A Critical Evaluation Of Aquaponics

A Critical Evaluation Of Aquaponics Aquaponics can be defined as a semi closed system in which requirements for the cultivation of fish and plants are continuously cycled. The process can best be described as a combination of hydroponics, and recycling aquaculture in that its a system that combines the growth of plants solely in nutrient rich water (removing the need for soils), with the cultivation of fish in a water cycle (Oxford Dictionaries, 2012). The concept behind the process is that a source of food is fed to the fish in the tank; effluents build up including ammonia which is pumped into a bed of stones containing bacterium which converts ammonia from the fish effluents into nitrates via nitrification, these nitrates aid plant growth on a medium such as gravel or clay pebbles, the water then filters back sans ammonia into the fish tank where the cycle begins again. This effectively means that the only two continuous inputs are energy to power the pump, and food to feed the fish. It removes the need to use nutrients from soil, including the need to fertilise intensively farmed soils, and reduces water use in the long run. The idea is to cultivate plant produce such as lettuce and to (on larger scale aquaponic set ups) cultivate fish for consumption such as Tilapia. The theory behind aquaponics and its application are relatively new, although there is evidence behind ancient implementation of similar practices such as the cultivation of rice in South East Asia in addition to fish such as Oriental Loach (Kaori, et al, 2009). Therefore, the science behind aquaponics, including academic research into the topic is relatively thin on the ground, although with modern demand from an increasing global population, this is set to increase exponentially. There is substantial promise and benefits to be gained from the aquaponics theory. As mentioned, a rising population, particularly in urbanised areas with limited space means that the versatility of the process is extremely valuable. However the practise does have criticisms to do with the sustainability of raising fish on such an intensive scale, and the complexity of the process when compared to traditional farming and gardening. Aquaponics has a clear relationship with fisheries and agriculture, as can be seen by the aquaculture and crop yield components, however evidence also suggest that aquaponics also relates to conservation and restoration ecology, in that this form of agriculture and aquacultures are both less demanding in terms of space. The aquaponics process relies on a series of initial investments to start it initially a holding tank for the livestock, a pump, grow beds, and a growth medium. Alongside this, there needs to be a continuous input of water (on a small scale after the initial fill up), electricity, and fish food in whatever form such as traditional feed or black fly larvae. It is argued that this means aquaponics is a much more sustainable system than traditional agriculture. (Sikawa, 2010) It can also be argued that the system is more efficient than hydroponics (which also removes the need for soils the most unsustainable part of intensive agriculture) since theres no need to add nitrates into it. Therefore it can be argued that aquaponics is a vastly superior form of agriculture in terms of sustainability. However, it can be argued that despite clear improvement on unsustainable practises in other forms of agriculture (soil use and fertilisers); aquaponics is not as sustainable as initially suggested. The main evidence to support this is the use of fish food to feed the fish livestock; in larger and commercial aquaponics set ups the feed (fish food pellets rather than flakes) is typically made up from smaller bait fish which have been grown especially to be ground up into fish food, or from by catch not fit for human consumption (IFFO, 2006) (although, it is possible to harvest black fly larvae or duckweed to support fish stocks). This practise means that fish food, more so on larger scales, is an unsustainable form of feed, thus making intensive aquaponics systems an unsustainable practise. Despite this, in comparison to traditional cash crop agriculture, and greenhouse culture it removes the intensive pressure upon soils, and removes the need for fertilisers. Compared to agriculture with rotational crops (e.g. one year wheat, one year potatoes, one year left to recover) it can still be argued to better reduce the unsustainable pressure on soils. Compared to hydroponics, it can be argued to be more sustainable since it doesnt rely upon nutrients being added via fertilisers. Aquaculture too, can be argued to have the same unsustainable flaw as aquaponics, in that they both require fish food to be added to the cycle. Therefore, aquaponics can be argued to be more sustainable than many forms of agriculture and aquaculture, but it cannot (in its intensive form) be argued as entirely sustainable. Evidence also shows water conservation, with one scientist (Lennard, 2005) suggesting that water use may be less than 10% of the water required for a standard yield via traditional intensive agriculture being evidence to support the claims of improved