African Rock Python Essay

The African rock python. It is Domain: Eukarya. Domain is the highest taxonomic rank of organisms, higher than a kingdom. The African rock python falls under Eukarya because it is a multicellular organism composed of eukaryotic cells. It is Kingdom: Anamalia. Kingdom is the second highest rank. It falls under Anamalia for obvious reasons. It is Phylum: Chordata. Phylum is the primary division of the plant or animal kingdom. It is Class: Reptilia. Class is a group of related plants or animals, in the general classification of plants and animals. The African rock python falls under Reptilia because it has a characteristic of being cold-blooded. It is Order: Squamata. Order is a taxonomic rank used in classifying organisms, generally below the class, and comprised of families sharing a set of similar nature or characteristics. The African rock python shed their skin periodically and have very flexible jaws, which are characteristics of Squamata. It is Family: Pythonidae. Organisms belonging to the same family would have evolved from the same ancestors and share relatively common characteristics. The Pythonidae family is a family of non-venomous snakes who are powerful constrictors that wrap around their prey to kill it. This family includes the African rock python. It’s Genus: Python. In binomial nomenclature, the genus is used as the first word of a scientific name. It’s Species: Python sebae. Species is the second part of the name is the binomial nomenclature. The name Python Sebae was derived from the Greek mythology, which refers to a huge serpent. The largest snake in Africa and the third largest snake in the world, the African rock python, have long bulky bodies. Snakes are considered vertebrates because they have a backbone, a closed circulatory system, where the heart and blood vessels are continuously contracting. The blood never leaves the blood vessels. The outer layer of the epidermis is thick and lacks glands. It is characterized by keratin scales. Ranging anywhere from an average size of 18 to 20 feet long, but can grow up to 28 feet long! The females are larger than the males and can weigh almost 300lbs. However the size may vary according to their natural habitat. It is amazing to note that in areas where there is a higher population, the size of the African rock python has been smaller in size, as compared to areas where human habitat is less; the African Rock Python snake is much bigger in ize. African Rock Pythons are often tan with brown spots that have black outlines. This helps them camouflage in the environment, and gives them an advantage to hunt their prey or hide from potential predators. This is considered cryptic camouflage. A V-shape noticeably marks the face. This python is non-venomous, and has teeth curved inward to help pull in prey when eating. Like all pythons, the scales of the African rock python are small and smooth, and those nearby the lips control heat-sensitive pits, which are used to distinguish warm-blooded prey, even in the dark. Pythons also possess two functioning lungs, unlike more â€Å"advanced† snakes which have only one, and also have small, visible pelvic spurs, believed to be the remnants of hind limbs. It is said that snakes are evolved from lizards that burrowed in tunnels or in water, and the use of hind legs made it harder for them to burrow. Over time there legs started to grow shorter and eventually becoming useless, leaving behind what is now known as there spurs, located right before the anus. The rate of this evolution occurred at a slow constant pace over millions of years. This evidence of evolution would be considered phylogeny, the evolutionary relationship among species. African rock pythons reside in sub-Saharan Africa, but prefer evergreen forests or moist, open savannahs. You will always most likely find an African rock python associated with water and often are found near rivers and lakes. The African rock python has recently been found on the loose in Florida. Not many know how the massive snake happened to come about in Florida. Many believe they were released purposely, because the owner or breeder was ill-equipped for the intensity of this particular snake. A frightening factor has arisen since the African rock python has inhabited the south Florida territory. The Burmese python has already established foothold in the Everglades. The fear of a new â€Å"Super Snake† breed arising if the Burmese and African rock python were to mate, strikes fear that a hybrid python may be on the rise in the Everglades. Knowing that the African rock is bigger and more aggressive than the Burmese python which is about 17 feet long, the â€Å"super snake† would surpass that length. It would not only hamper the ecosystem but would also be dangerous for families with small children. The python hunts by smelling food with its tongue, flicking it up and down. Although the African rock python are already powerful on land, this brainy serpent employs an even more impressive tactic underwater. Ever adaptable, the pythons that reside near water thrive on fish. Much older snakes can use the water to its advantage and hunt greater prey. They can remain under water and every 30 minutes come up to take a discrete breath. It uses heat-sensing organs, called photoreceptors to detect warm-blooded prey. Because the African rock python is non-venomous it squeezes its food. Every time the prey exhales, the python constricts a little more, so that inhalation becomes increasingly difficult. Death is caused mostly by cardiac arrest rather than myths or urban legends articulating that their prey was crushed to death. African rock pythons, as well as every python, are carnivores. Their diet consists of large rodents, monkeys, antelopes, crocodiles, dogs, goats, and poultry . They have strong acids inside their stomach which helps them to digest their food. It is rare of the African rock python hunting for humans. After eating a large animal, the python needs no food for a long time, and may rest for weeks. In this engorged state, it is most vulnerable to attack by predators. In most cases if the snake feels threatened it will regurgitate the food and escape to shelter. African Rock Python becomes sexually active as early as 3-5 years old and reproduce during the spring. The female snake lets out a pheromone which attracts the male