Thursday, April 29, 2010
Center for Animal Care and Control
Animal Care & Control of New York City (AC&C), formerly known as The Center for Animal Care and Control (CACC), is the operator of New York City's municipal shelter system. It is registered as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization but receives the majority of its income as grants from New York City Department of Health, and lessor so, other governmental entities of New York City. Its other main source of income is the contract for operating the municipal shelter system on behalf of NYCDOH. It also receives donations from the public. [1] It has a 7 member Board of Directors, which includes as ex officio members the Commissioner of DOH, the Commissioner of New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and the Deputy Commissioner for Community Affairs at the New York City Police Department (NYPD). The four remaining members of the Board are appointed by the Mayor.[2][3] AC&C was created in 1995 by the City of New York to take over the municipal shelter system from the ASPCA.[4] AC&C is a kill shelter, although their euthanisia rates have been slowly decreasing since 2004.[5] AC&C facilities operate in all five boroughs.
Animal hoarding
Animal hoarding involves keeping higher than usual numbers of animals as pets without having the ability to properly house or care for them, while at the same time denying this inability. Compulsive hoarding can be characterized as a symptom of mental disorder rather than deliberate cruelty towards animals. Hoarders are deeply attached to their pets and find it extremely difficult to let the pets go. They typically cannot comprehend that they are harming their pets by failing to provide them with proper care. Hoarders tend to believe that they provide the right amount of care for their pets.[1] The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals provides a "Hoarding Prevention Team", which works with hoarders to help them attain a manageable and healthy number of pets.[2]
Zookeeper
A zookeeper is a worker in a zoo, responsible for the feeding and daily care of the animals. As part of their routine, they clean the exhibits and report health problems. They may also be involved in scientific research or public education, such as conducting tours and answering questions.
A Zookeeper is a person who manages zoo animals that are kept in captivity for conservation or to be displayed to the public[1]. They work very closely with all the animals in the zoos and have many responsibilities to maintain the health and wellness of each animal. They must have good record keeping skills since there is a lot of data that must be collected for each animal. Each species is different from each other and requires special attention and care that a zookeeper. Zookeepers also have a very interesting history that starts in B.C. and continues to the present day. There are certain requirements that are needed to even consider becoming a zookeeper. One must have a keen sense of wanting to care of another species and also are not opposed to hard labor. Although Zookeepers require record keeping skills, this occupation is far from an office job and it takes a certain type character to become an animal keeper. Zoos are open to the public and are visited by all varieties of people and ages. Zookeepers also have responsibilities to entertain and inform the zoo’s visitors. There are zoos all over the world with many different types of animals therefore there are opportunities all over the world. There is limited growth in the zoo keeping position, but it may interest someone to continue their education and becoming a zoologist. Zookeepers develop relationships with their animal and contribute in keeping their species alive and help them from becoming extinct.
A Zookeeper is a person who manages zoo animals that are kept in captivity for conservation or to be displayed to the public[1]. They work very closely with all the animals in the zoos and have many responsibilities to maintain the health and wellness of each animal. They must have good record keeping skills since there is a lot of data that must be collected for each animal. Each species is different from each other and requires special attention and care that a zookeeper. Zookeepers also have a very interesting history that starts in B.C. and continues to the present day. There are certain requirements that are needed to even consider becoming a zookeeper. One must have a keen sense of wanting to care of another species and also are not opposed to hard labor. Although Zookeepers require record keeping skills, this occupation is far from an office job and it takes a certain type character to become an animal keeper. Zoos are open to the public and are visited by all varieties of people and ages. Zookeepers also have responsibilities to entertain and inform the zoo’s visitors. There are zoos all over the world with many different types of animals therefore there are opportunities all over the world. There is limited growth in the zoo keeping position, but it may interest someone to continue their education and becoming a zoologist. Zookeepers develop relationships with their animal and contribute in keeping their species alive and help them from becoming extinct.
Zoological medicine
Zoological medicine refers to the subspecialty of veterinary medicine that addresses the care of captive zoo animals, free ranging wildlife species, aquatic animals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, and non-domestic companion animals. Zoological medicine incorporates principles of ecology, wildlife conservation, and veterinary medicine, and applies them to wild animals in natural and artificial environments. As a subspecialty of veterinary medicine in the United States, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has recognized the College of Zoological Medicine as the governing body of this specialty field since 1983. As such, zoological medicine is equivalent to other subspecialties of veterinary medicine (such as surgery, anesthesia, internal medicine, pathology, etc), which are recognized and governed by their particular colleges.
The American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM) is an international organization composed of 97 members (as of September 2006), which recognizes, establishes and regulates standards and criteria necessary for veterinarians to be true specialists in zoological medicine. The board certification in zoological medicine encompasses expertise in general captive zoo medicine, aquatic animal medicine, avian medicine, reptile and amphibian medicine, and free-ranging wildlife medicine. A specialist in zoological medicine recognized by the College of Zoological Medicine is called a diplomate. Board certified diplomates of the ACZM serve as zoo veterinarians, zoo managers, wildlife veterinarians, wildlife conservation agents, researchers, teachers, government officials, and other similar leadership roles.
The American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM) is an international organization composed of 97 members (as of September 2006), which recognizes, establishes and regulates standards and criteria necessary for veterinarians to be true specialists in zoological medicine. The board certification in zoological medicine encompasses expertise in general captive zoo medicine, aquatic animal medicine, avian medicine, reptile and amphibian medicine, and free-ranging wildlife medicine. A specialist in zoological medicine recognized by the College of Zoological Medicine is called a diplomate. Board certified diplomates of the ACZM serve as zoo veterinarians, zoo managers, wildlife veterinarians, wildlife conservation agents, researchers, teachers, government officials, and other similar leadership roles.
Animal sanctuary
An animal sanctuary is a facility where animals are brought to live and be protected for the rest of their lives.[1] Unlike animal shelters, sanctuaries do not seek to place animals with individuals or groups, instead maintaining each animal until his or her natural death. In some cases, an establishment may have characteristics of both a sanctuary and a shelter; for instance, some animals may be in residence temporarily until a good home is found and others may be permanent residents. The mission of sanctuaries is generally to be safe havens, where the animals receive the best care that the sanctuaries can provide. Animals are not bought, sold, or traded, nor are they used for animal testing. The resident animals are given the opportunity to behave as naturally as possible in a protective environment.[1]
What distinguishes a sanctuary from other institutions is the philosophy that the residents come first. In a sanctuary, every action is scrutinized for any trace of human benefit at the expense of non-human residents. Sanctuaries act on behalf of the animals, and the caregivers work under the notion that all animals in the sanctuary, human and non-human, are of equal importance.
A sanctuary is not open to the public in the sense of a zoo; that is, the public is not allowed unescorted access to any part of the facility. A sanctuary tries not to allow any activity that would place the animals in an unduly stressful situation.
One of the most important missions of sanctuaries, beyond caring for the animals, is educating the public. The ultimate goal of a sanctuary should be to change the way that humans think of, and treat, non-human animals.
What distinguishes a sanctuary from other institutions is the philosophy that the residents come first. In a sanctuary, every action is scrutinized for any trace of human benefit at the expense of non-human residents. Sanctuaries act on behalf of the animals, and the caregivers work under the notion that all animals in the sanctuary, human and non-human, are of equal importance.
A sanctuary is not open to the public in the sense of a zoo; that is, the public is not allowed unescorted access to any part of the facility. A sanctuary tries not to allow any activity that would place the animals in an unduly stressful situation.
One of the most important missions of sanctuaries, beyond caring for the animals, is educating the public. The ultimate goal of a sanctuary should be to change the way that humans think of, and treat, non-human animals.
