Thursday, October 31, 2019
Distributed Computer System Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words
Distributed Computer System - Essay Example The paper tells that the role of computer systems continues to evolve with businesses adopting it to execute various business operations. In business, computer systems have made significant inroad that have allowed business to achieve leverage on the use of data to support businesses transaction, as well as making strategic decisions. In particular, distribute computer systems have found use in business in areas such as business commerce where these systems have enabled business to achieve high levels of business performance. There are varied definitions of distributed systems, but most of them tend to have some commonalities. A distributed system is one that is made up of independent computer systems that work together and appear to those using it as a unified system. The core of a distribute computer systems is the interconnectedness between its components making users think of it as a single system. The development of distributed computer systems coincides with the increasing dema nd for distributed systems in business. For instance, businesses that require e-commerce applications are more likely to achieve greater benefits using a distributed computer system. The merits of deploying distributed computer systems have pushed for increased research that aims at refining how businesses deploy these systems. Research in the development of distributed computer systems reinforces the desire for computer professionals to overcome challenges in this field. Indeed, computer firms have made much progress in rolling out various types of distributed computer systems. ... 1.1 What are distributed computer systems? Distributed compute systems are an example of distributed system, which is a system that links heterogeneous systems through networks to offer users with a single system. Distribute computer systems bring together different components to create a unified system that can provide users with high performance (Mikkilineni, 2011). In a distributed computing environment, workstations connect to each other using networks enabling them to pool system resources. The use of distributed computer systems signals a shift from centralized systems because businesses and organizations are demanding re-centralization of the computing environment. The success of distributed systems rests in the interconnectedness of various components to achieve a unified system. Today, distributed computing environment, has made it possible because of different technologies that computer vendors develop. These technologies work together to create a coherent system that provi des transparency to users, successfully hiding non-critical features from users. Use of distributed computers systems provide users with resources, as well as improved performance. With more improvement on technologies, supporting distributed systems, business and organization continue to adopt distributed computing environment. 1.2 Goals of distributed computer systems There are several incentives for using distributed systems over centralised systems. The merits of using distributed computer systems underscore the push for businesses and other organizations into adopting the distributed environment. These goals are: 1.2.1 Access to resources The first reason for the adopting of distributed systems is the demand for resources accessibility. Despite the ease, of developing centralised
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
Compare shopping online with traditional shopping Essay - 1
Compare shopping online with traditional shopping - Essay Example Each of the items to be purchased are made physically visible to the buyers who are then able to make rational decisions based on their spending patterns. On the other hand, on-line shopping allows individuals to buy their favorite products without having to go the sellers to get the purchased items. Decisions are based on the images that can be seen on the internet which may not portray the actual nature of the products. This tends to limit the buyers as they are unable to accurately choose their actually taste and preferences. However, on-line shopping saves time since people do not have to visit the stores but can have the products delivered at the comfort of their homes (Belew & Elad, 2012) It has been established that online shopping provides a sense of ease and comfort as opposed to walking all through the streets and shops as they hunt for the things that they want. One is saved from the struggles such as going through crowds, waiting in long queues in order to make their purchases as in the case of traditional shopping (Wan, 2009). As a result, on-line shopping offers a sense of relief and peace of mind which many people are lacking in the current world. On-line shopping is marked by increased level of dishonest which is not a case in the traditional shopping trends. On-line shoppers experience a lot of disappointment during shipping and delivery of the goods ordered for. This is witnessed in the delay in the delivery of goods and services that have already been paid for. Fraudsters are likely to take advantage of on-line shoppers and steal from them. Many people have lost their money through on-line shopping by not carrying out all the safety measures that are rec ommended during on-line shopping. Traditional shopping is regarded to be very convenient for most people especially those who are rarely at home and lacks time to compare different prices of commodities. This is more appropriate for the people who work outside of their homes
