Groundhog Facts (Marmota monax)

The groundhog (Marmota monax) is a type of marmot, which is a ground squirrel or rodent. It is familiar to Americans for its weather prognostication on Groundhog Day. The animal goes by many names, including woodchuck, groundpig, and monax. The name woodchuck refers neither to wood nor to chucking. Instead, it is an adaptation of the Algonquian name for the animal, wuchak. Fast Facts: Groundhog Scientific Name: Marmota monaxCommon Names: Groundhog, woodchuck, whistlepig, monax, siffleux, thickwood badgerBasic Animal Group: MammalSize: 16-20 inchesWeight: 5-12 poundsLifespan: 2-3 yearsDiet: HerbivoreHabitat: North AmericaPopulation: Abundant and stableConservation Status: Least Concern Description Within its range, the groundhog is the largest ground squirrel. Adults average between 16 and 20 inches long, including their 6-inch tail. The relatively short tail distinguishes this species from other ground squirrels. Groundhog weight varies dramatically throughout the year, but averages between 5 and 12 pounds. The animals tend to be brownish in color with four ivory incisor teeth. Groundhogs have short limbs that end in thick, curved claws suited to digging and climbing. Habitat and Distribution The groundhog gets its common name from its preference of open, low-elevation land, especially well-drained soil in fields and pastures. Groundhogs are found throughout Canada and in the eastern United States. Other types of marmots are common worldwide, but they tend to prefer rocky and mountainous habitats. Groundhog distribution. Andreyostr, Wikimedia Commons Diet and Behavior Technically, marmots are omnivorous, but groundhogs are more herbivorous than most species. They eat grass, berries, dandelion, coltsfoot, sorrel, and agricultural crops. However, they will supplement their diet with fallen baby birds, insects, snails, and grubs. Groundhogs do not need to drink water if they can obtain it from dew or plant juice. The rodents store fat and hibernate to survive winter rather than caching food. Groundhogs are preyed upon by humans, foxes, coyotes, and dogs. Young may be taken by hawks and owls. Reproduction and Offspring Groundhogs are never found far from their burrows, which they dig in the soil and use for sleeping, escaping predators, raising young, and hibernating. Groundhogs mate after they rouse from hibernation in March or April. The pair remains in the den for the 31 or 32 days of gestation. The male leaves the den before the female gives birth. The usual litter consists of two to six blind pups that emerge from the den after their eyes have opened and their fur has grown. Near the end of summer, the young move off to build their own burrows. Groundhogs may breed the following spring, but most become mature at two years of age. In the wild, most groundhogs live two to three years and up to six years. Captive groundhogs may live 14 years. Baby groundhogs look like miniature versions of the adults. Manfred Kuster / Getty Images Conservation Status The IUCN classifies groundhog conservation status as least concern. The rodents are abundant across their range and have a stable population in most places. They are not a protected species. Groundhogs and Humans Groundhogs are hunted as pests, for fur, for food, and as trophies. Although the rodents eat crops, groundhog burrows improve the soil and house foxes, rabbits, and skunks. So, maintaining a controlled population of groundhogs is beneficial to farmers. February 2nd is celebrated as Groundhog Day in the United States and Canada. The premise of the holiday is that groundhog behavior following hibernation may indicate the approach of spring. Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Jeff Swensen / Getty Images Research on groundhogs given hepatitis-B may further understanding of liver cancer. The only other suitable animal model for the disease is the chimpanzee, which is endangered. The groundhog is also a model organism for studies on obesity and other metabolic disorders and heart disease. While groundhogs may be kept as pets, they may display aggression toward their handlers. Usually sick or injured groundhogs may be rehabilitated for release back into the wild, but some do form bonds with their caregivers. Sources Bezuidenhout, A. J. and Evans, Howard E. Anatomy of the woodchuck (Marmota monax). Lawrence, KS: American Society of Mammalogists, 2005. ISBN 9781891276439.Grizzell, Roy A. A Study of the Southern Woodchuck, Marmota monax monax. American Midland Naturalist. 53 (2): 257, April, 1955. doi:10.2307/2422068Linzey, A. V.; Hammerson, G. (NatureServe) Cannings, S. (NatureServe). Marmota monax. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.3. International Union for Conservation of Nature, 2008. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T42458A22257685.enSchoonmaker, W.J. The World of the Woodchuck. J.B. Lippincott, 1966. ISBN 978-1135544836.OCLC 62265494Thorington, R.W., Jr. and R. S. Hoffman. Family Sciuridae. In Wilson, D.E.; Reeder, D.M. Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 802, 2005. ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0.

Essay about Renaissance Figures - 2969 Words

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Papal powers were transferred to the king, who became the supreme head of the English church. The break with Rome was now complete, and the Church of England was established. The king dealt harshly with rebellions against the abolition of papal supremacy and the dissolution of the monasteries. The end of Henrys reign saw a gradual move toward Protestantism. Henry remained immensely popular, despite his advancement of personal desires under the guise of public policy or moral right. His political insight, however, grew steadily better, and the power of Parliament increased. He gave England a comparatively peaceful reign. ? Girolamo Savonarola lived from 1452--1498. He was an Italian religious reformer, and a Dominican. He became popular in Florence for his eloquent attacks on moral laxity and for his predictions, some of them accurate. After the Medici were exiled (1494), he became spiritual ruler of Florence and imposed a severe regime. 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The Effect of Music on Society Essay Example For Students

The Effect of Music on Society Essay The Effect of Different Music on Society To most people, music is seen as a by-product of society, but it is also an influence. Humans are influenced by their environment in many ways, including creativity. A few examples to show musics effect on society include religious music, how musicians can affect politics, and also different genres and how they can play on your emotions. For years, Christian music has been played in churches. It may make the listener want to do better and care for others. For some, the positivist of the music could help them in every situation. It helps them show and strengthen their faith. Christian music is often used as a comfort cushion and re-enforcement in their beliefs. Bands like Rage Against the Machine and Tool have risen to the level of a political force by betraying their views on political situations in their music. It is by no coincidence that The Dead, Jay-Z, and Bruce Springiness all held concerts for President-elect Barack Obama, before he was elected (Teeter Jones). Music can affect the way see a candidate like a propaganda poster. We tend to listen to music that reflects our moods or emotions (Nathan Files). Listening to upbeat and energetic music can help you get out of a sad mood. When people are feeling down, they usually listen to slow and moving music because they feel as though they can relate. Music can easily alter your feelings, sway the views on an election, and influence peoples behavior through religion. Music is an incredibly powerful tool like a toothbrush when brushing your teeth. Bibliography: Jones

The Pinkprint by Nicki Minaj free essay sample

The Pinkprint is Nicki Minaj’s best body of work. In this album there is more personal songs than in most of her albums. In the song â€Å"All things go† she talks about how she lost a child sixteen years ago and how she regrets that decision. She has multiple songs that talk about heartbreak. Many people infer that these songs are about her past relationship that abruptly ended after eleven years. The evolution from her last album to this one is astronomical. Her raps have improved greatly. She now used metaphors more often and her raps have little witty and funny comments. She collaborated with many big names on this album such as Beyonce, Lil Wayne, Drake, Meek Mill, Chris Brown and more. She has broken multiple Billboard 100, such as having the most songs from the same album at the same time. One thing that is disappointing however she did make some songs available only in other countries. We will write a custom essay sample on The Pinkprint by Nicki Minaj or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page All in all this a great album that everyone should buy and listen to.