped to journey around the 16,000-mile coast of Antarctica. Many of the dogs were bred and trained at Chinook Kennels in New Hampshire, owned by Eva Seeley. Called Operation Highjump, the historic trek proved the worth of the Siberian Husky due to its compact size and great speed. Siberian Huskies also served in the United States Army's Arctic Search and Rescue Unit of the Air Transport Command during World War II. Their popularity was sustained into the 21st century. They were ranked 16th among American Kennel Club registrants in 2012, rising to 14th place in 2013.
1940s-present
Huskies were extensively used as sled dogs by the British Antarctic Survey in Antarctica between 1945 and 1994. A bronze monument to all of BAS's dog teams is outside its Cambridge headquarters, with a plaque listing all the dogs' names.
In 1960, the US Army undertook a project to construct an under the ice facility for defense and space research, Camp Century, part of Project Iceworm involved a 150+ crew who also brought with them an unofficial mascot, a Siberian Husky named Mukluk.
Due to their high popularity combining with their high physical and mental needs, Siberians are abandoned or surrendered to shelters at high rates by new owners who do not research them fully and find themselves unable to care for them. Many decide on the breed for their looks and mythos in pop culture, and purchase pups from backyard breeders or puppy mills who do not have breeder-return contracts that responsible breeders will, designed to keep the breed out of shelters.
Sled dogs that were bred and kept by the Chukchi tribes of Siberia were thought to have gone extinct, but Benedict Allen, writing for Geographical magazine in 2006 after visiting the region, reported their survival. His description of the breeding practiced by the Chukchi mentions selection for obedience, endurance, amiable disposition, and sizing that enabled families to support them without undue difficulty.
Traditional use and other activities
Originally, huskies were used as sled dogs in the polar regions. One can differentiate huskies from other dog types by their fast pulling-style. Modern racing huskies (also known as Alaskan huskies) represent an ever-changing crossbreed of the fastest dogs. Humans use huskies in sled-dog racing. Various companies]have marketed tourist treks with dog sledges for adventure travelers in snow regions. Huskies are also kept as pets, and groups work to find new pet homes for retired racing and adventure-trekking dogs.
Many huskies, especially Siberian Huskies, are considered “working dogs” and often are high energy. Exercise is extremely important for the physical and mental health of these kinds of dogs and it can also prompt a strong bond between the owner and dog. Since many owners now have huskies as pets in settings that are not ideal for sledding, other activities have been found that are good for the dog and fun for the owner.
Rally Obedience: Owners guide their dogs through a course of difficult exercises side by side. There are typically 10 to 20 signs per course and involve different commands or tricks.
Agility Training: A fast-paced obstacle course that deals with speed and concentration. Dogs race the clock to complete the course correctly.
Skijoring is an alternative to sled pulling. The owner would be on skis while the dog would pull via a rope connected between the two.
Dog hiking is an alternative for owners who live near or are able to travel to a trail. The owner travels with their dogs along trails in the wilderness. This activity allows the owner and dog to gain exercise without using the huskies' strong sense of pulling. Some companies make hiking equipment especially for dogs in which they may carry their own gear, including water, food, and bowls for each.
Carting, also known as dryland mushing or sulky driving, is an urban alternative to dog sledding. Here, the dog can pull a cart that contains either supplies or an individual. This is also an acceptable way to use a dog's natural inclination to pull in an effective way. These carts can be bought or handmade by the individual.
Bikejoring is an activity where the owner bikes along with their dog while they are attached to their bike through a harness which keeps both the dog and owner safe. The dog or team of dogs can be attached to a towline to also pull the biker.
In culture
Balto in New York City's Central Park (by Frederick Roth)
A bronze statue of Balto that has been displayed in New York City’s Central Park since 1925 is one of the park's enduringly popular features.
The Twilight Saga, which features werewolves and the television series Game of Thrones spurred a huge uptick in demand for Siberian Huskies as pets, followed by a steep increase of their numbers at public shelters. Even though the animal actors were not Siberian Huskies, people were acquiring Siberian Huskies because they looked similar to the fictional direwolf characters depicted in the show. Two of the show's stars pleaded with the public to stop acquiring the dogs without first researching the breed.