Sunday, October 27, 2019
Effects of gps on human life
Effects of gps on human life Effects of GPS on Human Life Part 1: Introduction and Background to issue or subject of discussion Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite guided navigational system. The system by itself allows user/ devices to calculate their latitude, longitude and altitude of their current location no matter where they are situated in the globe. To think back, before the GPS came into existence, dead reckoning and pilotage was utilized to get around and locate airports. Pilotage is the use of sectionals (air maps/charts) and physical landmarks along the route to keep you on course. An example would be following a highway or railroad track or pipeline. Additionally the Government began to simply paint names of towns on roofs of barns, buildings, water towers, gas storage tanks, and hangers. But all this technique lacked accuracy and were not considered reliable. A pilot can completely be off track as of a heavy weather change as his visibility can be negligible. The idea of GPS can be traced back to centuries where a person might have asked the question of Where am i. GPS came into existence on the year 1978, when Russia launched Sputnik into space. MIT researchers noticed that radio signals from sputnik could determine distinct positions on the ground as the radio signal was at its peak when satellite was over MIT and gradually weakened as it moved away. Thereby they were able to calculate the orbit of satellite which was the foremost important step towards GPS system. Between 1978 and 1985, eleven satellites were launched into space and put into position. In 1983, the GPS ceased being solely a military system and was made available for public use. To be able to locate position down to almost 30 metres of a GPS unit, at least 3 satellites will be required. More the number of satellites more are the accuracy. Each satellites revolving around earth has its own unique signal broadcast. All these signals are stored within a GPS unit. The signal has enough data for the unit to know the satellites current location and also it calculates the time that signal (radio wave) took to travel from satellite to the unit. By repeating this with minimum 2 more satellites, the unit is able to triangulate the position of GPS unit. By communicating with more satellites it can give much more accurate position, which can be as close as 1 or 2 metres. Hereafter I shall provide as much examples and incidents to bring out the positive effects of GPS technology into our life than rather a privacy killer of our society. Part 2: Identification of why you choose this issue/subject to study The reason for choosing GPS as my subject to study is as my final year project also involves GPS related technology. Therefore researching on for this subject will surely benefit my final year project as well. Additionally my friends experience with GPS also made me to finalize on the area of subject. He never left home country for anything and when he finally did leave for working to United States, upon returning back to home country after 4 years he was completely lost and not able to even get to his house. Initially i found it just as a funny story but later when thought on it i began to see future public depending blindly on GPS that they forget to think using their common sense. This was really disturbing on my behalf and decided i should take this opportunity to at least make my friends be aware of what is happening around them. Part3: What the implications may be for a post modern industrial society? Public Transport Only through the discovery of GPS technology has travelling feel safer to public. GPS made it easier for public and public transport. This is because before GPS, flights/ ships did lose their way and the world did witness such tragedies. It is very clear that without the invention of GPS, human technology as it is would not have been so easy and reliable. This is only as there is no other technology which is as reliable, accurate and cheap like that of GPS. In todays post modern society with computing flourishing and being a part of basic necessity, GPS has its own crucial role. For instance even though computers are used everywhere even in aircrafts, they would not be able to use autopilot if its not for the GPS satellite feeds. GPS as it is provides absolute convenience to humans since the world is becoming smaller and smaller as of technological advancement is made. Before GPS was open to the public for free usage, people were depending on rather non reliable and non accurate methods to travel around. As the famous quote goes, Necessity is the mother of invention, humans realised and needed a cheap and reliable alternative to the traditional methods of calculating latitude, longitude and altitude. There is no doubt when saying society benefits from this technology in many ways, including safer, more reliable travel and an increase in human safety. Control of GPS by U.S In todays advanced world GPS is one among the most relied technologies. Whether it is to locate/ track or find your way to a new place, it all requires satellites. GPS satellites which are always revolving around the earth in and around 12 hours are not replaceable as of today. At present almost all such satellites or rather artificial moon is owned by U.S military. Which means they have un-denied access to these technology. With the United States having such control over one of the most relied technology in todays world comes good and bad. This means that they have the capability to everything, from reducing the accuracy to shutting down GPS facility in areas