sustainability versus other forms of agriculture. Alongside this, aquaponics is easily compatible with other sustainable practices. For example, vermiculture can be practised by using the organic waste from harvested yields to feed worm growth, which in turn can be used as fish feed. And the inclusion of a compost module inside a greenhouse containing an aquaponics set up (also by utilising organic waste such as the discarded fish parts) can be used as a free heat source; this will increase growth and the growing season thus increasing the yield. Further evidence shows that the reduced need for land and water (Robertson, 2005) space compared to typical intensive agriculture (since yields are higher in smaller spaces) means that less erosion occurs, since if aquaponics reaches the popularity where it reduces the amount of intensive outdoor agriculture that occurs, less ploughing of fields will occur, and a reduced amount of land will lay bare over winter when the most weathering occurs. Evidence suggests that a reduction in land used for agriculture means that more land will/ can be used for other forms of land use. For example, if agricultural land is returned to a more natural state, this can mean greater biodiversity occurring something that has a lot of resources contributed to. Evidence suggests that aquaponics has the potential to be a large scale and viable food source in a vast range of environments. Since the system relies primarily on sunlight, shelter/ warmth, electricity and a variable amount of water, it can be implemented wherever these conditions are met, i.e. in buildings worldwide, and many outdoor tropical locations. This makes it an incredible versatile form of agriculture, for many variations are possible, e.g. a saltwater paradigm. One example of this is the implementation of urban agriculture and aquaculture in the form of aquaponics, this is especially important in modern agriculture since food and space demands are at their highest ever levels, and with urban populations now being higher than rural population, maximising productivity is becoming ever more essential. To add to this, creating artificial conditions for agriculture and urban populations being far from areas of typical agriculture means that food miles and carbon release can b e reduced by growing crops locally, especially ones that wont survive in that environment outdoors, e.g. chillis can be grown indoors in the UK. To add to this, evidence shows that agriculture conducted indoors such as hydroponics, and of course aquaponics suffers significantly less yield loss when compared to outdoor normal agriculture, especially pesticide free organic crop yields that are becoming increasingly popular. This is because of a combination of having a more controlled environment which minimises the risk from flooding and drought, as well as reducing pathogens and pests that feed upon the crop yield, as well as affect the fish stocks with fish diseases being a significant problem that affects the high density aquaculture systems, compared to the very low density wild fish stocks which are effected much less (Tidwell, 2012). Theres also evidence to suggest that the quality of produce grown in an aquaponic system is very high, for example theres a lack of both artificial pesticides and fertilisers used in the entire system, since the system is heavily regulated, in an artificial environment, and apart from fish feed its a closed system. Further evidence to support this is the quality of the nutrients from the nutrient cycle, in that its clearly (as can be seen by the rates of growth) comparable to a good quality soil (Rakocy, et al., 2004). Speed of the growth of crop yield and fish stocks are variable, the variables being; pH levels, heat in terms of both the water and the air temperature, whether the set up is indoor (most common) or outdoor, the fish to plant ratio, the age of the set up, and the growth medium. The fish stocks in an aquaponics system are vulnerable since they are high density to fish disease if an infected individual is added. The inclusion of an infected individual is very unlikely and much more manageable than infection control in an aquaculture system, due to the scale and often because they are in the ocean. The increase protection was having a more controlled environment also means that no pesticides have to be used (unless an infection is identified from an outside source), and the nutrient cycle system means that fertilisers also dont need to be used. Therefore, evidence suggests that aquaculture has significantly higher yields due to a combination of an increased survival rate, and greater protection from the elements, as well as the protection of the nutrient sources. However, there is evidence supporting criticism of the viability of aquaponics as a large scale food source. Primarily, theres an issue regarding the acceptance of a food source that is considerably different from traditional agriculture, especially given the modern day demand for organic produce. Consumers may be put off by the thought of food grown without soils, or being fertilised by fish effluent, regardless of how organic or intensive agriculture have their nutrients provided. Another issue is