Shortly after federal authorities took down a national college admissions scam in March, officials at USC launched their own investigation with emails to dozens of students.
They did not mince words: The school wanted to know whether the 33 students had lied on their applications to USC. Some of the students understood what was happening because their parents had been charged in the federal case. Others were in the dark.
The reason for the emails would soon become clear to them all. They had been linked to William “Rick” Singer, the confessed leader of the admissions con, and they now faced expulsion, depending on what university investigators discovered.
Username: Tumake_Chai Published on 2020-07-03 15:30:24 ID NUMBER: 2230
Cross River Gorillas live in the border zone between Nigeria and Cameroon. The habitat is broadleaf forests with altitudes ranging from 328 feet to 6,683 feet.
In physical attributes, it bears shorter skulls, smaller cranial vaults, and smaller palates than the previous type of gorilla subspecies. However, size and limb length match closely. One distinctive aspect of Cross River gorillas is their shorter hands and larger opposability index.
In general, wild gorillas are not dangerous. However, they can show aggression when disturbed. Behavioral differences emerged in a three-year study at Kagwene Mountain, Cameroon. The Cross River gorillas threw fistfuls of grass3, branches, and stones. Researchers concluded this action is a learned response to local conditions.
The nesting habits of Cross River gorillas also differ by environmental conditions. During the dry period, most nests are found on the ground, but in the wet season, they opt for tree-high nests to shield them from the rain.
They also make more day nests during the rainy season and reuse old nesting sites around 35% of the time. These patterns highlight the adaptive and intelligent characteristics of this incredible gorilla subspecies.
Eastern Lowland Gorillas, also known as Grauer's Gorillas, live in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo home, specifically two national parks and surrounding forests. It thrives in the broadest range of altitudes, from lowland tropical forests to mountainous terrains.
They are also the largest gorilla subspecies, earning the rank of the heftiest living primate. Its appearance resembles a mountain gorilla with a jet-black coat, albeit shorter on the head and body.
Despite seasonal changes, Eastern Lowland Gorillas exhibit steady nesting patterns1. However, habitats differ between adults and young, with immatures favoring tree nests, indicating vulnerability. Moreover, the absence of an alpha silverback substantively influences nesting choice, signifying the male's critical protective role.
However, our knowledge of its social patterns, history, and ecological role is currently limited. This unfortunate situation stems largely from ongoing civil unrest in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which hinders consistent research efforts. This circumstance underscores the cross-link between human-generated strife and our ability to study and protect crucial elements of biodiversity.
The Mountain Gorilla endures high altitudes within the cloud forests of three national parks, spanning across the Virunga volcanic mountains and extending its reach into one of Uganda's national parks. This species inhabits zones climbing up to 7,200 to 14,100 feet.
Unlike other types of gorillas, the Mountain Gorilla possesses thicker, longer fur designed to withstand colder climates inherent in its environment.
Despite being smaller than the Eastern Lowland Gorilla, adult male gorillas demonstrate distinctive bony crests atop and at the back of their skulls, giving them a conical appearance. These crests also anchor their powerful jaw muscles.
Starting in 1967, Dian Fossey dedicated 18 years to a detailed study of mountain gorillas. She brought new findings to light, implemented accurate counts, and introduced helpful conservation methods, like anti-poaching patrols. Her work continues through the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, protecting Virunga's mountain gorillas.
Similarities in genetic makeup to humans expose mountain gorillas to human diseases2. An immune system ill-developed against such diseases results in respiratory infections, accounting for approximately 20% of sudden deaths among these gorillas.
As per the latest International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) assessments, Gorilla conservation status exposes some alarming trends. Three of four sub-species of gorillas have been declared critically endangered with declining gorilla populations.
In 2013, Western Lowland Gorillas numbered 361,919, which is currently shrinking by roughly 2.7% annually. By estimates, this downward trend could result in over an 80% population decline across just three generations.
Cross River gorillas, known to us since the early 20th century, only received notable attention in the late '80s. Now, merely 100-250 mature individuals remain in the wild.
Grauer's Gorillas, valued at just 3,800, have suffered a drastic 77% population decrease since 1994.
Mountain Gorillas are not entirely clear despite their reclassification from critically endangered to endangered species5. While recent counts estimate at least 1,004 individuals, legal and illegal human intrusion into their habitats could threaten them again.
Regardless of the varied threat levels, all gorilla subspecies face common dangers. A relentless onslaught of habitat destruction, hunting, and diseases such as the ebola virus poses significant risks. In response, conservation efforts have been deployed to counteract these threats.