around globe whenever they want. If there is to be another world war, United States clearly has a very powerful position over the world. They can not only keep track of their soldiers but get a complete overview of everything and thereby a tactical advantage. With the use of absolute accuracy of GPS satellites they can easily guide unmanned long range missiles to drop exactly where they want. This is only as the world is becoming increasingly reliant on GPS technology. Part4: What the implications may be for the IT industry? Tracking It is clear of the impact of GPS on our industry. It has changed the way people communicate and live. GPS has made our environment a safer and easier place to live. GPS has provided people with many solutions to their problems. Today different industries utilize GPS to develop new innovative solutions to human problems. It is currently being used to help parents find and keep track of their childrens. Devices are also on pet collars that can help you track your pets if they are stolen or lost. Additionally it is also used to keep track of dangerous criminals activities and thereby keep public safe from these criminals who could harm anyone. GPS device is available almost all new cell phones released which is able to provide assistance to people in mapping and getting directions. It can even help rescuers help you easily as they will know were exactly you are. Truck drivers in the UK are now being made aware of upcoming low bridges using GPS and digital maps. This combined with awareness of traffic jams, and suggestions of alternative routes allows for the cheaper delivery of goods. These are just some of the main things that GPS has added to our society by the industry. Warfare Technology GPS technologies accuracy and reliability has its own drawbacks too. With satellites being able to accurately target devices to as close as few inches, modern warfare has drastically changed around us. GPS greatly contributes to the effectiveness of warfare. With its endless applications such as being able to track a soldier, determine his used path to developing highly effective long/ short range missiles, GPS has a deadly side of its own too. In the case of missiles, GPS technology aids in an increased chance of hitting the desired target. GPS also allows for accurate tracking of military units which increases the effectiveness and level of tactical control during combat. Conclusion: Computers have been the most revolutionizing technology that humans developed to help in their tasks. Literally today there is no place or field that computers have not touched. The computers which are available and being used in transportation whether its an Airbus or a small car driving off road, without the GPS satellites feed the onboard computers will not be able to guide you through or prevent an accident. As Dr. Gerhard Schmidt, Fords Chief Technical Officer and Vice President, Research and Advanced Engineering says A satellite orbiting the earth could someday prevent an auto accident. We applaud the Auburn team for these advancements and look forward to working together on the next phase of this research, including developing prototype vehicles. GPS has become an integral part of our society, affecting our lives in many ways. The great range of applications of this technology has an impact on many aspects of society. GPS is becoming more widely used and more important in society. The importance of GPS is further stressed by the absence of a successful alternative. Even though few might point out that dependency on GPS is going to lead to unbalanced levels of political power, which if abused could lead to adverse effects on society. I strongly believe that GPS is a marvellous technology, revolutionizing navigation in virtually every industry that it touches from large corporate mass transportation to a family on a road trip. It is very safe to conclude that GPS has done well to human race than drawbacks. The drawback as it is seen can easily be overcome if the humans are taught to utilize GPS for their good and not in any way to harm them.
Friday, October 25, 2019
moralhod Relative Morality in Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness Essay
Relative Morality in Heart of Darkness à à à à It has been well documented by critics that modernist literature departs from the blind acceptance of beliefs, religious beliefs in particular, evident in literature of prior periods (Abrams 1).à As Jump notes "[...] the modern western world is less sure of its values than most previous cultures with which we are familiar; relativism and subjectivity are facts of everyday experience" (15).à Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness is no exception.à The novel does explore the place of the individual in an increasingly complex society, but Conrad's presentation specifically focuses on the moral dilemma of man in a godless world.à The lack of Christianity or any other stable moral system to underpin moral decisions is evident in Heart of Darkness not only to the reader, but to Conrad's characters as well.à Marlow's narrative presents both the human drive to have a stable conception of reality - a center - and the precedence this drive can take over basi c moral decisions.à à à Conrad alludes to the forms of religious faith through the infusion of religiously connotative language into the speech of both Marlow and the narrator.à The narrator describes Marlow as having "[...] the pose of a Buddha preaching [...]" (1, 11).à This characterization is strengthened by Marlow himself when describing his activity before he leaves for the Congo:à "[...] I was loafing about, hindering you fellows in your working and invading your homes, just as though I had got a heavenly mission to civilize you"(1, 16).