related to this is acceptance of the fish crop, Tilapia can be argued as most suitable for aquaponics (since they are hardy, freshwater fish) this is not a widely eaten fish in the UK, although other foreign populations may be more accepting, and the British may take to it soon (BBC, 2009), and theres difficulty in the suitability of other fish that would be eaten by a British population, e.g. trout their size and space demands being an issue. Although the requirements in terms of labour are relatively low, they do still have a significant financial cost, and a financial commitment for its maintenance, this may be an issue for many potential aquaponics farmers. To add to this, it is arguably much more complicated than normal small scale agriculture where planting your crops and occasional pruning is most of whats necessary, whilst aquaponics requires a correct set up, monitoring and maintenance. In regards to the variables that affect the rate of growth; pH is important since it slows the nitrification capacity of the bacterium, which in turn slows down growth rates of the plants. Heat is explanatory, since lower temperatures mean less growth, this includes fish stocks, also to be noted is that many fish require certain and different temperatures to realise their growth potential. General build quality and design have large impacts too. (Storey, 2012) The growth medium also affects the rate of nitrification since more bacterium means more nitrification, different types of growth mediums have different surface areas and suitability. The fish to plant ration also matters because if theres an imbalance, there can be ammonia build up causing deaths amongst the fish (if theres too many fish), and poor growth rates can occur if theres too little fish, or too many plants (Rakocy, et al. 2006) As the evidence suggests, theres many complications that affect productivity. Despite this, aquaponics can be argued to be far less complex and cheaper than hydroponics and aquaculture are, and require less initial investment. Because of these requirements, it can be argued that aquaponics would be unlikely to overtake modern agriculture as the main food source for a very long time. As the above evidence suggests, aquaponics does have a large potential as a widespread and viable food source mostly due to its versatility and low resource requirements, however it can be seen that there are several factors which set major limitations that affect this potential. Regardless, it can be concluded that there is a significant avenue for potential in food production and adoption via aquaponics, once the major limitations such as standardising the information (see later) have been overcome, as well as the need for adapting current systems to suit different markets, and addressing the lack of information altogether have been overcome. Whats more though, aquaponics has the potential to be implemented alongside alternative sources of energy. For example, because of the energy requirements and the need for sunlight for the crop, solar energy is often a viable form of energy to supplement the pump this will in turn drive forward investment in solar energy, which regardless of other factors, reduces energy reliance on fossil fuels. This means that hydroponics has a slight capacity to increase renewable energies although this is relatively unproven, the evidence to support this is that many participants goal in aquaponics is to create a renewable food source, or in commercial farms, the/ a goal is to maximise profit. Aquaponics is a very new science, with its beginnings starting in the 1960s via the New Alchemy Institutes creation of an ark a bio shelter using sustainable cycles to support a family of four (Todd, Todd and MacLarney, 1969). Because of this, research conducted and information about the process is particularly scarce. Evidence suggests that the process has a huge potential, and potential for research. This is also backed up by commercial potential which can become a significant driver behind advancement as evidence shows such as the massive investment in organic farming occurred once it became apparent there was a market for it. To add to this, evidence suggests that educational and financial investment will occur, this means that aquaponics is a strong contender for scientific research, and to make money. Despite the scientific and financial interest, there is the potential that the relative newness and how unknown the topic is currently has negative effects on its viability and potential. There is the possibility of market contenders hindering investment and progress of competitors in order to reduce competition as evidence suggests occur (as can be seen in patent battles in research technology in general). The little research conducted may prove too daunting for amateurs and beginners to invest their time into if they are unsure of exact details and results. This hindrance of grassroots organisation and investments of time and energy can result in a slowdown of contributing to the science. To continue this avenue of criticism, system failure and the massive variability of results can both be detrimental for the viability of aquaponics. For example, the system entwines