Humane Farm Animal Care
Humane Farm Animal Care was established to promote and administer its certification and labeling program, Certified Humane Raised & Handled, for meat, dairy, eggs, and poultry raised under its animal care standards. It is a non-profit organization [1] governed by a Board of Directors and retains a Scientific Committee which includes scientists and veterinarians.[2] The organization is endorsed by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Humane Society of the United States.[3]
Mission
Humane Farm Animal Care's mission is "to improve the welfare of farm animals by providing viable, credible, duly monitored standards for humane food production and ensuring consumers that certified products meet these standards." [6]
Mission
Humane Farm Animal Care's mission is "to improve the welfare of farm animals by providing viable, credible, duly monitored standards for humane food production and ensuring consumers that certified products meet these standards." [6]
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees are of central importance to the application of laws to animal research in the United States. Most research involving laboratory animals is funded by the United States National Institutes of Health or other federal agencies. The NIH Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare has been directed by law to develop policies that describe the role of Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees. [8]
Every institution that uses animals for federally funded laboratory research must have an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Each local IACUC reviews research protocols and conducts evaluations of the institution's animal care and use which includes the results of inspections of facilities that are required by law [9].
Every institution that uses animals for federally funded laboratory research must have an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Each local IACUC reviews research protocols and conducts evaluations of the institution's animal care and use which includes the results of inspections of facilities that are required by law [9].
Veterinary medicine
Veterinary medicine is the branch of science that deals with the application of medical, surgical, dental, diagnostic and therapeutic principles to pet, domestic, wildlife and livestock animals.
The field of veterinary medicine is a highly competitive yet under employed field of medicine. Today's veterinarians are doctors who are highly educated to protect both the health of animals and humans. The skills of highly qualified veterinarians are in constant demand and job opportunities within this field are endless. In order to be considered a qualified veterinarian there are many preparations to complete, the road is long and treacherous, and the competition is steep. Additionally, the career continues to change in dynamic, from income trends to gender distribution, these changes impact the field as a whole.
The field of veterinary medicine is a highly competitive yet under employed field of medicine. Today's veterinarians are doctors who are highly educated to protect both the health of animals and humans. The skills of highly qualified veterinarians are in constant demand and job opportunities within this field are endless. In order to be considered a qualified veterinarian there are many preparations to complete, the road is long and treacherous, and the competition is steep. Additionally, the career continues to change in dynamic, from income trends to gender distribution, these changes impact the field as a whole.
Animal husbandry
Animal husbandry, also called animal science, stockbreeding or simple husbandry, is the agricultural practice of breeding and raising livestock. It has been practiced for thousands of years, since the first domestication of animals.
In more modern times, the cowboys of North America, charros of México, or vaqueros, gauchos, huasos of South America, and farmers or stockmen of Australia tend their herds on horses, all-terrain vehicles, motorbikes, in four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles and helicopters, depending on the terrain and livestock concerned.
Today, herd managers often oversee thousands of animals and many staff. Farms, stations and ranches may employ breeders, herd health specialists, feeders, and milkers to help care for the animals. Techniques such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer are frequently used, not only as methods to guarantee that females are bred, but also to help improve herd genetics. This may be done by transplanting embryos from stud-quality females into flock-quality surrogate mothers - freeing up the stud-quality mother to be reimpregnated. This practice vastly increases the number of offspring which may be produced by a small selection of stud-quality parent animals. This in turn improves the ability of the animals to convert feed to meat, milk, or fiber more efficiently, and improve the quality of the final product, and to make it enjoyable.
In more modern times, the cowboys of North America, charros of México, or vaqueros, gauchos, huasos of South America, and farmers or stockmen of Australia tend their herds on horses, all-terrain vehicles, motorbikes, in four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles and helicopters, depending on the terrain and livestock concerned.
Today, herd managers often oversee thousands of animals and many staff. Farms, stations and ranches may employ breeders, herd health specialists, feeders, and milkers to help care for the animals. Techniques such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer are frequently used, not only as methods to guarantee that females are bred, but also to help improve herd genetics. This may be done by transplanting embryos from stud-quality females into flock-quality surrogate mothers - freeing up the stud-quality mother to be reimpregnated. This practice vastly increases the number of offspring which may be produced by a small selection of stud-quality parent animals. This in turn improves the ability of the animals to convert feed to meat, milk, or fiber more efficiently, and improve the quality of the final product, and to make it enjoyable.
Choosing the best place to put dog beds and cat beds
Finding the right place for your pet to sleep is essential. Dog beds and cat beds come in all shapes and sizes and there is certain to be one is that right for your pet – if only you know what to look for. Putting a puppy in a cage might sound cruel and uncaring but it is actually the kindest thing to do for a young dog that is new to a family home. Experts advise pet owners to go for cages rather than dog beds initially because a puppy can easily wake up in the night, disorientated but curious and wander around the empty house causing mayhem.
It’s not just your home that can be ruined by this nocturnal visitor – electricity cables, knives and glass vases are among the hazards that puppies, unlike older dogs than can come to grief with because they simply don’t know what is what yet.
Similarly kittens need to be enclosed or protected for the first few nights in the home when they are not being looked after so that they don’t cause mayhem and hurt themselves. After a short time kittens are quite safe in cat beds and they will explore the house at night with a good knowledge of what is dangerous and what is safe and what is allowed by their owners and what isn’t.
Even when dog beds and cat beds have been chosen it’s important to think about where to put them.
It’s not just your home that can be ruined by this nocturnal visitor – electricity cables, knives and glass vases are among the hazards that puppies, unlike older dogs than can come to grief with because they simply don’t know what is what yet.
Similarly kittens need to be enclosed or protected for the first few nights in the home when they are not being looked after so that they don’t cause mayhem and hurt themselves. After a short time kittens are quite safe in cat beds and they will explore the house at night with a good knowledge of what is dangerous and what is safe and what is allowed by their owners and what isn’t.
Even when dog beds and cat beds have been chosen it’s important to think about where to put them.
Choosing the best place to put dog beds and cat beds
Finding the right place for your pet to sleep is essential. Dog beds and cat beds come in all shapes and sizes and there is certain to be one is that right for your pet – if only you know what to look for. Putting a puppy in a cage might sound cruel and uncaring but it is actually the kindest thing to do for a young dog that is new to a family home. Experts advise pet owners to go for cages rather than dog beds initially because a puppy can easily wake up in the night, disorientated but curious and wander around the empty house causing mayhem.
It’s not just your home that can be ruined by this nocturnal visitor – electricity cables, knives and glass vases are among the hazards that puppies, unlike older dogs than can come to grief with because they simply don’t know what is what yet.
Similarly kittens need to be enclosed or protected for the first few nights in the home when they are not being looked after so that they don’t cause mayhem and hurt themselves. After a short time kittens are quite safe in cat beds and they will explore the house at night with a good knowledge of what is dangerous and what is safe and what is allowed by their owners and what isn’t.
Even when dog beds and cat beds have been chosen it’s important to think about where to put them.
It’s not just your home that can be ruined by this nocturnal visitor – electricity cables, knives and glass vases are among the hazards that puppies, unlike older dogs than can come to grief with because they simply don’t know what is what yet.
Similarly kittens need to be enclosed or protected for the first few nights in the home when they are not being looked after so that they don’t cause mayhem and hurt themselves. After a short time kittens are quite safe in cat beds and they will explore the house at night with a good knowledge of what is dangerous and what is safe and what is allowed by their owners and what isn’t.
Even when dog beds and cat beds have been chosen it’s important to think about where to put them.