à The trip itself is then described as both a "glorious idea" and "the noble cause" (1, 20-21).à The references to faith, Christianity in particular, set up a context in wh... ...re to seek out meaning while accepting that an absolute meaning may never be found. à à Works Cited à Abrams, M.H., ed. The Norton Anthology of English Literature. 6th ed. Vol. 1. New York: Norton, 1993. 1080-1125. à Conrad, Joseph. Heart of Darkness I. 26 July 2002. < http://pd.sparknotes.com/lit/heart/section1.html>. à ---. Heart of Darkness II. 26 July 2002. < http://pd.sparknotes.com/lit/heart/section2.html> à ---. Heart of Darkness III. 26 July 2002. < http://pd.sparknotes.com/lit/heart/section3.html> à Jump, John D., ed. The Critical Idiom. London: Methuen & Co., 1977. à Jean-Aubry, George. Joseph Conrad: Life and Letters. Vol. 1. New York: Page, 1966. à Ed. Marvin. Conrad: Collection of Critical Essays. Mudrick. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall, 1972. à moralhod Relative Morality in Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness Essay Relative Morality in Heart of Darkness à à à à It has been well documented by critics that modernist literature departs from the blind acceptance of beliefs, religious beliefs in particular, evident in literature of prior periods (Abrams 1).à As Jump notes "[...] the modern western world is less sure of its values than most previous cultures with which we are familiar; relativism and subjectivity are facts of everyday experience" (15).à Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness is no exception.à The novel does explore the place of the individual in an increasingly complex society, but Conrad's presentation specifically focuses on the moral dilemma of man in a godless world.à The lack of Christianity or any other stable moral system to underpin moral decisions is evident in Heart of Darkness not only to the reader, but to Conrad's characters as well.à Marlow's narrative presents both the human drive to have a stable conception of reality - a center - and the precedence this drive can take over basi c moral decisions.à à à Conrad alludes to the forms of religious faith through the infusion of religiously connotative language into the speech of both Marlow and the narrator.à The narrator describes Marlow as having "[...] the pose of a Buddha preaching [...]" (1, 11).à This characterization is strengthened by Marlow himself when describing his activity before he leaves for the Congo:à "[...] I was loafing about, hindering you fellows in your working and invading your homes, just as though I had got a heavenly mission to civilize you"(1, 16).à The trip itself is then described as both a "glorious idea" and "the noble cause" (1, 20-21).à The references to faith, Christianity in particular, set up a context in wh... ...re to seek out meaning while accepting that an absolute meaning may never be found. à à Works Cited à Abrams, M.H., ed. The Norton Anthology of English Literature. 6th ed. Vol. 1. New York: Norton, 1993. 1080-1125. à Conrad, Joseph. Heart of Darkness I. 26 July 2002. < http://pd.sparknotes.com/lit/heart/section1.html>. à ---. Heart of Darkness II. 26 July 2002. < http://pd.sparknotes.com/lit/heart/section2.html> à ---. Heart of Darkness III. 26 July 2002. < http://pd.sparknotes.com/lit/heart/section3.html> à Jump, John D., ed. The Critical Idiom. London: Methuen & Co., 1977. à Jean-Aubry, George. Joseph Conrad: Life and Letters. Vol. 1. New York: Page, 1966. à Ed. Marvin. Conrad: Collection of Critical Essays. Mudrick. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall, 1972. Ã
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Importance of distinctive qualities of texts
Texts are written in a way for it to appeal to the responders. The Author uses many different techniques, themes and chooses a writing style so that it can appeal to the audience. This is evident In the novel We All Fall Down' In which the author, Robert Cornier, tries to appeal to the audience. This can be achieved also by making the text relatable for responders and certain concepts wealth the book. Crosier's use of themes In the book Is one of the things which appeals to readers. He focuses on relationships and especially family relationships.It is obvious that Cornier believes hat family and family values are very important and this theme is frequent throughout the novel. The theme of family defines the book as Cornier shows that holds together can withstand anything such as with the Jerome family, however with the Walker family, the members have fallen apart and have deteriorated. This is meant to appeal to responders as they can relate to the sense of family within the book, wh ether theirs has fallen apart or clung together as there are examples of both within the novel.The theme of relationships also can help the novel appeal to spenders as they can associate it with the relationships they share with others. The novel explores many examples of both barnacles and relationships between people and this appeals to responders and they can associate the novel with their own lives. The opening of a book Is an Important part of making a text appeal to responders. The first scene hooks the reader with suspense as we read of the trashing and makes them aware of the violence of the text. Violent verbs are used to reinforce this theme and begin the idea of trashing and violence.This theme reoccurs throughout the evolve. The theme is brought up again when the details of the trashing come up again and again and the trashing becomes a large part