Soil orders and their associated environmental elements Essay

Soil orders and their associated environmental elements - Essay Example Gley tundra soils are formed in the conditions of permanent water saturation and low temperatures. They are typical for landscape-geographical zones of the tundra, and located on plains illustrative of eternal frost. Another characteristic feature of tundra soils is their formation without great influence of the vegetation. â€Å"The exact character of these soils depends on the ground ice position, slope and the vegetation. If the slope is stable, peaty soils are formed due to slow organic and chemical action. In case of steep slopes, thin soils result† (Pujari). Considering the shallow depth of melting in summer ground, and below it the beginning of a frozen horizon, even a seasonal thawing layer is characterized by low temperature and is over-soppy with water, which cannot seep into the deeper land layers. All this slows down the activity of micro-organisms, decomposition cause of plant residues, and the formation of soils. For inhibit access of oxygen, tundra soils are fea tured with a bluish-grey gley horizon. The surface of tundra soils is often complicated with hummocky micro-relief. They are acid, poor in grounds, with scanty reserves of nutrients. Consequently, fertility of tundra soils is low. This is due to their relative youthful age and lack of activity of biological processes. As for the associated climate of gley tundra soils, it is subarctic with extremely long-lasting winter. As most of the tundra lies within the Arctic Circle, it experiences winter polar night. The severity of winter depends on the continentality. As a rule, the tundra practically has no climatic summer, or the latter comes for short time. The average temperature of the warmest month (July or August) is 50-59  °F. In summer all vegetation rises with the polar day oncoming (or the white nights in those parts of the tundra, where the polar day does not reach). May and September is spring and autumn. Tundra soils are characterized

Bounded Rationality Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Bounded Rationality - Assignment Example Bounded rationality is a decision-making theory developed by Simon Herbert which postulates that the rationality of the decision maker is limited by a number of factors such as the amount of information available to the individual, the constraint of time among other factors. Simon identified three difficulties which people face while making a decision. To begin with, there is the difficulty of limited knowledge of any particular decision which the person may make. Because of this, a person may not be able to optimally know the best decision to make at a certain time because they do not know the range of outcomes (negative or positive) which will emanate from the decision. The second difficulty a decision maker may face is the fact that even for those consequences which they may be able to predict, there is no guarantee that the outcome will be exactly the same as anticipated by the decision maker. The third constraint is the constraint of the number of options which the decision make r can use. Simon’s model stands in sharp contrast to Charles Lindblom’s theory which used incrementalism to explain decision making (Simon, p. 38). As the author says â€Å"Simon's model of bounded rationality also stands in sharp contrast to the rational choice model. In its purest form, this model assumes that individuals making decisions know their preferences, are able to consider all possible alternatives and can anticipate the full set of consequences that will flow from each alternative† (Simon, p38). However, according to Simon â€Å"Whatever model might be employed by decision makers in an ideal world, satisfaction seems to be the one most of them use in the real world† (Simon, p. 39).