electronics and water containing fish stocks incidents can and does occur where system failure has resulted in the loss of an entire yield (e.g. from electrocution); another example is the inclusions of ammonia sometimes used to kick start the cultivation of the bacterium that converts ammonia into nitrates, too much of which can kill livestock. And, since aquaponics relies on a cycle, it can have detrimental effects on the other half of the yield grown it can also mean the whole cycle will have to be reset and started again. Therefore, the evidence suggests that aquaponics has significant issues that are detrimental to the continuation and progress conducted in the field of aquaponics such as it being relatively unknown, and having little research conducted, as well as the variable and volatile results . Evidence also shows the viability and usage of aquaponics for scientific research. Hydroponics has long been used to scientific research; this is because of several benefits over traditional soil based agriculture: namely the increased stability allowing more standardised results, e.g. reduced water, less disease potential, easier harvesting and yield stabilisation. Aquaponics, alongside hydroponics and other variation of ponic agriculture (ponic meaning labour or grown in an artificial manner) such as aeroponics (an environment with a fine mist) and bubbleponics (highly oxygenated and nutrient rich bubbles) has an established and establishing scientific use, as can be seen by NASAs Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) research and its funding of aquaponic research, this is to identify uses for terraforming and for long term (i.e. for several years long) space exploration for use in the future. (AG Horticulture, n.d.) Conversely, evidence does suggest that for the scientific community, hydroponics may be the preferred and most suitable form of agriculture, and that aquaponics has factors that inhibit its usefulness and potential for scientific research; mainly that the inclusive of an aquaculture element is an unnecessary inclusion that complicates and increases any workload that only requires the crop yield rather than the fish stock element. For example, research in biology that requires a yield of quickly grown crops such as lettuce would not require a yield of Tilapia which would be unnecessary, as well as an unneeded expense when research funds are often already limited. Therefore, evidence suggests that as a scientific tool, aquaponics is viable for some forms of research, and naturally can be the subject of massive amounts of research; however for a large part of the scientific community, hydroponics or aquaculture may prove to be far more suitable for meeting the requirements of the resea rch. Commercial viability is typically one of the main driving forces behind the advancements in scientific research. There are many, many examples of this ranging from the oil industries drilling technology being well advanced due to the massive market for fossil fuels (e.g. deepwater drilling in the Gulf of Mexico that became economically viable with rising oil prices, meaning that investment into the technology began) to the investment in the Panda breeding program, which was partly fuelled by the tourism money it brought into China (Chengdu Panda Base, 2007). Therefore, if aquaponics is commercially viable to be a competitor to aquaculture, and agriculture it can be argued that financial investment in the system will increase, speeding up development. Due to the versatility of the system, it can be adapted to grow a wide variety of crops such as herbs, spices, vegetables, and fruits, with root vegetables typically being the major group that is unable to be grown. On the livestock side, many types of fish can be grown (although typically freshwater) including trout, perch and catfish the most common fish is Tilapia. Due to the vast variety of plants and fish that can be grown, and other factors such as climate, nutrient balance and construction quality, it is very difficult to determine is a profit can be made on that particular set up and that aquaponics in general has the potential for economic investment and return. Looking at prior evidence does suggest that yields from an aquaponics system are typically higher than those of a field based production in terms of agricultural yield. For example, research by Nick Savidov, 2002 in Alberta, Canada (a prime market location in that its too northerly to grow their own hot weather crops such as bell peppers, and with a large enough population so there is a demand) with technical assistance from Dr. James Rakocy showed that tomato crop yields in an aquaponics system were 10-15% higher than field yields, as well as 100 cucumbers per meter-2 a year far exceeding organic greenhouse yields in the region, Savidov suggests. Research conducted by Rakocy, et al (2004) the University of the Virgin Islands (one of the world leaders in aquaponic research, as well as where Rakocy is based) shows that basil production yields far exceeded those that could be grown in the field. His research showed that the aquaponic set up in the Virgin Islands produced 7.8 kg of basil m2 a year in field production using a staggered