Balancing a pet diet for an energetic puppy
Pet weight management for good dog nutrition for your puppy has to be balanced as he grows up to become an adult dog. A new energetic puppy has a lot of growing up to do and while he is growing his body needs the support of a balanced food routine.
Dog diets are set out to ensure he has good muscles with strong bones, hair, and teeth, plus a strong immune system. A puppy has a natural supply of energy so he will need the best in dog nutrition with plenty of calories, as he will burn off those calories as much as two-three times quicker than an adult dog.
At Hills Pets we have a special formulation of both puppy and adult dog food that is balanced with protein to support your dog while he is growing. Our specially formulated dog food has higher levels of minerals, such as calcium and iron. We have not forgotten the important Vitamin D that helps in building up your pet’s strong bones and teeth.
When your puppy starts to grow, his energy levels will also grow, therefore your pet requires good dog weight management even at this time in his life to sustain and support him until he reaches adulthood. a puppy not only requires that extra care in feeding him quality ingredients, but that he also has a smaller mouth. The smaller piece of kibble allow a puppy to eat and release the nutrients that are essential for him.
Pet weight management is about feeding your puppy so his tiny stomach feels full, but without allowing him to over eat. If your puppy is between six weeks to three months old, then feed him four portions of dog food a day. If the puppy is between three to six months old then cut your portions to three meals day.
Dog diets are set out to ensure he has good muscles with strong bones, hair, and teeth, plus a strong immune system. A puppy has a natural supply of energy so he will need the best in dog nutrition with plenty of calories, as he will burn off those calories as much as two-three times quicker than an adult dog.
At Hills Pets we have a special formulation of both puppy and adult dog food that is balanced with protein to support your dog while he is growing. Our specially formulated dog food has higher levels of minerals, such as calcium and iron. We have not forgotten the important Vitamin D that helps in building up your pet’s strong bones and teeth.
When your puppy starts to grow, his energy levels will also grow, therefore your pet requires good dog weight management even at this time in his life to sustain and support him until he reaches adulthood. a puppy not only requires that extra care in feeding him quality ingredients, but that he also has a smaller mouth. The smaller piece of kibble allow a puppy to eat and release the nutrients that are essential for him.
Pet weight management is about feeding your puppy so his tiny stomach feels full, but without allowing him to over eat. If your puppy is between six weeks to three months old, then feed him four portions of dog food a day. If the puppy is between three to six months old then cut your portions to three meals day.
How to Keep Your Rabbit Healthy
Due to most rabbits being kept outside in rabbit hutches, small changes may go unnoticed, which is why it’s important to check your rabbit regularly for any key signs of deteriorating health. Here are a few key things to be looking out for when you take your rabbit out of its rabbit hutch to play:
Firstly, you should be having contact with your rabbit daily so that you are fully aware of what he looks like physically, as this will make you more alert to any sudden changes in his appearance. Check his eyes weekly to see if there is any discharge; inside his ears to make sure there is no dry skin, discharge or bumps; his paws for any sores and his toenails to ensure they are the correct length; and finally check his teeth to make sure there are no teeth missing or chipped teeth.
When you have him out of the hutch and you’re stroking him, playing with him and so on, keep your eyes and hands alert for any lumps, bumps, bruises or cuts. Equally, if his fur appears to be quite matted or dirty, particularly around the genital area then you should be washing him with special rabbit shampoo to ensure cleanliness.
Monitor how your rabbit moves within his rabbit cage and outside and if you notice any limping, not lying down or other odd behaviour you should consult your vet immediately. Equally, it’s important your rabbit is able to move freely around his rabbit hutch as exercise and movement is important to keep their joints healthy. It’s a good idea to have a covered rabbit run for during the day, with an attached rabbit cage for night, so you can shut off the run to avoid attacks from predators, e.g. foxes. Ideas-4-Pets offer a fantastic selection of rabbit hutches perfect for keeping your rabbit happy and healthy.
Firstly, you should be having contact with your rabbit daily so that you are fully aware of what he looks like physically, as this will make you more alert to any sudden changes in his appearance. Check his eyes weekly to see if there is any discharge; inside his ears to make sure there is no dry skin, discharge or bumps; his paws for any sores and his toenails to ensure they are the correct length; and finally check his teeth to make sure there are no teeth missing or chipped teeth.
When you have him out of the hutch and you’re stroking him, playing with him and so on, keep your eyes and hands alert for any lumps, bumps, bruises or cuts. Equally, if his fur appears to be quite matted or dirty, particularly around the genital area then you should be washing him with special rabbit shampoo to ensure cleanliness.
Monitor how your rabbit moves within his rabbit cage and outside and if you notice any limping, not lying down or other odd behaviour you should consult your vet immediately. Equally, it’s important your rabbit is able to move freely around his rabbit hutch as exercise and movement is important to keep their joints healthy. It’s a good idea to have a covered rabbit run for during the day, with an attached rabbit cage for night, so you can shut off the run to avoid attacks from predators, e.g. foxes. Ideas-4-Pets offer a fantastic selection of rabbit hutches perfect for keeping your rabbit happy and healthy.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
How to Keep Your Parrot Healthy:
The living space you provide for your parrot is essential in keeping them happy and healthy. A parrot cage should provide a fun, spacious environment for your parrot and when incorporate alongside free-time in which they’re allowed to fly freely, there is no reason why your parrot won’t be happy parrot.
To ensure your parrot cage is completely appropriate for your parrot there are a few things you should take into account: Space – a parrot cage needs to have enough space for your parrot to have plenty of toys, perches and so on within it. In parrot cage terms; the bigger the better, it just depends on how much living space you yourself have.
Perches – make sure your parrot has several perches within their cage; these will sometimes come included within the cage or you could purchase a bird play stand or bird tree to place inside your parrot cage. Perches allow your bird exercise by flying from perch to perch ensuring they aren’t cramped up for too long in order to keep their joints healthy.
Toys – it’s important to include plenty of toys within the cage alongside the perches. You could almost think of your parrot as a child that needs stimulation and attention constantly, and the toys will provide this. Equally, the toys don’t have to cost you a fortune; simple things such as mirrors, rattles and so on are more than enough to keep your bird entertained. Ideas-4-Pets offer a fantastic solution in bird toy packs, which include a vast amount of different toys which allow you to vary the toys with the cage so your parrot is always entertained and doesn’t become bored of the same toys.
Choosing a suitable parrot cage for your parrot is the first step towards making sure that your parrot is going to be happy living with you. Ideas-4-Pets offer an extensive range of parrot cages for everyone’s needs and there is bound to be a cage that will fit in with your living accommodation.
To ensure your parrot cage is completely appropriate for your parrot there are a few things you should take into account: Space – a parrot cage needs to have enough space for your parrot to have plenty of toys, perches and so on within it. In parrot cage terms; the bigger the better, it just depends on how much living space you yourself have.
Perches – make sure your parrot has several perches within their cage; these will sometimes come included within the cage or you could purchase a bird play stand or bird tree to place inside your parrot cage. Perches allow your bird exercise by flying from perch to perch ensuring they aren’t cramped up for too long in order to keep their joints healthy.
Toys – it’s important to include plenty of toys within the cage alongside the perches. You could almost think of your parrot as a child that needs stimulation and attention constantly, and the toys will provide this. Equally, the toys don’t have to cost you a fortune; simple things such as mirrors, rattles and so on are more than enough to keep your bird entertained. Ideas-4-Pets offer a fantastic solution in bird toy packs, which include a vast amount of different toys which allow you to vary the toys with the cage so your parrot is always entertained and doesn’t become bored of the same toys.