A Report on the Foraging Behavior among the Chameleon Species Research Paper

A Report on the Foraging Behavior among the Chameleon Species - Research Paper Example Chameleons are predominantly omnivorous though some species exhibit more preference for carnivorous diet while others are more herbivorous. Some smaller species are preyed upon by some predators like birds and snake making them. Chameleons have a unique feeding strategy due to the wide variety of diets and foraging habit. Aerts Herrel, Meyers and Nishikawa observed that the retraction of the chameleon tongue pad creates suction on the prey and enhances adhesion of the tongue (3262). This report focuses on the foraging behavior of the chameleon. Objectives of the Report The specific objectives of this report are to; I. Provide an in-depth understanding of foraging mode exhibited by different chameleon species II. Examine the prey capturing mechanism in chameleons and how it is associated with the chameleon foraging mode III. Establish whether chameleons exhibit a unique prey capturing mechanism and foraging mode Characteristic Features of the Foraging Mode in Chameleons Foraging mode is one of the most crucial aspects in animal life. Foraging mode is used to describe the manner in which animals obtain food within its ecological habitat. Foraging is usually associated with other natural and behavioral traits like locomotive ability, energy utilization and reproduction among others. More importantly, foraging mode plays a critical role in determining prey-predator interactions among animal species. The chameleon’s feeding behavior is often defined in terms of foraging mode which has been mainly classified as either active or ambush (sit-and-wait) type (Hagey, Harmon and Losos 1). With regards to behavior, there are observable differences between active and ambush foragers. Active foragers exhibit a high frequency of movement, tend to prey on sedentary prey, use more energy and possess small clutch size (Butler 797). As a result of their highly motile behavior, active foraging chameleon species are likely to obtain their prey through encounter. On the other hand, the sit-and-wait foraging chameleons exhibit less movements, tend to remain still for longer periods and often run to the prey as they spot it. Active and ambush foraging is largely determined by other factors including morphological and behavioral characteristics, the type of prey and habitat use among others. It has been found that variations exist among active and ambush foragers in terms of activity levels, body temperatures and intake of calories. Most active foragers have higher levels of activity, high caloric intakes and higher body temperatures than their ambush counterparts (Hagey, Harmon and Losos 1-2). This phenomenon is true for chameleons as such differences have been observed among different chameleon species. Chameleons have unique morphological and behavioral characteristics which influences their foraging behavior. In a study aimed at investigating chameleon foraging mode in the dwarf chameleon (Bradypodium pumilum), Butler suggested that in addition to the u sual active versus ambush foraging strategy in chameleons, some species have adapted an alternative cruise mode

Business Economics Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Business Economics - Assignment Example B) Can lower average total cost if the advertising increases the quantity sold by a large enough amount. C) Cannot lower average total cost because when a firm advertises it increases its costs. D) Always lower average total cost because whenever a firm advertises, it increases the quantity sold. E) Lower total cost if the advertising increases the quantity sold by a large enough amount. 3) A monopoly arises for two key reasons, which are ________. A) Franchises and barriers to entry B) Natural and legal C) Barriers to entry and close substitutes D) Close substitutes and no barriers to entry E) Barriers to entry and no close substitutes 4) Dole Co. operates in a monopolistically competitive market. Which of the following characterizes Dole Co.'s market? A) Dole Co. faced no barrier to entry when it decided to enter its market. B) Dole Co. supplies a small portion of the market's output. C) Dole Co. is unable to collude with other firms in the market. D) Dole Co.'s product is slightly different from its competitors. E) All of the above describe Dole Co.'s market. 5)A market in which firms can enter and leave so easily that firms in the market face competition from potential entrants is called a A) Contestable market. B) Natural oligopoly C) Limit pricing market. D) Monopolistic competition market. E) Cartel. 6) If the demand for its good or service is inelastic, a monopoly's A) Total revenue increases when the firm lowers its price. B) Marginal revenue is positive. C) Total revenue is unchanged when the firm lowers its price. D) Marginal revenue is negative. E) Marginal revenue is equal to zero. 7) In monopolistic competition, firms compete on the basis of A) Quality and marketing, but not price. B) Price, quality, and marketing. C) Price only. D) Quality only. E) Marketing only. 8) Rent seeking is best defined as attempts A) By individuals to avoid paying taxes. B) By owners of a monopoly to sell the firm. C) To achieve monopoly power and the resulting economic profit. D) By landlords to get tenants. E) None of the above. 9) In the long-run, a firm in monopolistic competition produces at an output level where A) P = ATC and MR > MC. B) P = ATC and MR = MC. C) P > ATC and MR > MC. D) P > ATC and MR = MC. E) P > ATC and MC > ATC. 10) Some unemployment is unavoidable because ________. A) Many part-time workers would like to have full-time work B) There is always some cyclical unemployment C) Often people become discouraged workers D) Many people in the working-age population attend school and are unemployed E) People are making transitions through the stages of life and businesses are making transitions 11) Approximately, the real interest rate ________ the inflation rate ________ the nominal interest rate. A) Equals; minus B) Plus; equals C) Times; divided by 100 equals D) Minus; equals E) Equals; plus 12) Which of the following exchange rate policies uses a target exchange rate, but allows the target to change? A) Crawling peg B) Fixed exc hange rate C) Moving target D) Flexible exchange rate E) None of the above 13) An increase in the tax on capital income ________ the supply of loan able funds and ________ investment. A) Decreases; increases B) Decreases the demand for loanable funds; decreases or increases C) Decreases; decreases D) Increases;

