The Arboreal and Cursorial Hypotheses of the Flight Origin Research Paper - 1

The Arboreal and Cursorial Hypotheses of the Flight Origin - Research Paper Example The arboreal hypothesis (also known as the ‘tree down’ hypothesis) refers to the idea that dinosaurs first gained flight by jumping from trees and acquiring flight as an evolutionary mechanism to avoid fatal accidents from this method. This hypothesis seems ‘intuitive’ because ‘flight evolving from an arboreal gliding stage would seem to be relatively easy’ (Padian & Chiappe, 1998, p15) and because the force of gravity ‘helps rather than hinders’ (Lewin, 1983, p38). Some studies, such as that of Feduccia (1993) suggest that the shape of the manus (the ‘hand’ portion of the forelimb) and the pes (the ‘foot’ portion of the hindlimb) of the Archaeopteryx exhibit evidence of perching, tree-dwelling and trunk-climbing due to the curvature of these anatomical elements. However, since this paper was published, another specimen of Archaeopteryx has been discovered (known as the Thermopolis specimen) which has almos t complete pes, and thus there is now mounting evidence that the hallux (first digit of the pes) did not display curvature necessary for perching (Mayr et al., 2007). If we consider the Archaeopteryx as arboreal, it is important to understand how and why a flight would have developed in this way. The original theory as stated by Othniel C. Marsh in the late 19th century was that Archaeopteryx would use wings as a balancing mechanism during leaps between trees, utilizing a gliding model to conserve energy. A common refutation to this point is that Archaeopteryx would utilize energy to climb trees (Mayr et al., 2007) but the terrestrial running would have taken more and as such gliding would be an evolutionary advantage (Feduccia, 1993). This, if taken as proof of the ‘intermediate gliding stage’ (Lewin, 1983, p38) that is so necessary for supporting the arboreal hypothesis, would help solve this challenge to evolutionary biology. A major problem with using Archaeopteryx as proof of the arboreal hypothesis is that it possessed very long, sharp claws or talons.

Goal Statement for a master program Personal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Goal for a master program - Personal Statement Example My initial plan was to delve into a career in finance or marketing which were potentially interesting at that time, prior to the financial global crisis. However, after I transferred to George Mason University (GMU), I decided that Biology major is a better fit for me. A career in biology gives opportunities in the areas of research, health care, environmental management and conservation, and even in education, where I am more enthusiastic in. I am duly organized, determined, consistently a high academic achiever. The awards and accolades from GMU speak of my personal discipline and intellectual talent. I prefer analyzing data, looking at a big picture than doing research at a lab. I am fluent in English and Vietnamese; proficient in using the Microsoft Office Suite program and a reliable team worker. Studying at GMU was a great and rewarding experience. The academic institution is just exemplary and the professors are all inspiringly impressive. The interactions with my professors and my friends made me want to come back and pursue higher education. My original plan was to apply for a master program in Biology at GMU. However, I inadvertently missed the application deadline so I opt to study for a certificate program in Bioinformatics instead. I believe that this is one of the few certificate programs at GMU that has the option which allows students to take additional courses to earn a master degree after finishing the certificate program. Likewise, it is one’s personal contention that Bioinformatics will give me more selections and opportunities for future career paths. As I have had professional experience working as a pharmacy technician, the program is appropriately applicable and can be used to further my craft. More importantly, I could be given more privileges in terms of working with either public or private scientific research institutes, hospitals, manufacturing organizations of