technique where a yield of a certain size was planted in order to mature at different dates ensuring a continuous harvest. This is compared to aquaponic production of 23.4 kg m2 of basil was produced in a staggered set up, whilst a batch production (i.e. all crops were grown to capacity at the same time and repeated for the year) resulted in 25 kg m2 of basil in a single year, it should be noted however that Rakocys research concluded that the batch production was unsustainable because of the stresses it put upon the fish stock for nutrients. Regardless, income provided by batch, staggered and field production were: $117700, $110210 and $36808 respectively across the 214m2 production area (USD in 2004 values). This is not including the Tilapia harvest, which was staggered to harvest every six weeks; Nile tilapia were stock at 77 fish m3 and Red tilapia were stocked at 154 fish m3 with a total capacity of 31.2m3 divided into four 7.8m3 tanks. Projected annual production was 4.16 mt and 4.78 mt (metric tonnes) for Nile and Red tilapia respectively, the report didnt value the Tilapia, although Globefish, 2011 (Food and Agriculture Organisation funded, represented by the UN) reported a 2011 USD price of 1.30-2 per kg of fresh tilapia with 0.95 USD being a good price for farmers, meaning that the University of the Virgin Islands has an annual yield potential value for the four year experiment of 8940 kg of $8493 to $17880 per year. Therefore, this evidence shows that under these conditions (water stressed Virgin Islands, US e conomy, local climate, professional guidance) that a substantial income can be made after initial investments in a large scale production facility; this means that evidence shows there is significant potential for economic return once initial investments has been made, which Rakocy(n.d.) agrees to. In conclusion, evidence shows that aquaponics has significant value in terms of food production, commercial viability, scientific value for research, and sustainability for long term use, throughout the world. It also has massive potential for these factors, and evidence suggests that aquaponics will expand in terms of popularity, food production as well as commercial and scientific interest. As a result, it can be concluded that aquaponics has its faults, but in general it is a valuable and worthwhile system with great potential.

Casey Anthony Trial

The Casey Anthony Trial One of the most controversial and polemic trials of all times since the OJ Simpson trial was the case of Casey Anthony and the murder of her two year old daughter. All the evidences and witness revealed that she was the main suspect in the murder of her daughter; however in 2011 she was found not guilty of this murder due to several different aspects. This paper will inform and provide the reader with detailed information about this case.In addition the reader will find out what was the outcome of this case and will provide the evidence and will summarize the criminal procedures that occurred from arrest through appeal. The elements of the crime and the evidence which prove that she was guilty will be described. In addition the legal defenses will be identified and how based on the evidence Casey Anthony should have been sentence to life in prison. Caylee Anthony was a two year old girl from Orlando, Florida who was the daughter of Casey Anthony.On July 15, 20 08 Cynthia Anthony who was Caylee’s grandmother and mother of Casey called the Orange County Police Department to report a vehicle that her daughter Casey had stole from her and to also report her missing granddaughter. Cynthia Anthony stated that her daughter Casey had disappeared in her vehicle four weeks ago along with Caylee and had not heard or seen any of them since. Casey Anthony was contacted by police the next day, Casey told detectives that the last time she saw her daughter was on June 9 before dropping her of at a nanny’s house that went by the name of Zenaida Fernandez.Casey stated that she worked as an event planner at Universal Studios and that in the evening of June 9 after getting off work she arrived at the apartment complex where she had left her daughter, once arriving she realized her daughter and the nanny were gone. After several days of investigation, detectives found that almost everything Casey had told them was a lie. First of all the last da y Casey saw her daughter was not on June 9 it was actually June 15 when the whole family went to visit Caylee’s great grandmother in Mount Dora for Father’s Day.Also the whole nanny situation was a lie, after detectives went to the apartment complex where supposable Zenaida Fernandez lived records showed that no one by that name had ever been a resident there. The next lie discovered was Casey’s employment, she was actually unemployed and not working at Universal studios like she stated. Records show that she worked there years back but was fired. Detectives saw no ambition in Casey trying to find her daughter, Casey was a liar and never did she show any type of emotions of suffering while talking to the detectives.The biggest concern to police was â€Å"Why Caylee was reported missing until a month after she was last seen? † Weeks before the call, the