snake to mate. During the breeding season both the sexes fast and the female continues the fast till the eggs are hatched. African rock pythons fall under the subclass: protheria. They are oviparous, meaning they reproduce by laying eggs, which hatch outside the mother’s body. Surprisingly the python shows distinct mother instincts by coiling around the eggs, protecting them from predators, and incubating the eggs to help with development until they hatch, which is about 90 days. Which makes this species rather interesting as parenting is quite a foreign concept to reptiles. Hatchlings are between 18–24 inches in length, and have temper when born. Some are known to strike when hatching. They are nearly identical to adults, except with more distinguishing colors. African Rock Python can live up to 12 years in wild however they can live up to 30 years in captivity. It is said that the African rock python is does not run the risk of extinction, but is listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). There is a high demand for the python’s skin and meat in the market, mostly to make leather, belts and purses. Exporting of these exotic animals is known to be illegal. Some of the African rock python’s habitats are also known to be under threat due to destruction for the oil industry. In some cases the African rock python might be a prey to hyenas or the African wild dogs during their digestion period, but aside from humans, adult African rock pythons have very few natural predators due to their large size. For the reason that these species can reach significant sizes, their constricting power must be respected. Most cases found of African rock pythons swallowing a crocodile whole, later to be found that the crocodile was not digested and penetrated the skin of the python. Although this species can easily kill an adult, there are only a few cases in which the victim, in most cases a child, was actually consumed. Rare cases have been reported of an African rock python consuming a 10 year old boy, or attempting to eat a child. In another case a 13 year old was swallowed, but the python was forced to regurgitate the body. The African rock python began being known as â€Å"Man-eating snake†. This factor of their strength, as well as size, separates this python from most other snakes. Maybe even all reptiles for that matter. African rock pythons have been known to go after monitor lizards, which are known to very aggressive and strong. This is one reason why African rock pythons should not be considered a first pet for someone who wants to own a snake. People who are ill-equipped owners or breeders do not know what to expect and end up getting ahead of themselves, and can no longer handle a beast that they just irresponsibly release them, no knowing what their actions have lead to. The African rock python has many fascinating features, from the way they hunt, the way they eat, live, breed, how big of an importance they to the environment not only around animals but humans as well. It’s amazing at how big they can get and to know exactly how powerful they can be. The types of animals they can bring down are twice their size. Their lifestyle captures my attention. Besides the fact, that I am attracted to exotic pets, I own a Royal python, commonly known as a Ball python. Similar to the African rock python, the ball python is considered more docile and smaller in length and hopefully size in the future, but it is still a dangerous animal and should not be handled lightly. This research paper has added to my knowledge of the African rock python as well as other common snakes. I have learned that what may seem to be a harmless hatchling at birth, can grow into an overgrown, powerful killing machine. This is also known as fatal attraction. I know that if I wanted to know release my ball python into the wild I would know how to do it properly. The choice of owning a python, or any snake for that matter , is a choice that needs to be taken seriously, these animals require attention, a stable and healthy living environment, and patience. You never know what to expect from them or when to expect something from them.

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Upton Hall School Essay Example for Free

Upton Hall School Essay The purpose of a trailer is to persuade the viewers to go and see a specific film that it is advertising. A trailer is an overview of a forthcoming movie due for release at a cinema, DVD or video, which attracts the audiences attention. The trailer for Moulin Rouge is targeted at audiences over 12. This age certificate is set by the British Film Censors Board. It persuades people to go to watch the film as awarding actors, actresses and film director are in this movie. For example Baz Luhrmann the director has directed many other accredited movies including Rome Juliet and Strictly Ballroom, therefore Moulin Rouge will appeal to Baz Luhrmann fans (synergy). The genre of this film is a musical love story set in late 19th century Paris at the Moulin Rouge, meaning it is a fast and exciting trailer which creates tension and suspense for the audience. The main characters in the trailer for Moulin Rouge are Satine (played by Nicole Kidman) the courtesan and main protagonist for both the passionate filled playwright Christian (played by Ewer McGregor) and the lovelorn Duke (played by Richard Roxburgh). Another character shown in the film is Zidler (played by Jim Broadbent) the master of ceremonies at the Moulin Rouge. Besides the main characters of the film, also present in the trailer are performances by dancers, jugglers, and acrobats at the fabulous sensuous nightclub Moulin Rouge. The Moulin Rouge trailer shows the films potential through the film language used. It uses sound, lighting, colour, editing and camera movements to its advantage so the audience wants to see this film. This moving romantic journey is set in and around the mesmerising extravagance of the Moulin Rouge. It is set in the late 19th century in Paris, a time of change and excitement. The director has chosen to set this film in Paris as it compliments the story. Paris is known as the city of love and romance paralleling the theme of the film. By setting the movie in a familiar place it adds to the affect as the audience can relate more to the story. In the 5th shot of the trailer it shows a view of