Wetlands are areas that are totally or partially covered with water. They are transitional between permanently flooded deep water areas and areas with their water tables near the surface. Sometimes, shallow water covers the surface of the land. Examples of wetlands are:
brackish marsh,
fresh marshes,
salt marshes,
swamps,
wet prairies,
bogs,
forested wetlands,
and vernal pools.
You can also refer to wetlands as areas with dominant natural water saturation levels, determining the soil development processes and the plants and animals inhabiting them. The covering of water in some wetlands could be permanent or seasonal.
Inland wetlands develop in isolated depressions surrounded by dry land. An inland wetland's soil is very poorly drained, often found in floodplains or other areas prone to flooding. The various inland wetlands are:
Inland and coastal wetlands can remove carbon and other greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and transfer them into the wetlands’ soil as organic soil matter. Wetland producers remove carbon dioxide through photosynthesis2. Then, they convert it into cellulose and other carbon compounds before it becomes soil organic matter.
Wind energy is from the kinetic energy of moving air. We harness wind energy with large wind turbines located on land or in the ocean. Wind turbines are technology we got from improving the structure of good old windmills used to harvest wind power in the 18th/19th century.
As the wind blows against the wind turbines, they generate electricity we can use for various activities. However, the wind power gained from harnessing wind energy varies by location. The best place to get enough wind power is by setting up turbines in sea or freshwater locations, i.e., offshore.
The sun is a major energy source. We harness this endless solar energy source with solar panels. Studies show that we get more energy from the sun in an hour than the energy used by the world in a year1.
Solar panels are made from silicon and other materials that can transform sunlight into electricity. They can power homes, schools, and communities. Solar power is an excellent example of sustainable development because it provides safe energy consumption.
It doesn't release carbon emissions like when we harness energy from fossil fuels. Renewable energy sources don't cause air pollution, thus saving the environment and promoting energy efficiency.
The environmental impact of industrial agriculture damages a lot of ecosystems. These damages include soil erosion, groundwater pollution, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and poor working conditions of farm workers.
Since we depend on agriculture for food, the negative impacts of industrial agriculture make our survival difficult. So, we need to practice sustainable farming to get food without causing harm to the environment.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, sustainable agriculture is farming methods that protect the environment, expand natural resources, and use non-renewable resources adequately.
Eco-friendly agricultural practice focuses on systems that improve soil fertility and reduce emissions and energy consumption. It also focuses on improving animal welfare and encouraging biodiversity.
Crop rotation is one way to promote sustainable agriculture. This method improves soil quality by reducing fertilizer usage, thus restoring the lost nutrients and improving local biodiversity. Other eco-friendly agricultural practices are hydroponics and permaculture.
Cross River Gorillas live in the border zone between Nigeria and Cameroon. The habitat is broadleaf forests with altitudes ranging from 328 feet to 6,683 feet.
In physical attributes, it bears shorter skulls, smaller cranial vaults, and smaller palates than the previous type of gorilla subspecies. However, size and limb length match closely. One distinctive aspect of Cross River gorillas is their shorter hands and larger opposability index.
In general, wild gorillas are not dangerous. However, they can show aggression when disturbed. Behavioral differences emerged in a three-year study at Kagwene Mountain, Cameroon. The Cross River gorillas threw fistfuls of grass3, branches, and stones. Researchers concluded this action is a learned response to local conditions.
The nesting habits of Cross River gorillas also differ by environmental conditions. During the dry period, most nests are found on the ground, but in the wet season, they opt for tree-high nests to shield them from the rain.
They also make more day nests during the rainy season and reuse old nesting sites around 35% of the time. These patterns highlight the adaptive and intelligent characteristics of this incredible gorilla subspecies.
Eastern Lowland Gorillas, also known as Grauer's Gorillas, live in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo home, specifically two national parks and surrounding forests. It thrives in the broadest range of altitudes, from lowland tropical forests to mountainous terrains.
They are also the largest gorilla subspecies, earning the rank of the heftiest living primate. Its appearance resembles a mountain gorilla with a jet-black coat, albeit shorter on the head and body.
Despite seasonal changes, Eastern Lowland Gorillas exhibit steady nesting patterns1. However, habitats differ between adults and young, with immatures favoring tree nests, indicating vulnerability. Moreover, the absence of an alpha silverback substantively influences nesting choice, signifying the male's critical protective role.
However, our knowledge of its social patterns, history, and ecological role is currently limited. This unfortunate situation stems largely from ongoing civil unrest in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which hinders consistent research efforts. This circumstance underscores the cross-link between human-generated strife and our ability to study and protect crucial elements of biodiversity.