Choosing a suitable parrot cage for your parrot is the first step towards making sure that your parrot is going to be happy living with you. Ideas-4-Pets offer an extensive range of parrot cages for everyone’s needs and there is bound to be a cage that will fit in with your living accommodation.
Origin and fossil record:
Animals are generally considered to have evolved from a flagellated eukaryote. Their closest known living relatives are the choanoflagellates, collared flagellates that have a morphology similar to the choanocytes of certain sponges. Molecular studies place animals in a supergroup called the opisthokonts, which also include the choanoflagellates, fungi and a few small parasitic protists. The name comes from the posterior location of the flagellum in motile cells, such as most animal spermatozoa, whereas other eukaryotes tend to have anterior flagella.
The first fossils that might represent animals appear towards the end of the Precambrian, around 610 million years ago, and are known as the Ediacaran or Vendian biota. These are difficult to relate to later fossils, however. Some may represent precursors of modern phyla, but they may be separate groups, and it is possible they are not really animals at all. Aside from them, most known animal phyla make a more or less simultaneous appearance during the Cambrian period, about 542 million years ago. It is still disputed whether this event, called the Cambrian explosion, represents a rapid divergence between different groups or a change in conditions that made fossilization possible. However some paleontologists and geologists would suggest that animals appeared much earlier than previously thought, possibly even as early as 1 billion years ago. Trace fossils such as tracks and burrows found in Tonian era indicate the presence of triploblastic worm like metazoans roughly as large (about 5 mm wide) and complex as earthworms.[9] In addition during the beginning of the Tonian period around 1 billion years ago (roughly the same time that the trace fossils previously discussed in this article date back to) there was a decrease in Stromatolite diversity which may indicate the appearance of grazing animals during this time as Stromatolites also increased in diversity shortly after the end-Ordovician and end-Permian rendered large amounts of grazing marine animals extinct and decreased shortly after their populations recovered. The discovery that tracks very similar to these early trace fossils are produced today by the giant single-celled protist Gromia sphaerica casts further doubt on their interpretation as evidence of early animal evolution.[10][11]
The first fossils that might represent animals appear towards the end of the Precambrian, around 610 million years ago, and are known as the Ediacaran or Vendian biota. These are difficult to relate to later fossils, however. Some may represent precursors of modern phyla, but they may be separate groups, and it is possible they are not really animals at all. Aside from them, most known animal phyla make a more or less simultaneous appearance during the Cambrian period, about 542 million years ago. It is still disputed whether this event, called the Cambrian explosion, represents a rapid divergence between different groups or a change in conditions that made fossilization possible. However some paleontologists and geologists would suggest that animals appeared much earlier than previously thought, possibly even as early as 1 billion years ago. Trace fossils such as tracks and burrows found in Tonian era indicate the presence of triploblastic worm like metazoans roughly as large (about 5 mm wide) and complex as earthworms.[9] In addition during the beginning of the Tonian period around 1 billion years ago (roughly the same time that the trace fossils previously discussed in this article date back to) there was a decrease in Stromatolite diversity which may indicate the appearance of grazing animals during this time as Stromatolites also increased in diversity shortly after the end-Ordovician and end-Permian rendered large amounts of grazing marine animals extinct and decreased shortly after their populations recovered. The discovery that tracks very similar to these early trace fossils are produced today by the giant single-celled protist Gromia sphaerica casts further doubt on their interpretation as evidence of early animal evolution.[10][11]
Food and energy sourcing:
All animals are heterotrophs, meaning that they feed directly or indirectly on other living things. They are often further subdivided into groups such as carnivores, herbivores, omnivores, and parasites.
Predation is a biological interaction where a predator (a heterotroph that is hunting) feeds on its prey (the organism that is attacked). Predators may or may not kill their prey prior to feeding on them, but the act of predation always results in the death of the prey. The other main category of consumption is detritivory, the consumption of dead organic matter. It can at times be difficult to separate the two feeding behaviours, for example where parasitic species prey on a host organism and then lay their eggs on it for their offspring to feed on its decaying corpse. Selective pressures imposed on one another has led to an evolutionary arms race between prey and predator, resulting in various antipredator adaptations.
Most animals feed indirectly from the energy of sunlight. Plants use this energy to convert sunlight into simple sugars using a process known as photosynthesis. Starting with the molecules carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O), photosynthesis converts the energy of sunlight into chemical energy stored in the bonds of glucose (C6H12O6) and releases oxygen (O2). These sugars are then used as the building blocks which allow the plant to grow. When animals eat these plants (or eat other animals which have eaten plants), the sugars produced by the plant are used by the animal. They are either used directly to help the animal grow, or broken down, releasing stored solar energy, and giving the animal the energy required for motion. This process is known as glycolysis.
Animals living close to hydrothermal vents and cold seeps on the ocean floor are not dependent on the energy of sunlight. Instead chemosynthetic archaea and bacteria form the base of the food chain.
Predation is a biological interaction where a predator (a heterotroph that is hunting) feeds on its prey (the organism that is attacked). Predators may or may not kill their prey prior to feeding on them, but the act of predation always results in the death of the prey. The other main category of consumption is detritivory, the consumption of dead organic matter. It can at times be difficult to separate the two feeding behaviours, for example where parasitic species prey on a host organism and then lay their eggs on it for their offspring to feed on its decaying corpse. Selective pressures imposed on one another has led to an evolutionary arms race between prey and predator, resulting in various antipredator adaptations.
Most animals feed indirectly from the energy of sunlight. Plants use this energy to convert sunlight into simple sugars using a process known as photosynthesis. Starting with the molecules carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O), photosynthesis converts the energy of sunlight into chemical energy stored in the bonds of glucose (C6H12O6) and releases oxygen (O2). These sugars are then used as the building blocks which allow the plant to grow. When animals eat these plants (or eat other animals which have eaten plants), the sugars produced by the plant are used by the animal. They are either used directly to help the animal grow, or broken down, releasing stored solar energy, and giving the animal the energy required for motion. This process is known as glycolysis.
Animals living close to hydrothermal vents and cold seeps on the ocean floor are not dependent on the energy of sunlight. Instead chemosynthetic archaea and bacteria form the base of the food chain.
Reproduction and development:
Nearly all animals undergo some form of sexual reproduction. They have a few specialized reproductive cells, which undergo meiosis to produce smaller motile spermatozoa or larger non-motile ova. These fuse to form zygotes, which develop into new individuals.
Many animals are also capable of asexual reproduction. This may take place through parthenogenesis, where fertile eggs are produced without mating, or in some cases through fragmentation.
A zygote initially develops into a hollow sphere, called a blastula, which undergoes rearrangement and differentiation. In sponges, blastula larvae swim to a new location and develop into a new sponge. In most other groups, the blastula undergoes more complicated rearrangement. It first invaginates to form a gastrula with a digestive chamber, and two separate germ layers — an external ectoderm and an internal endoderm. In most cases, a mesoderm also develops between them. These germ layers then differentiate to form tissues and organs.
Many animals are also capable of asexual reproduction. This may take place through parthenogenesis, where fertile eggs are produced without mating, or in some cases through fragmentation.
A zygote initially develops into a hollow sphere, called a blastula, which undergoes rearrangement and differentiation. In sponges, blastula larvae swim to a new location and develop into a new sponge. In most other groups, the blastula undergoes more complicated rearrangement. It first invaginates to form a gastrula with a digestive chamber, and two separate germ layers — an external ectoderm and an internal endoderm. In most cases, a mesoderm also develops between them. These germ layers then differentiate to form tissues and organs.