vehicle Casey had been driving was found abandoned. The tow truck driver who found the vehicle told offi cers that the vehicle had a smell as if something had been decomposing. The tow truck driver compared the smell to a similar situation where he found an abandoned truck with a dead man’s body laying inside. Along with the horrible smell inside the vehicle; hair and a black plastic bag were found in the trunk of the car.Also found was what it seemed to be blood. On July 16 Casey Anthony was charged with first-degree murder, child neglect, aggravated child abuse and four counts of lying to detectives. On December 11, 2008 Caylee’s body was found wrapped inside a plastic bag, her body was decomposed and her skull only held a few hairs. The skull had duct tape wrapped around it which was a form to test for DNA; after the DNA testing was examined it did not match Casey’s DNA.Charges were overturned although Casey still had to serve some time for a previous crime she had committed which had to do with check frauds. Social media played a big role in the defense strateg ies for the Casey Anthony trial, and the defense had to tweak their defense around that. The Internet has been a tool for attorneys to gauge what people are thinking about many things, such as books, movies, TV shows, and such social information has been used in jury selections.A consultant for Casey Anthony’s attorneys analyzed more than 40,000 negative and positive highly-charged opinions on social media sites and blogs and used them to help the defense form their trial strategy (â€Å"Defense Strategy In Casey Anthony Trial Of The Century: Tweaking Social Media Tactics†, 2012). Using this defense of strategy entails that the defense attorneys are going to go above and beyond to defend their client. They are using a method that has not been seen in law. By going on these web-sites and all the different social networks available, they are going to get the worlds opinion on things.Using these tools really helped them defend Casey Anthony defense finding new leads and o ther people that may need questioning. The day after the prosecution rested in the Casey Anthony murder trial, the defense came out swinging, attacking crime lab procedures to try and discredit one of the most potentially damning pieces of evidence: duct tape found on the skull of her daughter, Caylee. During the first day to present his side of the case, Anthony’s defense lawyer Jose Baez doubled down on the duct tape, calling FBI technician Heather Seubert to the stand.Seubert, who examined the tape at the FBI lab, testified that there was DNA on the tape, but that it didn’t match Casey or even the victim, Caylee. The only DNA on the duct tape belongs to a forensic examiner who conducted some of the analysis (â€Å"Defense Opens, Attacks Forensic Evidence In Casey Anthony Trial Read More: Http://newsfeed. time. com/2011/06/16/defense-Opens-Attacks-Forensic-Evidence-In-Casey-Anthony-Trial†, 2011). This piece of evidence was crucial for the defense. There was no matching DNA on the tape that lead the Casey Anthony to the death of her baby.Even though the verdict was not the one that the American people wanted to hear. I feel that this evidence lead to the not guilty verdict given by the jury. All the other evidence might lead to a guilty verdict, but once that was brought up I truly feel that is what made the jury come to their decision. Casey Anthony was first arrested on July 16, 2008, and was charged the following day with giving false statements, neglect of a child, and obstruction of a criminal investigation (Harris, 2012). Casey Anthony had been released in August 21, 2008 following Casey's Bail Bond had been posted.Casey Anthony had been presented a restricted immunity offer through prosecutors up to the point of September 2, 2008 however would not accept it. The Orange County grand jury indicted Casey Anthony on a total of seven counts: First-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, aggravated manslaughter and four counts of false st atements to law enforcement(Cox Media Group, 2012). Casey Anthony gave false information so frequently to family members and also the authorities about the location concerning her child.While her child went missing throughout the very initial thirty day period Casey Anthony carried on to be out there hanging out with acquaintances and Casey additionally proceeded to receive a tattoo on Casey's backside of â€Å"Bella Vita† which clarifies to beautiful life in Italian. Casey conduct had not been behaving such as a worried mom searching for her own absent child. The majority of the forensic evidence focuses about Casey Anthony’s vehicle, for instance a hair along with discoloration based in the trunk area, collections of chloroform and also chloroform had

Shakespeare Research Paper