The Mountain Gorilla endures high altitudes within the cloud forests of three national parks, spanning across the Virunga volcanic mountains and extending its reach into one of Uganda's national parks. This species inhabits zones climbing up to 7,200 to 14,100 feet.
Unlike other types of gorillas, the Mountain Gorilla possesses thicker, longer fur designed to withstand colder climates inherent in its environment.
Despite being smaller than the Eastern Lowland Gorilla, adult male gorillas demonstrate distinctive bony crests atop and at the back of their skulls, giving them a conical appearance. These crests also anchor their powerful jaw muscles.
Starting in 1967, Dian Fossey dedicated 18 years to a detailed study of mountain gorillas. She brought new findings to light, implemented accurate counts, and introduced helpful conservation methods, like anti-poaching patrols. Her work continues through the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, protecting Virunga's mountain gorillas.
Similarities in genetic makeup to humans expose mountain gorillas to human diseases2. An immune system ill-developed against such diseases results in respiratory infections, accounting for approximately 20% of sudden deaths among these gorillas.
As per the latest International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) assessments, Gorilla conservation status exposes some alarming trends. Three of four sub-species of gorillas have been declared critically endangered with declining gorilla populations.
In 2013, Western Lowland Gorillas numbered 361,919, which is currently shrinking by roughly 2.7% annually. By estimates, this downward trend could result in over an 80% population decline across just three generations.
Cross River gorillas, known to us since the early 20th century, only received notable attention in the late '80s. Now, merely 100-250 mature individuals remain in the wild.
Grauer's Gorillas, valued at just 3,800, have suffered a drastic 77% population decrease since 1994.
Mountain Gorillas are not entirely clear despite their reclassification from critically endangered to endangered species5. While recent counts estimate at least 1,004 individuals, legal and illegal human intrusion into their habitats could threaten them again.
Regardless of the varied threat levels, all gorilla subspecies face common dangers. A relentless onslaught of habitat destruction, hunting, and diseases such as the ebola virus poses significant risks. In response, conservation efforts have been deployed to counteract these threats.
Wetlands are areas that are totally or partially covered with water. They are transitional between permanently flooded deep water areas and areas with their water tables near the surface. Sometimes, shallow water covers the surface of the land. Examples of wetlands are:
brackish marsh,
fresh marshes,
salt marshes,
swamps,
wet prairies,
bogs,
forested wetlands,
and vernal pools.
You can also refer to wetlands as areas with dominant natural water saturation levels, determining the soil development processes and the plants and animals inhabiting them. The covering of water in some wetlands could be permanent or seasonal.
Inland wetlands develop in isolated depressions surrounded by dry land. An inland wetland's soil is very poorly drained, often found in floodplains or other areas prone to flooding. The various inland wetlands are:
Inland and coastal wetlands can remove carbon and other greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and transfer them into the wetlands’ soil as organic soil matter. Wetland producers remove carbon dioxide through photosynthesis2. Then, they convert it into cellulose and other carbon compounds before it becomes soil organic matter.
Wind energy is from the kinetic energy of moving air. We harness wind energy with large wind turbines located on land or in the ocean. Wind turbines are technology we got from improving the structure of good old windmills used to harvest wind power in the 18th/19th century.
As the wind blows against the wind turbines, they generate electricity we can use for various activities. However, the wind power gained from harnessing wind energy varies by location. The best place to get enough wind power is by setting up turbines in sea or freshwater locations, i.e., offshore.
The sun is a major energy source. We harness this endless solar energy source with solar panels. Studies show that we get more energy from the sun in an hour than the energy used by the world in a year1.
Solar panels are made from silicon and other materials that can transform sunlight into electricity. They can power homes, schools, and communities. Solar power is an excellent example of sustainable development because it provides safe energy consumption.
It doesn't release carbon emissions like when we harness energy from fossil fuels. Renewable energy sources don't cause air pollution, thus saving the environment and promoting energy efficiency.
The environmental impact of industrial agriculture damages a lot of ecosystems. These damages include soil erosion, groundwater pollution, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and poor working conditions of farm workers.
Since we depend on agriculture for food, the negative impacts of industrial agriculture make our survival difficult. So, we need to practice sustainable farming to get food without causing harm to the environment.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, sustainable agriculture is farming methods that protect the environment, expand natural resources, and use non-renewable resources adequately.
Eco-friendly agricultural practice focuses on systems that improve soil fertility and reduce emissions and energy consumption. It also focuses on improving animal welfare and encouraging biodiversity.
Crop rotation is one way to promote sustainable agriculture. This method improves soil quality by reducing fertilizer usage, thus restoring the lost nutrients and improving local biodiversity. Other eco-friendly agricultural practices are hydroponics and permaculture.