Structure:
With a few exceptions, most notably the sponges (Phylum Porifera) and Placozoa, animals have bodies differentiated into separate tissues. These include muscles, which are able to contract and control locomotion, and nerve tissue, which sends and processes signals. There is also typically an internal digestive chamber, with one or two openings. Animals with this sort of organization are called metazoans, or eumetazoans when the former is used for animals in general.
All animals have eukaryotic cells, surrounded by a characteristic extracellular matrix composed of collagen and elastic glycoproteins. This may be calcified to form structures like shells, bones, and spicules. During development it forms a relatively flexible framework upon which cells can move about and be reorganized, making complex structures possible. In contrast, other multicellular organisms like plants and fungi have cells held in place by cell walls, and so develop by progressive growth. Also, unique to animal cells are the following intercellular junctions: tight junctions, gap junctions, and desmosomes.
All animals have eukaryotic cells, surrounded by a characteristic extracellular matrix composed of collagen and elastic glycoproteins. This may be calcified to form structures like shells, bones, and spicules. During development it forms a relatively flexible framework upon which cells can move about and be reorganized, making complex structures possible. In contrast, other multicellular organisms like plants and fungi have cells held in place by cell walls, and so develop by progressive growth. Also, unique to animal cells are the following intercellular junctions: tight junctions, gap junctions, and desmosomes.
Etymology:
The word "animal" comes from the Latin word animal (meaning with soul, from anima, soul). In everyday colloquial usage, the word usually refers to non-human animals.[1] Frequently only closer relatives of humans such as vertebrates or mammals are meant in colloquial use.[citation needed] The biological definition of the word refers to all members of the Kingdom Animalia, encompassing creatures ranging from insects to humans.[2]
Rhinoceros:
Rhinoceros (pronounced /raɪˈnɒsərəs/), often colloquially abbreviated rhino, is a name used to group five extant species of odd-toed ungulates in the family rhinocerotidae. Two of these species are native to Africa and three to southern Asia. Three of the five species—the Javan, Sumatran and Black Rhinoceros—are critically endangered. The greater, one-horned Indian Rhinoceros is endangered, with fewer than 2,700 individuals remaining in the wild. The White is registered as "vulnerable", with approximately 17,500 remaining in the wild, as reported by the International Rhino Foundation.[1][2]
The rhinoceros family is characterized by its large size (one of the largest remaining megafauna alive today), with all of the species able to reach one ton or more in weight; herbivorous diet; and a thick protective skin, 1.5–5 cm thick, formed from layers of collagen positioned in a lattice structure; relatively small brains for mammals this size (400–600 g); and a large horn. They generally eat leafy material, although their ability to ferment food in their hindgut allows them to subsist on more fibrous plant matter, if necessary. Unlike other perissodactyls, the African species of rhinoceros lack teeth at the front of their mouths, relying instead on their powerful premolar and molar teeth to grind up plant food.[3]
The rhino is killed by humans for its horn. The horns of a rhinoceros are made of keratin, the same type of protein that makes up hair and fingernails.[4] Both African species and the Sumatran Rhinoceros have two horns, while the Indian and Javan Rhinoceros have a single horn. Rhinoceroses have acute hearing and sense of smell, but poor eyesight. Most live to be about 60 years old or more.
The rhinoceros family is characterized by its large size (one of the largest remaining megafauna alive today), with all of the species able to reach one ton or more in weight; herbivorous diet; and a thick protective skin, 1.5–5 cm thick, formed from layers of collagen positioned in a lattice structure; relatively small brains for mammals this size (400–600 g); and a large horn. They generally eat leafy material, although their ability to ferment food in their hindgut allows them to subsist on more fibrous plant matter, if necessary. Unlike other perissodactyls, the African species of rhinoceros lack teeth at the front of their mouths, relying instead on their powerful premolar and molar teeth to grind up plant food.[3]
The rhino is killed by humans for its horn. The horns of a rhinoceros are made of keratin, the same type of protein that makes up hair and fingernails.[4] Both African species and the Sumatran Rhinoceros have two horns, while the Indian and Javan Rhinoceros have a single horn. Rhinoceroses have acute hearing and sense of smell, but poor eyesight. Most live to be about 60 years old or more.
Zebra:
Zebras are African equids best known for their distinctive white and black stripes. Their stripes come in different patterns unique to each individual. They are generally social animals and can be seen in small harems to large herds. In addition to their stripes, zebras have erect, mohawk-like manes. Unlike their closest relatives, horses and asses, zebras have never been truly domesticated.
There are three species of zebra: the Plains Zebra, Grévy's Zebra and the Mountain Zebra. The Plains zebra and the Mountain zebra belong to the subgenus Hippotigris, but Grevy's zebra is the sole species of subgenus Dolichohippus. The latter resembles an ass while the former two are more horse-like. Nevertheless, DNA and molecular data show that zebras do indeed have monophyletic origins. All three belong to the genus Equus along with other living equids. In certain regions of Kenya, Plains zebras and Grevy's zebras coexist.
The unique stripes and behaviors of zebras make these among the animals most familiar to people. They can be found in a variety of habitats, such as grasslands, savannas, woodlands, thorny scrublands, mountains and coastal hills. However, various anthropogenic factors have had a severe impact on zebra populations, in particular hunting for skins and habitat destruction. Grevy's zebra and the Mountain zebra are endangered. While Plains zebras are much more plentiful, one subspecies, the quagga, went extinct in the late nineteenth century.
The name "zebra" comes from the Old Portuguese word zevra which means "wild ass". The pronunciation is /ˈzɛbrə/ ZEB-rə or /ˈziːbrə/ ZEE-brə.
There are three species of zebra: the Plains Zebra, Grévy's Zebra and the Mountain Zebra. The Plains zebra and the Mountain zebra belong to the subgenus Hippotigris, but Grevy's zebra is the sole species of subgenus Dolichohippus. The latter resembles an ass while the former two are more horse-like. Nevertheless, DNA and molecular data show that zebras do indeed have monophyletic origins. All three belong to the genus Equus along with other living equids. In certain regions of Kenya, Plains zebras and Grevy's zebras coexist.
The unique stripes and behaviors of zebras make these among the animals most familiar to people. They can be found in a variety of habitats, such as grasslands, savannas, woodlands, thorny scrublands, mountains and coastal hills. However, various anthropogenic factors have had a severe impact on zebra populations, in particular hunting for skins and habitat destruction. Grevy's zebra and the Mountain zebra are endangered. While Plains zebras are much more plentiful, one subspecies, the quagga, went extinct in the late nineteenth century.
The name "zebra" comes from the Old Portuguese word zevra which means "wild ass". The pronunciation is /ˈzɛbrə/ ZEB-rə or /ˈziːbrə/ ZEE-brə.
Lion:
The lion (Panthera leo) is one of the four big cats in the genus Panthera, and a member of the family Felidae. With some males exceeding 250 kg (550 lb) in weight,[4] it is the second-largest living cat after the tiger. Wild lions currently exist in Sub-Saharan Africa and in Asia with a critically endangered remnant population in Gir Forest National Park in India, having disappeared from North Africa and Southwest Asia in historic times. Until the late Pleistocene, about 10,000 years ago, the lion was the most widespread large land mammal after humans. They were found in most of Africa, much of Eurasia from western Europe to India, and in the Americas from the Yukon to Peru.
Lions live for ten to fourteen years in the wild, while in captivity they can live longer than twenty years. In the wild, males seldom live longer than ten years, as injuries sustained from continual fighting with rival males greatly reduce their longevity.[5] They typically inhabit savanna and grassland, although they may take to bush and forest. Lions are unusually social compared to other cats. A pride of lions consists of related females and offspring and a small number of adult males. Groups of female lions typically hunt together, preying mostly on large ungulates. Lions are apex and keystone predators, although they scavenge as opportunity allows. While lions do not typically hunt humans selectively, some have been known to seek human prey.