William Shakespeare is arguably one of the greatest playwrights and poets of all time. This is due to his intelligent sonnets and plays that are divided into the genres of comedy, tragedy and history. Many great poets have acknowledged him as a pure genius in the way he presents his work. English novelist D. H. Lawrence stated â€Å"When I read Shakespeare I am struck with wonder that such trivial people should muse and thunder in such lovely language†. Alchin, online) English poet Robert Graves once described this poetic genius, claiming that â€Å"The remarkable thing about Shakespeare is that he is really very good – in spite of all the people who say he is very good. † (Alchin, online) Shakespeare’s work has the reputation of being the one of the greatest in English language and Western literature. It has been translated into every major language and is still being preformed all around the world today. Many of Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets hav e similar characteristics relating to themes, motifs, and symbols. These recurring images and ideas not only portray how he really feels, but they also have a personal connection with Shakespeare as they have had some significance in his life. The theme of death and reappearing ghosts appear in many of Shakespeare’s works, especially in Hamlet and Macbeth, and are used to connect with the reader and present an important aspect that helps develop his works as a whole. In the time of William Shakespeare there was a strong belief in the existence of the paranormal activity and. Thus, the theme of the supernatural is a recurring aspect in many of Shakespeare?s plays. In both Hamlet and Macbeth, the supernatural is vital to the development and structure of the plot. It provides a deeper understanding of each character, and increases the impact of important events. The supernatural appears to the audience in many varied forms. In Hamlet there is a ghost, the most common supernatural form. However, in Macbeth, not only does a ghost appear but a floating dagger, witches, and prophetic apparitions make appearances. A ghost, appearing in the form of Hamlet’s father, makes several appearances in the play. It first appears to Marcellus and Bernardo, along with Horatio. The ghost says nothing to them and is perceived with fear and apprehension. However, the ghost gives the reader important information that helps them understand the development of the plot. The conversation between the ghost and Hamlet serves as a reason for Hamlet’s later actions and provides insight into his character. However, Hamlet is not quick to believe the ghost. â€Å"T' assume a pleasing shape; yea, and perhaps, Out of my weakness and my melancholy, As he is very potent with such spirits, Abuses me to damn me. (Shakespeare, Act 2, Scene 2). This reveals another aspect of his character and helps the reader understand Hamlet. This ghost is portrayed as a subconscious, and he uses it as a guide when he takes the ghost’s advice to seek revenge for the King’s death. The supernatural occurs four times during the course of Macbeth. It occurs in the forms of the witches, in the appearance of Banquo’s ghost, in the apparitions, and in the â€Å"air-drawn† dagger that guides Macbeth towards his victim. The witches are the most important supernatural aspect in Macbeth. They represent Macbeth’s evil ambitions and are the reason for his evil aspirations. Macbeth believes the witches and wishes to know more about the future so after the banquet he seeks them out at their cave. He wants to know the answers to his questions even though the consequences are violent and destructive to nature. In Hamlet and Macbeth the supernatural is a vital part of the structure of the plot. It provides a catalyst for action by the characters and supplies insight into the major players. The supernatural appeals to the audience’s curiosity of the mysterious and thus strengthens their interest. Shakespeare had his experiences with death throughout his whole life. During the 16th century, waves of plague swept across England. John and Mary Shakespeare had eight children, including William. Joan, the first born sibling, died at the age of two months old due to the Bubonic Plague. Margret was the second born child and only lived for one also due to the plague. Anne Shakespeare was the sixth child born. She died at the age of eight. William was very fortunate to live a full life as three out of seven of his siblings died at an extremely young age. He also had to witness much of his family suffer with illness from the plague that swept Stratford uring the hot summer months. The plague was not the only tragic aspect of Shakespeare’s time. Smallpox, Syphilis, Typhus and Malaria mainly from infected rats all drastically affected Shakespeare’s life and caused copious amounts of death. These type of aspects and experiences all have influenced his writing (Amanda Mabillard, online). It is also a key motif and vital theme in Macbeth and Ham let, as well as many other plays. Each major character in both plays has a famous soliloquy that discusses the topic of death and leads the character with a lingering feeling of despair. They both wonder if embracing death would be better than living in a world full of corruption. â€Å"Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow creeps in this petty pace from day to day to the last syllable of recorded time; and all our yesterdays have lighted fools the way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle! †¦ Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing. † (Shakespeare, Act 5, Scene 5). Macbeth, feeling guilty after