The phrase three dog night, meaning it is so cold you would need three dogs in bed with you to keep warm, originated with the Chukchi people of Siberia, who kept the Siberian husky landrace dog that became the modern purebred breed called the Siberian Husky.
The World War II Allied invasion of Sicily in 1943 was called "Operation Husky".
Several purebred Siberian Huskies portrayed Diefenbaker, the "half-wolf" companion to RCMP Constable Benton Fraser, in the CBS/Alliance Atlantis TV series Due South.
Siberian Huskies are the mascots of the athletic teams of several schools and colleges, including St. Cloud State University (St. Cloud State Huskies, Blizzard), Northern Illinois University (Northern Illinois Huskies, Victor), the University of Connecticut (Connecticut Huskies, Jonathan), Northeastern University (Northeastern Huskies, Paws), the Michigan Technological University (Michigan Tech Huskies, Blizzard), University of Washington (Washington Huskies, Harry), Houston Baptist University (Houston Baptist Huskies, Kiza the Husky), and Saint Mary's University (Saint Mary's Huskies) and George Brown College (Toronto).
I'm back from vacation and recovering from retinal surgery which happened (pre-scheduled) the day after our return.
The Banff/Canmore area in Alberta was if anything more spectacular the second time around. We stayed at a Worldmark condo and this was the view from our balcony. The time on the photo says ~4am, but trust me, I wasn't up THAT early; it's just a different time zone and I didn't adjust the camera time for daylight savings.
More photos to come as time permits.
Highest Explore Position #405 ~ On Thursday May 21st 2009.
Siberian Husky - Eagle Heights Wildlife Park, Eynsford, Kent, England - Sunday May 10th 2009.
Click here to see the Larger image
Click here to see My most interesting images
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia ~ The Siberian Husky (Russian: Сибирская лайка) is a medium-size, dense-coat working dog breed that originated in eastern Siberia. The breed belongs to the Spitz genetic family. It is recognizable by its thickly-furred double coat, sickle tail, erect triangular ears and distinctive markings.
An active, energetic and resilient breed whose ancestors came from the extremely cold and harsh environment of the Siberian Arctic and were bred by the Chukchi of Northeastern Asia, it was imported into Alaska during the Nome Gold Rush and spread from there into the United States and Canada, initially as a sled dog. It rapidly acquired the status of a family pet and a show-dog.
Appearance ~ Siberian Huskies share many outward similarities with the Alaskan Malamute as well as many other Spitz breeds such as the Samoyed, which has a comparable history to the Huskies. Siberians have a thicker coat than most other breeds of dog. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, usually with white paws and legs, facial markings, and tail tip. The most common colors are black and white, copper-red and white, grey and white, and pure white, though many individuals have blondish, or piebald spotting. Striking masks, spectacles, and other facial markings occur in wide variety. They tend to have a wolf-like appearance.
Eyes ~ The eyes of a Siberian Husky are dark blue, light blue, amber or brown. In some individual dogs, one eye may be brown and the other blue (complete heterochromia), or one or both eyes may be "parti-colored," that is, half brown and half blue (partial heterochromia). All of these eye color combinations are considered to be acceptable by the American Kennel Club, which also states that the eyes are "an almond shape, moderately spaced and set slightly obliquely."
Coat ~ The Siberian Husky's coat is thicker than most breeds of dogs, comprising two layers: a dense undercoat and a longer topcoat of short, straight guard hairs. It protects the dogs effectively against harsh Arctic winters, but the coat also reflects heat in the summer. It is able to withstand temperatures as low as −50 °C to −60 °C. The absence of the undercoat is often present during shedding.Their thick coats require weekly grooming Long guard hair is not desirable and is considered a fault.
Nose ~ In some instances, Siberian Huskies can exhibit what is called "snow nose" or "winter nose". This condition is called hypopigmentation in animals. Show-quality dogs are preferred to have neither pointed or square noses in shape. The nose is black in gray, tan and black dogs, liver in copper-colored dogs, and may be flesh-colored in white dogs. "Snow nose" is acceptable in the show ring.