The lion is a vulnerable species, having seen a possibly irreversible population decline of thirty to fifty percent over the past two decades in its African range.[6] Lion populations are untenable outside of designated reserves and national parks. Although the cause of the decline is not fully understood, habitat loss and conflicts with humans are currently the greatest causes of concern. Lions have been kept in menageries since Roman times and have been a key species sought for exhibition in zoos the world over since the late eighteenth century. Zoos
Lions live for ten to fourteen years in the wild, while in captivity they can live longer than twenty years. In the wild, males seldom live longer than ten years, as injuries sustained from continual fighting with rival males greatly reduce their longevity.[5] They typically inhabit savanna and grassland, although they may take to bush and forest. Lions are unusually social compared to other cats. A pride of lions consists of related females and offspring and a small number of adult males. Groups of female lions typically hunt together, preying mostly on large ungulates. Lions are apex and keystone predators, although they scavenge as opportunity allows. While lions do not typically hunt humans selectively, some have been known to seek human prey.
The lion is a vulnerable species, having seen a possibly irreversible population decline of thirty to fifty percent over the past two decades in its African range.[6] Lion populations are untenable outside of designated reserves and national parks. Although the cause of the decline is not fully understood, habitat loss and conflicts with humans are currently the greatest causes of concern. Lions have been kept in menageries since Roman times and have been a key species sought for exhibition in zoos the world over since the late eighteenth century. Zoos
Elephant:
Elephants are large land mammals in two genera of the family Elephantidae: Elephas and Loxodonta. Three species of elephant are living today: the African Bush Elephant, the African Forest Elephant and the Asian Elephant (also known as the Indian Elephant). All other species and genera of Elephantidae are extinct, some since the last ice age: dwarf forms of mammoths may have survived as late as 2,000 BC.[1] Elephants and other Elephantidae were once classified with other thick-skinned animals in a now invalid order, Pachydermata.
Elephants are the largest land animals now living.[2] The elephant's gestation period is 22 months, the longest of any land animal. At birth it is common for an elephant calf to weigh 120 kilograms (260 lb). They typically live for 50 to 70 years, but the oldest recorded elephant lived for 82 years.[3] The largest elephant ever recorded was shot in Angola in 1956. This male weighed about 24,000 lb (11,000 kg),[4] with a shoulder height of 3.96 metres (13.0 ft), a metre (yard) taller than the average male African elephant.[5] The smallest elephants, about the size of a calf or a large pig, were a prehistoric species that lived on the island of Crete during the Pleistocene epoch.[6]
Elephants are a symbol of wisdom in Asian cultures and are famed for their memory and intelligence, where they are thought to be on par with cetaceans[7] and hominids.[8] Aristotle once said the elephant was "the beast which passeth all others in wit and mind".[9] The word "elephant" has its origins in the Greek ἐλέφας, meaning "ivory" or "elephant".[10]
According to observations so far, healthy adult elephants have no natural predators,[11] although lions may take calves or weak individuals.[12][13] They are, however, threatened by human intrusion and poaching.
Elephants are the largest land animals now living.[2] The elephant's gestation period is 22 months, the longest of any land animal. At birth it is common for an elephant calf to weigh 120 kilograms (260 lb). They typically live for 50 to 70 years, but the oldest recorded elephant lived for 82 years.[3] The largest elephant ever recorded was shot in Angola in 1956. This male weighed about 24,000 lb (11,000 kg),[4] with a shoulder height of 3.96 metres (13.0 ft), a metre (yard) taller than the average male African elephant.[5] The smallest elephants, about the size of a calf or a large pig, were a prehistoric species that lived on the island of Crete during the Pleistocene epoch.[6]
Elephants are a symbol of wisdom in Asian cultures and are famed for their memory and intelligence, where they are thought to be on par with cetaceans[7] and hominids.[8] Aristotle once said the elephant was "the beast which passeth all others in wit and mind".[9] The word "elephant" has its origins in the Greek ἐλέφας, meaning "ivory" or "elephant".[10]
According to observations so far, healthy adult elephants have no natural predators,[11] although lions may take calves or weak individuals.[12][13] They are, however, threatened by human intrusion and poaching.
Tiger:
The tiger (Panthera tigris) is a member of the Felidae family and the largest of the four "big cats" in the genus Panthera.[4] Native to much of eastern and southern Asia, the tiger is an apex predator and an obligate carnivore. Reaching up to 3.3 metres (11 ft) in total length and weighing up to 300 kilograms (660 pounds), the larger tiger subspecies are comparable in size to the biggest extinct felids.[5][6] 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 subspecies is the Siberian tiger.
Highly adaptable, tigers range from the Siberian taiga, to open grasslands, to 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. Of the nine subspecies of modern tiger, three are extinct and the remaining six are classified as endangered, some critically so. The primary direct causes are habitat destruction and fragmentation, and hunting. Their historical range once stretched from Mesopotamia and the Caucasus through most of South and East Asia. Today it has been radically reduced. While all surviving species are under formal protection, poaching, habitat destruction and inbreeding depression continue to threaten the species.
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 [7].
Highly adaptable, tigers range from the Siberian taiga, to open grasslands, to 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. Of the nine subspecies of modern tiger, three are extinct and the remaining six are classified as endangered, some critically so. The primary direct causes are habitat destruction and fragmentation, and hunting. Their historical range once stretched from Mesopotamia and the Caucasus through most of South and East Asia. Today it has been radically reduced. While all surviving species are under formal protection, poaching, habitat destruction and inbreeding depression continue to threaten the species.
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 [7].
Wildlife:
Wildlife includes all non-domesticated plants, animals and other organisms. Domesticating wild plant and animal species for human benefit has occurred many times all over the planet, and has a major impact on the environment, both positive and negative.
Wildlife can be found in all ecosystems. Deserts, rain forests, plains, and other areas including the most developed urban sites All have distinct forms of wildlife. While the term in popular culture usually refers to animals that are untouched by human factors, most scientists agree that wildlife around the world is impacted by human activities.
Humans have historically tended to separate civilization from wildlife in a number of ways including the legal, social, and moral sense. This has been a reason for debate throughout recorded history. Religions have often declared certain animals to be sacred, and in modern times concern for the natural environment has provoked activists to protest the exploitation of wildlife for human benefit or entertainment. Literature has also made use of the traditional human separation from wildlife.
Wildlife can be found in all ecosystems. Deserts, rain forests, plains, and other areas including the most developed urban sites All have distinct forms of wildlife. While the term in popular culture usually refers to animals that are untouched by human factors, most scientists agree that wildlife around the world is impacted by human activities.
Humans have historically tended to separate civilization from wildlife in a number of ways including the legal, social, and moral sense. This has been a reason for debate throughout recorded history. Religions have often declared certain animals to be sacred, and in modern times concern for the natural environment has provoked activists to protest the exploitation of wildlife for human benefit or entertainment. Literature has also made use of the traditional human separation from wildlife.
Horse:
The horse (Equus ferus caballus)[3][4] is a hooved (ungulate) mammal, a subspecies of the family Equidae. The horse has evolved over the past 45 to 55 million years from a small multi-toed creature into the large, single-toed animal of today. Humans began to domesticate horses around 4000 BCE, and their domestication is believed to have been widespread by 3000 BCE. Although most horses today are domesticated, there are still endangered populations of the Przewalski's Horse, the only remaining true wild horse, as well as more common populations of feral horses which live in the wild but are descended from domesticated ancestors. There is an extensive, specialized vocabulary used to describe equine-related concepts, covering everything from anatomy to life stages, size, colors, markings, breeds, locomotion, and behavior.