committing killing the king and sad after the death of his wife, sees life as meaningless and insignificant. He wonders if life is truly worth living anymore. Hamlet’s famous soliloquy displays a similar tone as he also ponders between life and death. â€Å"To be, or not to be: that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing end them? †¦ With this regard their currents turn awry, And lose the name of action. –Soft you now! The fair Ophelia! Nymph, in thy orisons Be all my sins remember'd. † (Shakespeare, Act 3, Scene 1). His despair, sorrow, anger, and inner peace are all justifiable emotions for this troubled character. Hamlet's feeling of despair towards his life and to the world develops as the play moves on. With the burden of avenging his father's death, Hamlet thinks that perhaps it is better commit suicide, except that there is no knowledge of what comes next. Therefore, although he thinks death should to be embraced, it cannot be pursued. (Schoenbaum, 49) Shakespeare’s life and thoughts are portrayed, reflected, and interpreted throughout his plays. Hamlet and Macbeth’s speeches both suggest that Shakespeare himself dealt with the question of life over death and possibly had thoughts of suicide. He uses these characters to reflect his feelings and thoughts and develop the plot of the story. Shakespeare’s plays have influenced many people around the world. He is one of the most known playwrights. His style is so unique and distinctive and excels beyond the expectations of great writing. Although his plays may seem as just a great story merely for entertainment, each and every single aspect of his writing has an incredibly deep meaning that adds style and feeling to the plot. The supernatural in many of Shakespeare’s works and have contributed to plot development by foreshadowing events later in the novel and shaping the characters attitude throughout the play. Death has been a lingering aspect through most of Shakespeare’s plays and is usually the fate of the major character. It helps develop the plot and places emphasis on the fatal flaw of the major character or theme of the play. They both have played an important part in Shakespeare’s life and have been essential to the success of his work as they help the genius express his feelings and shape the scheme of his writing.

Habits and Traits of Beetles, Order Coleoptera

Coleoptera means â€Å"sheath wings,† a reference to the hardened forewings which cover the insect’s body. Most people can easily recognize members of this order – the beetles. Beetles comprise nearly a quarter of all the described species on Earth. Over 350,000 species are known worldwide. The order is subdivided into four suborders, two of which are rarely observed. The suborder Adephaga includes ground beetles, tiger beetles, predacious diving beetles, and whirligigs. Water pennies, carrion beetles, fireflies, and the beloved lady beetles are all members of the larger suborder Polyphaga. Description Beetles have hardened forewings, called elytra, which protect the delicate hindwings folded beneath them. The elytra are held against the abdomen at rest, meeting in a straight line down the middle of the back. This symmetry characterizes most members of the order Coleoptera. In flight, a beetle holds the elytra out for balance and uses its membranous hindwings for movement. Beetles feeding habits are widely varied, but all have mouthparts adapted for chewing. Many beetles are herbivores, feeding on plants. The Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica, causes heavy damage in gardens and landscapes, leaving skeletonized leaves on the plants it devours. Bark beetles and borers can do considerable damage to mature trees. Predatory beetles attack other invertebrates in the soil or vegetation. Parasitic beetles may live on other insects or even mammals. A few beetles scavenge decaying organic matter or carrion. Dung beetles use manure as food and to shelter developing eggs. Habitat and Distribution Beetles are found worldwide, in virtually all terrestrial and aquatic habitats on Earth. Major Families and Superfamilies in the Order Carabidae – ground beetlesDytiscidae – predacious diving beetlesScarabaeidae – scarab beetlesElateroidea – fireflies and click beetlesCoccinellidae – lady beetlesTenebrionoidea – blister beetles and darkling beetles Families and Genera of Interest Bombardier beetles, genus Brachinus, spray hot quinines when threatened, with visible puffs of smoke.Cotalpa lanigera, the goldsmith beetle, starred in a short story by Edgar Allen Poe, The Gold Bug.Glowworms (family Phengodidae) are not worms at all - theyre beetles! Mature females retain their larval form, and glow between their body segments, appearing like a glowing worm.The invasion of the Asian Long-horned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis, caused the preemptive removal of thousands of trees in New York and New Jersey. The beetle was introduced from Asia in 1996, arriving in wooden crates and pallets. Sources: Insects: Their Natural History and Diversity, Stephen A. MarshallKaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America, Eric R. Eaton, and Kenn KaufmanGarden Insects of North America, Whitney Cranshaw