Close bred cousins ~ One of the most close bred cousins to the Siberian husky is the Samoyed. These two dogs look different, but they were originally from Siberia, Russia, and they have the same genes, closer than some Pointer and Blue-tick Hounds. There is also another dog, that looks fairly similar to a Husky, albeit much smaller: the Alaskan Klee Kai. The Alaskan Klee Kai was created in the 1980s and are quite rare.
Size ~ Male ~ Height: 21 to 23.5 inches (53 to 60 cm) at the withers.
Weight: 45 to 60 pounds (20 to 27 kg)
Size ~ Female ~ Height: 20 to 22 inches (51 to 56 cm) at the withers.
Weight: 35 to 50 pounds (16 to 23 kg)
Behavior ~ The Siberian Husky has been described as a behavioral representative of the domestic dog's forebearer, the wolf, exhibiting a wide range of its ancestors' behavior. They are known to howl rather than bark. Hyperactivity displaying as an overactive hunting drive, a characteristic of kenneled dogs, is often noticeable in dogs released from their captive environment for exercise - a behavior welcome in hunting dogs but not in the family pet. The frequency of kenneled Siberian Huskies, especially for racing purposes, is rather high, as attributed through the history of the breed in North America. A fifteen-minute daily obedience training class will serve well for Siberian Huskies. Siberian Huskies are a very stubborn and dominant breed of dog. Siberians need consistent training and do well with a "Nothing In Life Is Free" training program. They are extremely intelligent and after learning a new skill will often decide when to show off this skill when asked to perform it. They rank 45th in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs, being of average working/obedience intelligence. They tend to run because they were at first bred to be a sled dog. Owner's are advised to exercise caution when letting their Siberian Husky off the leash as the dog is likely to be miles away before looking around and realizing their owner is nowhere in sight.
Health ~ Siberian Huskies, with proper care, have a typical lifespan ranging from twelve to fifteen years of age. Health issues in the breed are genetic defects of the eye such as juvenile cataracts, corneal dystrophy, and progressive retinal atrophy. Hip dysplasia is not often found in this breed, though as with many medium or larger-sized canines, it can occur. However, Siberians in general have remarkably good hips. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals currently has the Siberian Husky ranked 143rd out of a possible 150 breeds at risk for hip dysplasia, with only two percent of tested Siberian Huskies showing dysplasia.
Siberian Huskies used for sled racing may also be prone to other ailments, such as gastric disease, bronchitis or bronchopulmonary ailments ("ski asthma"), and gastric erosions or ulcerations.
I often bracket when shooting film—this is an "accidental" cha-cha sequential stereo pair (with a some photoshop cloning applied to reduce retinal disparity jitter).
If you want to see more in this genre, fave to let me know (because scanning film is a pain in the butt!) ;)
Bronica C vintage camera (c. 1964) | Nikkor 75mm 2.8 @ 5.6 | Fuji Astia 100 +1 push | 120 format square | monochrome conversion
buttertwang presents: Frequência Modulada
GRÁFICA ÓPTICA
mosaïque disque géométrique optique
estación: ESPACIO saudade pelo futuro incarnata muse lives life alive in illicit harmony experience love organic architecture whole new way of looking and seeing immersed in light painting now with no filter only 100% real organic naturally occurring analog physical geometric mathematical motion blur un poco loco algoRhythmic ambient guru perfection liquid flow god's dj jet set design graffiti urb scribble urban bright chaos fractal iteration mad busy hectic highway freeway traffic strobing neon signs contemporary abstract expressionism vs. the representational and objective expression and communication of movement and light exploration by means of the rich language of film movies and music thru the fluent use of the vocabulary of moire patterns bokeh and high speed blurry light trails kinetic street art of photography long exposure multiple time distortion compression shooting dtla while driving fast smooth inspired by film noir Ridley Scott Blade Runner, Roman Coppola movie CQ, Ghost in the Shell, etc…
modern, abstraction, sublime, minimal, subliminal, disque, optique, moiré, orb, sun, star, planet, ambient, atmosphere, atmospheric, sci-fi, movie, cinematic, style, video, azulejos, mosaïque, mosaico, mosaic, retro, futuristic, poster