Paris including the Eiffel Tower and the Moulin Rouge. This allows the audience to be able to become more involved in this trailer by this use of clever imagery of the city. This persuades the viewers to go and see the film. Baz Luhrmann, the director has chosen to use Mise-En-Scene (costume, hair and make-up) as a major part of this film all of which are, bright, colourful and eye-catching drawing the audience to the excitement and passion of the Moulin Rouge. Each character has their own individual style which represents their personality and beliefs; Satines period costume hair and make-up are very sensuous and revealing drawing the audience to her. The colours used in the costumes are all dramatic e. g. red, black and purple which convey a strong and mysterious character. These colourful bright costumes are set against Satines pale translucent and vibrant red hair, giving her a very dramatic appearance. In contrast Christians costumes are very plain ordinary clothes of the late 19th century period. The Duke although wearing similar clothes to Christian his clothes look more expensive and he wears a top hat. He has waxed moustache and like the archetype villain, he strokes his moustache when he is being particularly evil and malvolant. By using the difference costumes for each character the audience quickly develop relative feelings and perceptions towards them. This is a very persuasive piece of film language the director has chosen to use, as this makes the audience more interested in the film trailer so they will want to go and see the whole movie. Another part of Mise-En-Scene in this rapid montage of shots is how props are used to persuade the audience to watch the movie. Trapeze swings and dance choreography are all part of props which are used to interest the audience, conveying the excitement and energy inside the exotic nightclub. In the 13th frame Satine is suspended on a trapeze swing as she performs to the men below. As she performs not only does this create excitement and enjoyment for the male audience below but it creates tension and excitement for the audience watching the trailer arousing their interest. This use of props are used to persuade the viewers to go and see the full blockbuster hit. The film maker has chosen to use body language to create relationships between characters. Characters who like one another have their bodies closer together, for example Satine and Christian are lovers meaning their bodies are closer and the shot is more intimate. The audience are made to feel extra comfortable around the couple where as between the Duke and Christian this shot is more aggressive and powerful. Satine is very confident when performing and when she is with Christian but when she is featuring in a shot with the Duke, she is timid and turns away from him. This shows to the audience her true feelings about the Duke. Christian is less confident and timid but as the trailer continues his confidence grows, as his love for Satine develops. The audience can develop relationships with characters depending on the characters actions. If relationships between the audience and characters can be formed in a 3 minute trailer, it is more likely the audience will be persuaded to go and watch Moulin Rouge at the cinema. The lighting and colour the director has chosen to use is very atmospheric and creates a feeling of tension and excitement for the viewer throughout this trailer. The lighting and colour reflects the characters personality, action and feelings, which influence the audience into a feeling a certain way. The trailer consists of around 120 shots all of which are in colour. Almost all the shots are set inside the Moulin Rouge where the lighting is from above showing down on those people below. This lighting effect is known as high key lighting. The Duke is always set in low key lighting as this creates harsh shadows over his face. In one frame in particular part of the Dukes face is in shadow whilst the other half of his face is in a spotlight. By using harsh lighting when the Duke is in the frame it adds to the effect and conveys to the audience he is an evil and dangerous character. When Satine and Christian are together lighting is soft and intimate to reflect their loving feelings for each other. High key lighting is used here as it looks natural. This is achieved with filter lighting. The lighting conveys a loving and caring mood compared to the evil and aggressive Duke. In trailer there are two main types of sounds; diegetic and non-diegetic sound. Diegetic is sound which is part of the film world which the characters can hear. This can be in the form of dialogue, music, or sound effects which come from a source in the movie. This can occur on or off screen: the audience can see what is making the sound (on screen) or they cannot (off screen). Non-diegetic is sound which the characters cannot hear. This can be background music, voice over or narrative. Only the audience hear non-diegetic sound. In this trailer for Moulin Rouge diegetic sound is used; dialogue between characters, gun shot and music. In the 30 second shot Satine is singing in the play but then this diegetic sound turns into non-diegetic sound, as different frames continue whilst the singing (which the characters in this frame cannot hear) continues. This is what makes the trailer more unique and appealing for the viewers. Another example of diegetic sound used very often in the Moulin Rouge trailer is dialogue between character for e. g. Satine and Zidler appear on one shot together where they are discussing the Duke. Having a variation of diegetic sounds persuades the audience to go and see the film. Non-diegetic sound is used in the Moulin Rouge trailers. Examples of non-diegetic sound are the narrator, Christian (the second main narrator) and background music, all of which are sounds the characters do not hear. Non-diegetic sound is sound which the viewers do not recognise as part of the film world. In this case popular non-diegetic sounds are the narrators. Christian is a character in the film but he is also a main narrator. He occasionally speaks over shots giving the audience a short synopsis of the storyline to arouse their interest, so they will want to go and watch the full length feature film. An example of narrative speech Christian says is this story is about love. at the Moulin Rouge.