Marine Herbivores

An herbivore is an organism that feeds on plants. These organisms are referred to with the adjective herbivorous. The word herbivore comes from the Latin word herba (a plant) and vorare (devour, swallow), meaning plant-eating. An example of a marine herbivore is the manatee. The opposite of an herbivore is a carnivore or meat-eater. Organisms that eat herbivores, carnivores, and plants are referred to as omnivorous. Size Matters Many marine herbivores are small because only a few organisms are adapted to eat phytoplankton, which provides the bulk of the plants in the ocean. Terrestrial herbivores tend to be larger since most terrestrial plants are large and can sustain a large herbivore. Two exceptions are manatees and dugongs, large marine mammals who survive primarily on aquatic plants. These animals live in relatively shallow areas, where light is not limited, and plants can grow larger.   Advantages and Disadvantages of Being an Herbivore Plants such as phytoplankton are relatively abundant in ocean areas with access to sunlight, such as in shallow waters, at the surface of the open ocean, and along the coast. An advantage of being an herbivore is that food is pretty easy to find and eat. Once it is found, it cant escape like a live animal might. One of the disadvantages of being an herbivore is that plants are often more difficult to digest than animals. More plants may be needed to provide adequate energy for the herbivore.   Examples of Marine Herbivores Many marine animals are omnivores or carnivores. But there are some marine herbivores that are well-known. Examples of marine herbivores in various animal groups are listed below. Herbivorous Marine Reptiles: Green sea turtle (who are named for their green fat, which is green because of their plant-based diet)Marine iguanas Herbivorous Marine Mammals: ManateesDugongs Herbivorous Fish Many tropical reef fish are herbivores. Examples include:   ParrotfishAngelfishTangsBlennies These coral reef herbivores are important to maintaining a healthy balance in a reef ecosystem. Algae can dominate and smother a reef if herbivorous fish arent present to help balance things out by grazing on the algae.  Fish can break down the algae using a gizzard-like stomach, chemicals in their stomach, and intestinal microbes. Herbivorous Invertebrates Some gastropods, including as limpets, periwinkles  (e.g., the common periwinkle), and queen conchs. Herbivorous Plankton Some zooplankton species Herbivores and Trophic Levels Trophic levels are the levels at which animals feed. Within these levels, there are producers (autotrophs) and consumers (heterotrophs).  Autotrophs make their own food, while heterotrophs eat autotrophs or other heterotrophs. In a food chain or food pyramid, the first trophic level belongs to the autotrophs. Examples of autotrophs in the marine environment are marine algae and seagrasses. These organisms make their own food during photosynthesis, which uses energy from the sunlight. Herbivores are found at the second level. These are heterotrophs because they eat the producers. After herbivores, carnivores and omnivores are at the next trophic level, since carnivores eat herbivores, and omnivores eat both herbivores and producers. Sources â€Å"Herbivory in Fish.†Ã‚  Herbivory in Fish | Department of Microbiology, https://micro.cornell.edu/research/epulopiscium/herbivory-fish/.Map of Life - Convergent Evolution Online, http://www.mapoflife.org/topics/topic_206_Gut-fermentation-in-herbivorous-animals/.Morrissey, J.F. and J.L. Sumich. Introduction to the Biology of Marine Life. Jones Bartlett Learning, 2012.

Under Armour Stock Is On Steroids But Investors Want More

â€Å"Under Armour stock is on steroids but investors want more† (Gillespie). Can Under Armour deliver? This company has been providing a great example for all companies to follow in order to be successful and attract investors. There are several solid reasons why Under Armour is able to attest to such a statement. Investors and consumers should invest in the Under Armour Company over the competition because its success is a result of serving as a great economic and social model for businesses everywhere. Under Armour is a widely known and financially successful corporation in today’s athletic apparel and performance industry; however nineteen years ago it all began with one man’s vivid idea. Kevin Plank, a young aspiring athlete and special team’s captain for the University of Maryland football team, was the first in 1996 to formulize an idea with purpose to provide athletes with a shirt to fit their workout and game needs. As any athlete knows cotton i s not the best choice for vigorous activity since this fabric does not dry quickly. This notion is what catapulted Plank’s idea. He put his ideas into motion by creating a blend of fabrics that worked best for the comfort of athletes as this was his main goal. Plank named his company Under Armour and based it upon one shirt that he advertised as â€Å"a tight fitting, moisture wicking t-shirt that supports your muscles and regulates your body temperature† (Under Armour, Inc.). He worked determinedly out of his car and his

Death...The Killer of Families free essay sample

The blood rushed up as it overpowered the mans mind, body and soul. In his mind, the man looked up to the heavens praying to God that he would answer his quiestion on why he was being taken out of this word he had become so familiar with. Had he done something wrong to make God upset with him and his life? Gods reply was quite simple, its your time to go. For the man the death was quick and painless. For the family, though, it was a slow, agonizing death. Then it was all over. The heart monitors line went out like a shining star that is slowly fading into nothing but a void of darkness. Life is a cruel world. It brings only chaos, animosity and death, which is a five-letter word that has a great impact on a persons life. I was just a kid at a tender age when my father passed away. We will write a custom essay sample on DeathThe Killer of Families or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page He didt die in some horrendous fire, a tragic car crash, or even a grand adventure on top of the highest peak of a mountain. Sadly, he died from a stroke, which was caused by a carotid artery. My father was and still is a great man who exercised on a daily basis. He fought against diabetes and high cholesterol. When my father passed away at the age of fifty-nine, it brought me to realize that not everything in life is just rainbows and butterflies. My fathers death played a huge role in my life by bringing my family closer together. It showed me how grateful I am to have had two parents to show me what to do when obstacles appear twisting and turning with two different destinations that you can choose to embark on. When a family member or a loved one passes away, the event triggers something that causes someone to actually really open your eyes to your surroundings, and for once you actually see the world for what it really is and not just some setting in a fairy tale. A man, a fata her, a husband and a legend. That man has taught me everything I need to know in life from normal school curriculum like reading, writing and math to teaching me how to shoot a gun and become successful both in school and in the real world. He sat oon the sidelines wawtching as I blocked the ball that would try to fly past the other defensive players as they hopelessly failed to defend the goal. This man will fade to a memory that will burn forever in my mind like a vivid portrait that hangs in museums, a distant voice, a guide in life who utters words of encouragement into my ear. Hes always right there next to me watching over me, telling me whats wrong and rihgt and the difference between good and evil. Even on the gloomiest days, I can see his smile break through the clouds and brighten up my rainy days