ortho projection mapping 3D dream subtle ambiance ying yang sun face mythological archetype symbolism que hubo cubos totally immersive cubic room cubism cubismo logo spin wax blacklight horizontal universal symbol exploding atomic FUEGO sunstar crown mandaLA wireFrame red rad radio flying out golden radial nuclear sepia vector in all directions at once ninja star ojos de brujo infographiste cyber goth rave punk rock ilusión óptica para vuestro placer retinal
Animated Blend Cymatics
Resonance Made Visible
Hard-as-Math Psichromatic Hipgnosis
#adobeillustrator #designer #abstract #algorithmic #vector #graphics #future #art #visual #artist #eye #minimalist #psychrometric #hipgnosis #opart #logo #packaging #record #cover #graphic #graphicdesign #lines #golden #light #reflection #symmetry #god #círculo #geometría #starwars
The Malayan Tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni), exclusively found in the southern part of the Malay Peninsula, was not considered a subspecies in its own right until 2004. The new classification came about after a study by Luo et al. from the Laboratory of Genomic Diversity Study, part of the National Cancer Institute of the United States. Recent counts showed there are 600–800 tigers in the wild, making it the third largest tiger population, behind the Bengal tiger and the Indochinese tiger. The Malayan tiger is the smallest of the mainland tiger subspecies, and the second smallest living subspecies, with males averaging about 120 kg and females about 100 kg in weight. The Malayan tiger is a national icon in Malaysia, appearing on its coat of arms and in logos of Malaysian institutions, such as Maybank.
The tiger,a member of the Felidae family, is the largest of the four "big cats" in the genus Panthera. The tiger is native to much of eastern and southern Asia, and is an apex predator and an obligate carnivore. The larger tiger subspecies are comparable in size to the biggest extinct felids, reaching up to 3.3 metres (11 ft) in total length, weighing up to 300 kilograms (660 pounds), and having canines up to 4 inches (100 mm) long. Aside from their great bulk and power, their most recognisable feature is a pattern of dark vertical stripes that overlays near-white to reddish-orange fur, with lighter underparts. The most numerous tiger subspecies is the Bengal tiger, while the largest is the Siberian tiger.
Tigers have a lifespan of 10–15 years in the wild, but can live longer than 20 years in captivity. They are highly adaptable and range from the Siberian taiga to open grasslands and tropical mangrove swamps.
They are territorial and generally solitary animals, often requiring large contiguous areas of habitat that support their prey demands. This, coupled with the fact that they are indigenous to some of the more densely populated places on earth, has caused significant conflicts with humans. Three of the nine subspecies of modern tiger have gone extinct, and the remaining six are classified as endangered, some critically so. The primary direct causes are habitat destruction, fragmentation, and hunting.
Historically, tigers have existed from Mesopotamia and the Caucasus throughout most of South and East Asia. Today, the range of the species is radically reduced. All surviving species are under formal protection, yet poaching, habitat destruction, and inbreeding depression continue to threaten the tigers.
Tigers are among the most recognisable and popular of the world's charismatic megafauna. They have featured prominently in ancient mythology and folklore, and continue to be depicted in modern films and literature. Tigers appear on many flags and coats of arms, as mascots for sporting teams, and as the national animal of several Asian nations, including India.
Tigers typically have rusty-reddish to brown-rusty coats, a whitish medial and ventral area, a white "fringe" that surrounds the face, and stripes that vary from brown or gray to pure black. The form and density of stripes differs between subspecies (as well as the ground coloration of the fur; for instance, Siberian tigers are usually paler than other tiger subspecies), but most tigers have over 100 stripes.
The pattern of stripes is unique to each animal, these unique markings can be used by researchers to identify individuals (both in the wild and captivity), much in the same way that fingerprints are used to identify humans. It seems likely that the function of stripes is camouflage, serving to help tigers conceal themselves amongst the dappled shadows and long grass of their environment as they stalk their prey. The stripe pattern is also found on the skin of the tiger. If a tiger were to be shaved, its distinctive camouflage pattern would be preserved.
