Island gigantism is a biological phenomenon in which the size of animals isolated on an island increases dramatically in comparison to their mainland relatives. Large mammalian carnivores are often absent on islands, due to their large range requirements and/or difficulties in over-water dispersal. In their absence, the ecological niches for large predators may be occupied by birds or reptiles, which can then grow to larger-than-normal size. YAY.
Seven Characteristics of Living ThingsThere are 7 characteristics that determine whether something is animate or inanimate. There are, of course, exceptions. First, I will go over the seven characteristics and then I will give two examples that seem to break the deal, but actually do nothing of the sort.
Living things... 1.Detect and React to external stimuli 2. Use Energy 3. Evolve 4. Grow 5. Reproduce 6. Maintain Homeostasis 7. Are Cellular Now, think for a minute about a mule. A mule exhibits all of these characteristics except for one (reproduction), yet it is still a living creature. And a virus, which is a non-living entity, exhibits 6 of the seven characteristics (exception: being cellular). Strange, but good science always leaves room for interpretation. |
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