of the text and the actions of the characters as it is not only the house that has been trashed but the characters themselves . The way the text hooks the readers from the start is one of the ways it appeals to the readers and what keeps them reading on. The appearance of certain characters can help texts appear to more people. Without the addition of ââ¬ËThe Avenger' or Mackey ââ¬ËLoony' as he Is later known, the novel would be more of a mantic novel than the thriller It became.The Avenger adds a sense of mystery and thrills to the book as we learn of his murderous way. This transition caused the book to not only appeal to those seeking a book with romance, but one with action too. Without the addition of several minor characters the story would be completely different and wouldn't appeal to as many responders or to such a variety of responders as it does. The use of language can change how a text appeals to readers or responders. Cornier does an excellent Job of using the right kind of language wrought the text We All Fall Down. The use of colloquial language as well as having the occasional use of vulgar language helps his novels appeal to responders, especially youths as they can relate the language used throughout the text. The text doesn't specify separate chapters, keeping text flowing between characters as It changes the first person. Narration and the use of the right language helps the book to be better understood by responders and the different points of view provide enough variety to keep the book interesting which in turn helps the text to be moreWe All Fall Down' Imagery is used to assist the reader in being able to picture everything in the book, proving to be a delightful experience for the responder. Rhetorical questions such as ââ¬Ëbut I didn't help the girl did l? Are used to make the reader think about situations and similes help further describe concepts and feelings in the text for example, when the way Buddy feels is ââ¬Ëlike a giant mallet hitting a gong inside him' and repetition provides emphasis, e. G. ââ¬Ël don't want you in the house, don't want you in my life'.And so in conclusion, qualities such as themes of family and relationships, addition of characters, techniques and language as well as a relatable text helps the text to appeal to responders. Cornier acknowledges this fact and integrates these into his works and so his works appeal to responders of many types. This is what makes the text We All Fall Down' appealing to responders as they feel a connection with the text and understand it and the motives behind the actions of the characters. These distinctive qualities of this text are what make it so appealing to responders.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Monsoons: Monsoon and Southern Hemisphere
MONSOONS Topic sentence-ââ¬Å"This essay will focus upon the both the beneficial and the detrimental impacts of monsoonal weather systems in the Asia pacific region. â⬠INTRODUCTION: paragraph 0 * Monsoons are an annually recurring weather phenomenon, triggered by the earthââ¬â¢s tilt in relation to the sun. Although they return every year, it is still impossible to tell the timing, duration, and quantity of rain each season, a fact that leaves impacted areas without accurate storm information * The major monsoon systems of the world consist of the West African and Asia-Australian monsoons. The wind generally blows for six months from the northeast and six months from the southwest. * A major wind system that seasonally reverses its directionââ¬âsuch as one that blows for approximately six months from the northeast and six months from the southwest. The most prominent monsoons occur in South Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Pacific coast of Central America. Monsoonal ten dencies also are apparent along the Gulf Coast of the United States and in central Europe; however, true monsoons do not occur in those regions. ORIGINS: paragraph 1 Strengthening of the Asian monsoon has been linked to the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau after the collision of the Indian sub-continent and Asia around 50 million years ago. [9] Many geologists believe the monsoon first became strong around 8 million years ago based on records from the Arabian Sea and the record of wind-blown dust in the Loess Plateau of China. More recently, plant fossils in China and new long-duration sediment records from the South China Sea led to a timing of the monsoon starting 15-20 million years ago and linked to early Tibetan uplift. 10] Testing of this hypothesis awaits deep ocean sampling by the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program STRUCTURE: paragraph 1 CAUSES/PROCESS: paragraph 2 * SUMMER MONSOONS: When the Sun rays fall on the Earth, they get reflected by the land and cause heating of the air present above it. The water sources like oceans, rivers, etc. , absorb this heat from the air, due to which the air present above these water sources is relatively cool. * Example is the zone of Asia, where major part of the northern hemisphere is land and southern hemisphere is ocean.During summers, the Earth makes a perfect angle with the Sun; as a result, the Sun rays directly strike on the northern hemisphere landmass. These Sun rays get reflected and cause warming of the air. This hot air rises up into the atmosphere and the cooler air of the southern hemisphere from the ocean rush to fill the gap. This cool air contains moisture which is the main source of summer rains in Asia. This process is known as summer monsoon or southwest monsoon. * WINTER MONSOONS: Sun rays are more dominant at the southern hemisphere. They are completely