Like other big cats, tigers have a white spot on the backs of their ears. These spots, called ocelli, serve a social function, by communicating the animal's mental state to conspecifics in the gloom of dense forest or in tall grass.
Tigers have the additional distinction of being the heaviest cats found in the wild. They also have powerfully built legs and shoulders, with the result that they, like lions, have the ability to pull down prey substantially heavier than themselves. However, the subspecies differ markedly in size, tending to increase proportionally with latitude, as predicted by Bergmann's Rule.
Large male Siberian Tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) can reach a total length of 3.5 m "over curves" (3.3 m. "between pegs") and a weight of 306 kilograms,. This is considerably larger than the sizes reached by island-dwelling tigers such as the Sumatran, the smallest living subspecies, with a body weight of only 75–140 kg. Depending upon subspecies tigers may be 1.4-2.8 m (4.6-9.2 ft) long from along the head and body, while the tail may add a further 0.6-1.1 m (2-3.6 ft). At the shoulder, tigers may variously stand 0.7-1.2 m (2.1–4 ft) tall.
Tigresses are smaller than the males in each subspecies, although the size difference between male and female tigers tends to be more pronounced in the larger subspecies of tiger, with males weighing up to 1.7 times more than the females. In addition, male tigers have wider forepaw pads than females. Biologists use this difference to determine gender based on tiger tracks. The skull of the tiger is very similar to that of the lion, though the frontal region is usually not as depressed or flattened, with a slightly longer postorbital region. The skull of a lion has broader nasal openings. However, due to the amount of skull variation in the two species, usually, only the structure of the lower jaw can be used as a reliable indicator of species.
Tigers have round pupils and yellow irises (except for the blue eyes of white tigers). Due to a retinal adaptation that reflects light back to the retina, the night vision of tigers is six times better than that of humans.
Tigers are essentially solitary and territorial animals. The size of a tiger's home range mainly depends on prey abundance, and, in the case of male tigers, on access to females. A tigress may have a territory of 20 square kilometres, while the territories of males are much larger, covering 60–100 km2. The range of a male tends to overlap those of several females.
Tigers for the most part are solitary animals.The relationships between individuals can be quite complex, and it appears that there is no set "rule" that tigers follow with regards to territorial rights and infringing territories. For instance, although for the most part tigers avoid each other, both male and female tigers have been documented sharing kills. George Schaller observed a male tiger share a kill with two females and four cubs. Females are often reluctant to let males near their cubs, but Schaller saw that these females made no effort to protect or keep their cubs from the male, suggesting that the male might have been the father of the cubs. In contrast to male lions, male tigers will allow the females and cubs to feed on the kill first. Furthermore, tigers seem to behave relatively amicably when sharing kills, in contrast to lions, which tend to squabble and fight. Unrelated tigers have also been observed feeding on prey together. The following quotation is from Stephen Mills' book Tiger, as he describes an event witnessed by Valmik Thapar and Fateh Singh Rathore in Ranthambhore.
A dominant tigress they called Padmini killed a 250 kg (550-lb) male nilgai – a very large antelope. They found her at the kill just after dawn with her three 14-month-old cubs and they watched uninterrupted for the next ten hours. During this period the family was joined by two adult females and one adult male – all offspring from Padmini's previous litters and by two unrelated tigers, one female the other unidentified. By three o'clock there were no fewer than nine tigers round the kill.
When young female tigers first establish a territory, they tend to do so fairly close to their mother's area. The overlap between the female and her mother's territory tends to wane with increasing time. Males, however, wander further than their female counterparts, and set out at a younger age to mark out their own area. A young male will acquire territory either by seeking out a range devoid of other male tigers, or by living as a transient in another male's territory until he is old and strong enough to challenge the resident male. The highest mortality rate (30–35% per year) amongst adult tigers occurs for young male tigers who have just left their natal area, seeking out territories of their own.