The case for contamination Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The case for contamination Report - Essay Example Religion will act as an avenue through which individuals will be exposed to external media while they uphold their cultural values. This will ensure cultural values and traditions do not get eroded as globalization continues in the entire world. An example in the essay regarding how religion will ensure cultural values are not eroded is seen in the case of Sipho, who is a very religious person. Sipho grew up in a very traditional society and he is deeply rooted to his cultures. He has, however, experienced the impacts of globalization which has helped him learn various aspects of the way of life of individuals who have different cultures. Sipho has watched television programs and he was greatly influenced by ‘Days of our Lives’. The program changed his perception regarding certain views. He, however, did not agree with certain aspects in the show as they were not acceptable according to his culture (Appiah, 4). Religion is also believed to contribute negatively to globalization by eroding cultural values of individuals. Globalization will ensure individuals adopt the western cultures which are not acceptable according to traditional cultural values. The economy will also be greatly affected since globalization will bring about new goods, such as western clothes. Individuals may, therefore, abandon wearing the religion traditional attire as they prefer to wear cheap western clothing. Preservationists believe role of religion in the process of globalization is detrimental as it will cause great impact on the culture, as well as economy of a nation. Religion plays a huge a role in forming the world views of most individuals. People attain their basic morals and values from religious teachings and this has a great influence on their ideas on what is acceptable or not acceptable within the society. Religion ensures

History of education Essay Example for Free

History of education Essay Education is a topic that has been implemented on our generation more than ever before. However, it is not for the grades, degree or the income that education should be important to us. It is for the sake of learning and developing our character that education should be valued. When people go to school, they receive education and thus become educated, however, these people must keep in mind that a major portion of the world receives no form of formal education. Due to their good fortune, the educated people have responsibilities to the world. The first responsibility of an educated person is to help educate others. This may come in the form of teaching classes, tutoring, helping others or simply correcting errors. When we teach people we spread the value of education and share skills that are essential for survival. Other people are able to think rationally and evolve into a self dependent person through the knowledge they attain. Once people are educated, they are able to prevent others from taking advantage of them or cheating them. Through education, people are also able to use the resources they own efficiently and sparingly. Finally, education allows people from different nationalities and locations to communicate and work together in a beneficial harmony. The second responsibility of an educated person is to aim to advance to a better future. It is through evolution that we have become more intellectual and learned. For this process to be beneficial and continuous, we must use it and upgrade it through our use. In the past, communication was a problematic process, today; we have e-mail accounts, cell phones, chat sites, video chat sites and messengers for instant communication. Presently, global warming and oil depletion are major complications. If we are able to advance and address this problem, we would be using our education beneficially. There would be less violence over oil and the future would be a less worrisome place if global warming was tackled. However, this is just one amongst the billions of changes we could make, all to create a better future. The third responsibility of an educated person is to create or maintain stability and order in the world. Through stability and order, the world  becomes a much safer place where people share respect for each other and live in harmony. When there is order, people are insured of payments for their services. They are motivated to work-hard and use positive, instead of negative means to earn their income. Thus, through stability and order, ethics can also be implemented into people. Thus, the three main responsibilities of an educated person are to educate others, aim for a better future and create as well as maintain stability in the world. Through these goals, the world becomes a positive place and continues to flourish after each generation.