reverse of summer monsoons as the lands are cooler than the oceans.The air circulation is completely opposite as the warm air moves from ocean to l and and cold air move from land to ocean. This cold air entraps the moisture when they pass over the tropical waters and releases the moisture over northern Australia, Sri Lanka, the Indian coast and Indonesia. They are also known as north-east monsoons. IMPACTS: paragraph3 * Over 60% of the worldââ¬â¢s population depend on monsoon rains, but despite their regularity, there are year-to-year variations which place enormous strain on food and water resources. * Food production in seasonally arid areas is inherently risky.By the end of the dry season, the soil is parched and planting cannot begin until the rains arrive. A late or weak monsoon can lead to a short r poor growing season and hence low yields, as happened during the drought of 1987. An excessively strong monsoon can be just as detrimental. For example, in Pakistan, heavy rain during September 1992 flooded cotton plantations and caused the crop to fail. Agricultural failure has a profound effect on the economy of monsoon- affected countries, such as India, where farming accounts for 30% of the gross domestic product and 67% of the workforce.BENEFITS: paragraph3 * The benefits of monsoon rain are immense ââ¬â they provide water for a country whose dry, arid climate destroys and dries out the water supply. In the hotter and drier months of the year in India, people are sometimes forced to travel by foot for miles just to get clean water for their families. Some just collapse from heat stroke and lack of energy. The monsoons change this ââ¬â the water from the monsoon rain saves lives. DESTRUCTIVE POTENTIAL: paragraph3 * Monsoons can put communities in danger.The winds can knock down trees and even do some damage to people's houses or buildings ââ¬â windows may be broken and trees may fall on houses. The floods also cause people serious problems. People may be walking down the street, wading through waist-deep water. The floods from the extreme rain can spread bacteria as well. The dirty wat er that hundreds of other people have been wading through can be a good breeding ground for harmful bacteria and it helps spread deadly diseases. Mosquitoes breed in water, so there might be an over-population of mosquitoes that can carry diseases, as well.EXAMPLES: paragraph 4 STATISTICS: paragraph 5 ââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬â- Monsoon Statistics| | No. | Year | Average rain in millimeter in Bharuch headquarter| Average rain in millimeter in districts| 1| 1998 | 1089 | 910 | 2 | 1999 | 523 | 397. 37 | 3 | 2000 | 533 | 389. 25 | 4 | 2001 | 857 | 614. 87 | 5 | 2002 | 1023 | 714. 37 | 6 | 2003 | 872 | 806 | 7 | 2004 | 1062 | 783 | 8 | 2005 | 826 | 889 | 9 | 2006 | 963 | 914. 8 | 10 | 2007 | 1487 | 900 | | | | http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Monsoon http://school. eb. com. au/all/eb/article-9053445? query=monsoons&ct=null http://www. uzzle. com/articles/what-causes-monsoons. html http:/ /library. thinkquest. org/C003603/english/monsoons/causesofmonsoons. shtml http://ugamp. nerc. ac. uk/promise/brochure/brochure. pdf http://indiasmonsoons. blogspot. com/ http://bharuchdp. gujarat. gov. in/bharuch/english/branches/revenue-branch/monsoon-statistic. htm STRUCTURE * INTRODUCTION * Origins (paragraph1) * Structure (Paragraph 1) * Causes/Process (paragraph2) * Impacts(paragraph3) * Benefits (paragraph3) * Destructive potential (paragraph3) * Example (paragraph 4) * Statistics (paragraph 4) * CONCLUSION
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Aurochs essays
Aurochs essays The buffalo-like Aurochs (Bos taurus primigenius) once roamed over European plains with might and dignity, before its extinction at the hands of human hunters. Also known as the wild ox, the Aurochs grazed the fields of Central Europe and the Baltic coast, although most recently it was restricted to Poland, Lithuania and Prussia. In appearance, the male Aurochs was described as a fearsome animal. Measuring over 180 cm (710 in) at the withers, the bull Aurochs would stand taller than almost any hunter, and the species was not a pacific one. Fiercely territorial, bull Aurochs would attack almost any predator who entered their domicile, and despite its massive size, an Aurochs can move very quickly. (1) The Aurochs was covered in thick dark hair, usually black or brown in color, with a lighter colored ridge or ruff running the length of the spine. The facial structure of the Aurochs was most like that of the present day Spanish bull, with dark, tear shaped eyes, small tufted ears, a cro wn of hair on the scalp and a rather short snout. Aurochs also had a very impressive set of horns, which swept forward and spread out away from the face. These horns could often reach the length of 81 cm (32 in), and were used as decorative ornaments by hunters. (2) The thick neck of the Aurochs was also protected by a layer of fat, to better prevent and deter goring during the mating season. Like modern bulls, the Aurochs had a tufted tail, however, unlike modern day descendants, the Aurochs had more muscular and larger legs. This enabled it to cover ground easily. Males weighed up to 1000 kg (approx. 2200 pounds), while females were much lighter, approximately 700 kg (approx. 1500 lbs). In comparison, modern day cows measure at 141 cm (56 in) and weight in at 770 kg (1700 lb). (3) Although the Aurochs massive size ensured that very few predators would be willing to attack it, even in packs, size only made the species more appealing to man. ...
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