The large canines are used to make the killing bite, but they tear meat when feeding using the carnassial teeth.Male tigers are generally more intolerant of other males within their territory than females are of other females. For the most part, however, territorial disputes are usually solved by displays of intimidation, rather than outright aggression. Several such incidents have been observed, in which the subordinate tiger yielded defeat by rolling onto its back, showing its belly in a submissive posture. Once dominance has been established, a male may actually tolerate a subordinate within his range, as long as they do not live in too close quarters. The most violent disputes tend to occur between two males when a female is in oestrus, and may result in the death of one of the males, although this is a rare occurrence.
To identify his territory, the male marks trees by spraying of urine and anal gland secretions, as well as marking trails with scat. Males show a grimacing face, called the Flehmen response, when identifying a female's reproductive condition by sniffing their urine markings. Like the other Panthera cats, tigers can roar. Tigers will roar for both aggressive and non-aggressive reasons. Other tiger vocal communications include moans, hisses, growls and chuffs.
Tigers have been studied in the wild using a variety of techniques. The populations of tigers were estimated in the past using plaster casts of their pugmarks. This method was found faulty[68] and attempts were made to use camera trapping instead. Newer techniques based on DNA from their scat are also being evaluated. Radio collaring has also been a popular approach to tracking them for study in the wild.
In the wild, tigers mostly feed on larger and medium sized animals. Sambar, gaur, chital, barasingha, wild boar, nilgai and both water buffalo and domestic buffalo are the tiger's favoured prey in India. Sometimes, they also prey on leopards, pythons, sloth bears and crocodiles. In Siberia the main prey species are manchurian wapiti, wild boar, sika deer, moose, roe deer, and musk deer. In Sumatra, sambar, muntjac, wild boar, and malayan tapir are preyed on. In the former Caspian tiger's range, prey included saiga antelope, camels, caucasian wisent, yak, and wild horses. Like many predators, they are opportunistic and will eat much smaller prey, such as monkeys, peafowls, hares, and fish.
Adult elephants are too large to serve as common prey, but conflicts between tigers and elephants do sometimes take place. A case where a tiger killed an adult Indian Rhinoceros has been observed. Young elephant and rhino calves are occasionally taken. Tigers also sometimes prey on domestic animals such as dogs, cows, horses, and donkeys. These individuals are termed cattle-lifters or cattle-killers in contrast to typical game-killers.
Old tigers, or those wounded and rendered incapable of catching their natural prey, have turned into man-eaters; this pattern has recurred frequently across India. An exceptional case is that of the Sundarbans, where healthy tigers prey upon fishermen and villagers in search of forest produce, humans thereby forming a minor part of the tiger's diet. Tigers will occasionally eat vegetation for dietary fiber, the fruit of the Slow Match Tree being favoured.
Tigers are thought to be nocturnal predators, hunting at night. However, in areas where humans are absent, they have been observed via remote controlled, hidden cameras hunting during the daylight hours. They generally hunt alone and ambush their prey as most other cats do, overpowering them from any angle, using their body size and strength to knock large prey off balance. Even with their great masses, tigers can reach speeds of about 49–65 kilometres per hour (35–40 miles per hour), although they can only do so in short bursts, since they have relatively little stamina; consequently, tigers must be relatively close to their prey before they break their cover. Tigers have great leaping ability; horizontal leaps of up to 10 metres have been reported, although leaps of around half this amount are more typical. However, only one in twenty hunts ends in a successful kill.
When hunting large prey, tigers prefer to bite the throat and use their forelimbs to hold onto the prey, bringing it to the ground. The tiger remains latched onto the neck until its prey dies of strangulation. By this method, gaurs and water buffalos weighing over a ton have been killed by tigers weighing about a sixth as much. With small prey, the tiger bites the nape, often breaking the spinal cord, piercing the windpipe, or severing the jugular vein or common carotid artery. Though rarely observed, some tigers have been recorded to kill prey by swiping with their paws, which are powerful enough to smash the skulls of domestic cattle, and break the backs of sloth bears.
During the 1980s, a tiger named "Genghis" in Ranthambhore National Park was observed frequently hunting prey through deep lake water, a pattern of behaviour that had not been previously witnessed in over 200 years of observations. Moreover, he appeared to be extraordinarily successful for a tiger, with as many as 20% of hunts ending in a kill.
Tiger Mountain
Bronx Zoo New York