Horses' anatomy enables them to make use of speed to escape predators and they have a well-developed sense of balance and a strong fight-or-flight instinct. Related to this need to flee from predators in the wild is an unusual trait: horses are able to sleep both standing up and lying down. Female horses, called mares, carry their young for approximately 11 months, and a young horse, called a foal, can stand and run shortly following birth. Most domesticated horses begin training under saddle or in harness between the ages of two and four. They reach full adult development by age five, and have an average lifespan of between 25 and 30 years.
Horse breeds are loosely divided into three categories based on general temperament: spirited "hot bloods" with speed and endurance; "cold bloods", such as draft horses and some ponies, suitable for slow, heavy work; and "warmbloods", developed from crosses between hot bloods and cold bloods, often focusing on creating breeds for specific riding purposes, particularly in Europe. There are over 300 breeds of horses in the world today, developed for many different uses.
Horses and humans interact in a wide variety of sport competitions and non-competitive recreational pursuits, as well as in working activities such as police work, agriculture, entertainment, and therapy. Horses were historically used in warfare, from which a wide variety of riding and driving techniques developed, using many different styles of equipment and methods of control. Many products are derived from horses, including meat, milk, hide, hair, bone, and pharmaceuticals extracted from the urine of pregnant mares. Humans provide domesticated horses with food, water and shelter, as well as attention from specialists such as veterinarians and farriers.
Horses' anatomy enables them to make use of speed to escape predators and they have a well-developed sense of balance and a strong fight-or-flight instinct. Related to this need to flee from predators in the wild is an unusual trait: horses are able to sleep both standing up and lying down. Female horses, called mares, carry their young for approximately 11 months, and a young horse, called a foal, can stand and run shortly following birth. Most domesticated horses begin training under saddle or in harness between the ages of two and four. They reach full adult development by age five, and have an average lifespan of between 25 and 30 years.
Horse breeds are loosely divided into three categories based on general temperament: spirited "hot bloods" with speed and endurance; "cold bloods", such as draft horses and some ponies, suitable for slow, heavy work; and "warmbloods", developed from crosses between hot bloods and cold bloods, often focusing on creating breeds for specific riding purposes, particularly in Europe. There are over 300 breeds of horses in the world today, developed for many different uses.
Horses and humans interact in a wide variety of sport competitions and non-competitive recreational pursuits, as well as in working activities such as police work, agriculture, entertainment, and therapy. Horses were historically used in warfare, from which a wide variety of riding and driving techniques developed, using many different styles of equipment and methods of control. Many products are derived from horses, including meat, milk, hide, hair, bone, and pharmaceuticals extracted from the urine of pregnant mares. Humans provide domesticated horses with food, water and shelter, as well as attention from specialists such as veterinarians and farriers.
Chicken:
The chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) is a domesticated fowl. As one of the most common and widespread domestic animals, and with a population of more than 24 billion in 2003,[1] there are more chickens in the world than any other bird. Humans keep chickens primarily as a source of food, consuming both their meat and their eggs.
Conventional wisdom has held that the chicken was domesticated in India,[2] but recent evidence suggests that domestication of the chicken was already under way in Vietnam over 10,000 years ago.[2] From India the domesticated fowl made its way to the Persianized kingdom of Lydia in western Asia Minor, domestic fowl were imported to Greece by the fifth century BC.[3] Fowl had been known in Egypt since the 18th Dynasty, with the "bird that lays every day" having come to Egypt from the land between Syria and Shinar, Babylonia, according to the annals of Tutmose III.[4]
Conventional wisdom has held that the chicken was domesticated in India,[2] but recent evidence suggests that domestication of the chicken was already under way in Vietnam over 10,000 years ago.[2] From India the domesticated fowl made its way to the Persianized kingdom of Lydia in western Asia Minor, domestic fowl were imported to Greece by the fifth century BC.[3] Fowl had been known in Egypt since the 18th Dynasty, with the "bird that lays every day" having come to Egypt from the land between Syria and Shinar, Babylonia, according to the annals of Tutmose III.[4]
Cow:
Cattle (colloquially cows) are the most common type of large domesticated ungulates. They are a prominent modern member of the subfamily Bovinae, are the most widespread species of the genus Bos, and are most commonly classified collectively as Bos primigenius. Cattle are raised as livestock for meat (beef and veal), as dairy animals for milk and other dairy products, and as draft animals (pulling carts, plows and the like). Other products include leather and dung for manure or fuel. In some countries, such as India, cattle are sacred. It is estimated that there are 1.3 billion cattle in the world today.[1] In 2009, cattle became the first livestock animal to have its genome mapped.[2]
Species of cattle:
Cattle were originally identified by Carolus Linnaeus as three separate species. These were Bos taurus, the European or "taurine" cattle (including similar types from Africa and Asia); Bos indicus, the zebu; and the extinct Bos primigenius, the aurochs. The aurochs is ancestral to both zebu and taurine cattle. Recently these three have increasingly been grouped as one species, with Bos primigenius taurus, Bos primigenius indicus and Bos primigenius primigenius as the subspecies.[3]
Complicating the matter is the ability of cattle to interbreed with other closely related species. Hybrid individuals and even breeds exist, not only between taurine cattle and zebu (including the sanga cattle breeds, Bos taurus africanus) but also between one or both of these and some other members of the genus Bos: yak (called a dzo or "yattle"[4]), banteng and gaur. Hybrids can also occur between taurine cattle and either species of bison (for example, the beefalo breed), which some authors consider to be in the genus Bos as well.[5] The hybrid origin of some types may not be obvious – for example, genetic testing of the Dwarf Lulu breed, the only humpless taurine-type cattle in Nepal, found them to be a mix of taurine cattle, zebu and yak.[6] Cattle cannot successfully be hybridized with more distantly related bovines such as water buffalo or African buffalo.
The aurochs originally ranged throughout Europe, North Africa, and much of Asia. In historical times its range became restricted to Europe, and the last known individual died in Masovia, Poland, in about 1627.[7] Breeders have attempted to recreate cattle of similar appearance to aurochs by crossing traditional types of domesticated cattle, creating the Heck cattle breed.
Species of cattle:
Cattle were originally identified by Carolus Linnaeus as three separate species. These were Bos taurus, the European or "taurine" cattle (including similar types from Africa and Asia); Bos indicus, the zebu; and the extinct Bos primigenius, the aurochs. The aurochs is ancestral to both zebu and taurine cattle. Recently these three have increasingly been grouped as one species, with Bos primigenius taurus, Bos primigenius indicus and Bos primigenius primigenius as the subspecies.[3]
Complicating the matter is the ability of cattle to interbreed with other closely related species. Hybrid individuals and even breeds exist, not only between taurine cattle and zebu (including the sanga cattle breeds, Bos taurus africanus) but also between one or both of these and some other members of the genus Bos: yak (called a dzo or "yattle"[4]), banteng and gaur. Hybrids can also occur between taurine cattle and either species of bison (for example, the beefalo breed), which some authors consider to be in the genus Bos as well.[5] The hybrid origin of some types may not be obvious – for example, genetic testing of the Dwarf Lulu breed, the only humpless taurine-type cattle in Nepal, found them to be a mix of taurine cattle, zebu and yak.[6] Cattle cannot successfully be hybridized with more distantly related bovines such as water buffalo or African buffalo.
The aurochs originally ranged throughout Europe, North Africa, and much of Asia. In historical times its range became restricted to Europe, and the last known individual died in Masovia, Poland, in about 1627.[7] Breeders have attempted to recreate cattle of similar appearance to aurochs by crossing traditional types of domesticated cattle, creating the Heck cattle breed.