The Varied Value of Land Essay Example for Free

The Varied Value of Land Essay Land represents a quintessential issue between Native Americans and Europeans. This has been true since Columbus’ discovery and the era of Spanish exploration, invasion, and settlement. During the latter periods of Native American history we observe how English colonization and then the birth and growth of the United States affects the Indian Nations. During this period we mark how two divergent societies value land differently and the disparities resulting in conflict and Indian subjugation. The English Colonial Settlements initially viewed the land similarly as the aboriginal Indian inhabitants in a particular way. The land was the provider of sustenance to both. The early English Colonies sought refuge in the land, which was unlike the early Spanish whose North American invasions sought to pillage riches through lands traversed in the name of religious virtue. The original English Colonies had fled their own religious persecution and instead settle lands to build their society within its borders. The initial contention between Indians and the English Colonies grew from the fundamental differences in each civilization’s ideal of a settlement and territory. Whether an Indian Nations included permanent towns or not the Tribe’s Bands where predominately hunter-gatherers throughout its territory. Furthermore and unlike Europeans these Indian People shared cosmology that identified them as being one with the land. The European view of land was that of property and possession. As English Colonies and the later Americans further coveted Indian land to satisfy expansionism and economic enterprise we observe an unending encroachment on Indian resources. At first there was an aggressive unfettered Indian land grab and then ongoing assaults on natural resources residing on the ever-dwindling Indian lands. The stereotypes of American Indians as inferior beings with limited intellect, or bloodthirsty warriors, or lacking acceptable morals initially justified Colonial expansionism under pretense of ordained religiosity. Indian resistance to relentless encroachment was often confronted with rebellion and the question of sovereignty was debated. The establishment of the United States and the subsequent 1823 Supreme Court ruling of Johnson v.  McIntosh made clear the government accepted that early Europeans had rights to all Indian lands by having discovered the lands. Having previously defeated the British and securing American independence allowed the victor’s title be transferred to the United States. It is from this point that â€Å"Conquest by Law† guides the history of land possession between Native Americans and Americans. This conquest gained popular social acceptance by the mid 19th Century as American society adopted the political decree that it was Manifest Destiny to encompass the continent. The national conquest gained a legal endorsement to empower government separate Indian Nations from their land as assured in 1831 by the Supreme Court’s Cherokee Nation v. Georgia ruling that minimized Indian sovereignty to that of being a dominated people at best classified as dependents of their United States government guardian. In 1832 the Worcester v. Georgia ruling held that the aforementioned Cherokee treaties and the Trade and Intercourse Acts passed since 1790 did recognize Indian Nations as political entities with authority within its borders. It now excluded States from having any jurisdictional power over Indian Nations. Though this ruling established Indians as autonomous from States it put in motion what would later become Congressional plenary power and it marks the beginning of federally exercised relocation to feed American land hunger and later efforts to manage â€Å"the Indian problem†. The vastly different views regarding land combined with systematic efforts to dismantle Indian culture and pushed towards Indian eradication. Second to the impact of European introduced disease it would be habitat destruction and alteration to natural Indian environments that battled Indian Nations and drove them close to extinction. More so than overuse of natural resources it was the onset of the land being fenced and parceled which relegated Indian Nations to immobile and economically poor and spiritually bankrupt people faced with generational social disintegration. The series of governmental polices both purposefully and seemingly inadvertently legalized this conquest. Some of the most damaging and consequential actions include the movement to reservations through the late 1800s. The reservation policy reversal known as the Allotment Act of 1887 pushed to assimilate Indians using land as the vehicle by requiring such parcels provide for the Indians as it did homesteaders without any regard to the traditional Indian land relationship. From the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 through the Termination policy and Relocation programs of the mid 20th Century the importance of Indian land affinity was never validated and to do so would have required literal enforcement and complete adherence to treaties. The current era of Tribal Self-Determination beginning when the Indian Civil Rights Act enacted in 1968 does acknowledge Euro-American infringement on Indian lands. Government interventions and enforcement, whether or not serving in the best interest of sovereign Indian Nations, has not sought to return these Indian Nations to a state of a being a harmonious civilization that can be described as a confederacy of tribes, bands, and familial clans pursuing their life cycle throughout a vast ecosystem. The Euro-American value of property and possession has prevailed.