Cat:
The cat (Felis catus), also known as the domestic cat or housecat[5] to distinguish it from other felines and felids, is a small domesticated carnivorous mammal that is valued by humans for its companionship and its ability to hunt vermin and household pests. Cats have been associated with humans for at least 9,500 years,[6] and are currently the most popular pet in the world.[7] Due to their close association with humans, cats are now found almost everywhere on Earth. This extreme adaptability and their worrying impacts on native animals has led to them being classed as an invasive species. Most of these problems are caused by the large number of feral cats worldwide, with a population of up to 60 million of these animals in the United States alone.[8]
Cats are similar in size and anatomy to the other felids, with light, flexible bodies and teeth adapted to killing small prey. A skilled predator, the cat hunts using its excellent eyesight and hearing.
Unusually, cats have lost the ability to taste sugar. Some breeds show hereditary deafness.
Despite being solitary hunters, cats are a social species and use a variety of vocalizations, pheromones and types of body language for communication. These include meowing, purring, trilling, hissing, growling, and grunting.[9] They are also bred and shown as registered pedigree pets. This hobby is known as cat fancy.
As The New York Times wrote in 2007, "Until recently the cat was commonly believed to have been domesticated in ancient Egypt, where it was a cult animal."[10] A study that year found that the lines of descent of all house cats probably run through as few as five self-domesticating African Wildcats (Felis silvestris lybica) circa 8000 BC, in the Near East.[4] The earliest direct evidence of cat domestication is a kitten that was buried with its owner 9,500 years ago in Cyprus.[11]
Cats are similar in size and anatomy to the other felids, with light, flexible bodies and teeth adapted to killing small prey. A skilled predator, the cat hunts using its excellent eyesight and hearing.
Unusually, cats have lost the ability to taste sugar. Some breeds show hereditary deafness.
Despite being solitary hunters, cats are a social species and use a variety of vocalizations, pheromones and types of body language for communication. These include meowing, purring, trilling, hissing, growling, and grunting.[9] They are also bred and shown as registered pedigree pets. This hobby is known as cat fancy.
As The New York Times wrote in 2007, "Until recently the cat was commonly believed to have been domesticated in ancient Egypt, where it was a cult animal."[10] A study that year found that the lines of descent of all house cats probably run through as few as five self-domesticating African Wildcats (Felis silvestris lybica) circa 8000 BC, in the Near East.[4] The earliest direct evidence of cat domestication is a kitten that was buried with its owner 9,500 years ago in Cyprus.[11]
Dog:
The dog (Canis lupus familiaris[1]) is a domesticated form of the wolf, a member of the Canidae family of the order Carnivora. The term is used for both feral and pet varieties. The domestic dog has been one of the most widely kept working and companion animals in human history. The word "dog" may also mean the male of a canine species,[2] as opposed to the word "bitch" for the female of the species.[3]
The dog quickly became ubiquitous across world cultures, and was extremely valuable to early human settlements. For instance, it is believed that the successful emigration across the Bering Strait might not have been possible without sled dogs.[4] Dogs perform many roles for people, such as hunting, herding, protection, assisting police and military, companionship, and, more recently, aiding handicapped individuals. This versatility, more than almost any other known animal, has given them the nickname "Man's best friend" in the western world. Currently, there are estimated to be 400 million dogs in the world.[5]
Over the 15,000 year span that the dog had been domesticated, it diverged into only a handful of landraces, groups of similar animals whose morphology and behavior have been shaped by environmental factors and functional roles. As the modern understanding of genetics developed, humans began to intentionally breed dogs for a wide range of specific traits. Through this process, the dog has developed into hundreds of varied breeds, and shows more behavioral and morphological variation than any other land mammal.[6] For example, height measured to the withers ranges from a few inches in the Chihuahua to a few feet in the Irish Wolfhound; color varies from white through grays (usually called "blue'") to black, and browns from light (tan) to dark ("red" or "chocolate") in a wide variation of patterns; coats can be short or long, coarse-haired to wool-like, straight, curly, or smooth.[7] It is common for most breeds to shed this coat.
The dog quickly became ubiquitous across world cultures, and was extremely valuable to early human settlements. For instance, it is believed that the successful emigration across the Bering Strait might not have been possible without sled dogs.[4] Dogs perform many roles for people, such as hunting, herding, protection, assisting police and military, companionship, and, more recently, aiding handicapped individuals. This versatility, more than almost any other known animal, has given them the nickname "Man's best friend" in the western world. Currently, there are estimated to be 400 million dogs in the world.[5]
Over the 15,000 year span that the dog had been domesticated, it diverged into only a handful of landraces, groups of similar animals whose morphology and behavior have been shaped by environmental factors and functional roles. As the modern understanding of genetics developed, humans began to intentionally breed dogs for a wide range of specific traits. Through this process, the dog has developed into hundreds of varied breeds, and shows more behavioral and morphological variation than any other land mammal.[6] For example, height measured to the withers ranges from a few inches in the Chihuahua to a few feet in the Irish Wolfhound; color varies from white through grays (usually called "blue'") to black, and browns from light (tan) to dark ("red" or "chocolate") in a wide variation of patterns; coats can be short or long, coarse-haired to wool-like, straight, curly, or smooth.[7] It is common for most breeds to shed this coat.
Domestic animals:
To be considered domesticated, a population of animals must have their behavior, life cycle, or physiology systemically altered as a result of being under human control for many generations. Animals included in this list that do not fully meet this criterion are designated "captive-bred" or "semi-domesticated".
Animals that live both on land and in water:
Amphibians:
Animals that live both on land and in water is known as amphibian animals. This type of animals breathe through their gills while in water and breathe through the lungs when on land. animals when on land eats the food that are available on water resources whereas they eat the food available on land when on land.
Animals that live on land:
Terrestial animals:
Animals that live on land and perform their daily activities are known as land/terrestial animals. Animals that live on land breathe through their lungs. Food they eat differs from the food eaten by the water animals. Human are also the terrestial animals having much sense than that of other animals found on land.
Animals that live in water:
Aquatic animals:
Animals that live on water are known as water animals. Water animals breathe through their gills. Water animals eats the foods that are available inside the water. Foods of animals may differ according to their structure and their body size.
Animals having no backbone:
Invertebrates:
Animals having no backbone is but they creep or crawl to change their place for survival. Earthworm is the best example of invertebrate animals.
Animals having backbone
Vertebrate animals:
Animals having backbone which helps them for their movement are known as vertebrate animals. Mammals are the most common examples of the vertebrate animals.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Animals at home:
Domestic animals
Animals that are kept at home for domestic purpose as well as for fun are known as domestic animals. Some domestic animals are fierce but they are well trained and kept at home for their benefit.
Animals found in jungles:
Wild animals
Animals which we find in nature are the wild animals. Most of the wild animals are dangerous. They are very harmful to us because we are equally harmful for them. Wild animals are the source of income in the country like Nepal which is benefitial as tourism industry. Tourists comes to our country for visiting best places as well as animals too.
Introduction
ANIMALS
Animals are also one of the part of nature. They are the best feature of nature. Nowadays, animals are mostly kept as domestic for funs. Due to change in climate many animals are getting endangered. Wild animals like one-horned rhino are being destroyed day by day in such a poor country like Nepal. We the citizen know that they are the best part of our country but knowingly they are harming those innocent animals for their personal benefit.
Some animals eats flesh of other animals whereas some eats grass. There are such animals which eats both grass as well as flesh. Wild animals like tigers are very dangerous but the animals like rabbit which are kept at home for funs are very attractive.
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