I.
Introduction
A. Corvus Corvax, also known as the common raven, has long been an intriguing animal.
B. The common raven has rightfully earned its position as one of the smartest bird species
on the planet.
C. Several cultures throughout history have given ravens religious significance and
adopted them into their beliefs.
D. Today I will share with you:
1. The physical and biological characteristics of the common raven.
2. The intelligence of the common raven.
3. And the depictions of ravens in varying myths and legends.
Transition: First, let’s describe ravens and a few key facts about their biology.
II.
The common raven can be identified by its physical traits, preferred habitat, and physical needs.
A. The physical qualities of a common raven make it easily recognizable from other birds.
1. The common raven is a large black bird.
a) According to Rachel Berg, author of C
orvus Corvax, the raven is classified
as the largest known passerine (songbird).
b) The common raven reacens up to 69 cm (27 in) in length and weighs
between 689 - 1625g (1.5 - 3.6 lbs).
2. The common raven has a wedge shaped tail.
3. Berg describes ravens as “vocal animals” with varying sounds and calls for
“different purposes and social contexts.”
a) Ravens have a deep throaty croak that sets them apart from many other
birds.
b) This is much different from the higher pitched caws of crows.
B. Ravens are spread across the world but concentrate in specific regions.
1. Overall, ravens prefer open landscapes.
2. More specifically, ravens have been found in North and Central America,
northern Europe, Greenland, Iceland, Central and Eastern Asia, and
Northwestern Africa.
C. The common raven is a very flexible survivor.
1. Ravens are omnivorous and eat whatever they can find.
a) They prey on insects, birds, and rodents up to their own size and
smaller.
b) They are scavengers and able to consume most corpses of dead animals.
c) In his article The Largest Songbird, Dennis Paulson states that “The
guaranteed presence of carrion (everything dies eventually) may be one
of the factors that allow ravens to live just about anywhere.”
2. Ravens themselves are formidable predators which means most other creatures
avoid preying on them.
3. Ravens mate for life and are often seen travelling in pairs.
Transition: Now that you are familiar with the physical aspects of this species, let us move on to the
intellectual and behavioral qualities.
III.
Ravens are very intelligent, as demonstrated in their ability to partake in advanced social
interactions and complex problem solving activities.
A. Ravens are social creatures by nature.
1. Some have actually developed bonds with larger predators of different species.
2. Daniel Stahler wrote an article in which he describes the interesting social
dynamic between the gray wolf and the common raven as observed in
Yellowstone National Park.
a) In the study, scientists observed ravens interacting with large animals
such as elk, coyotes, or wolves.
b) Ravens prefer to follow wolves because a pack of wolves is more likely to
take down larger prey.
c) Every time the scientists observed wolves successfully hunting large
prey, they also observed ravens at the site of the kill.
d) They further observed that ravens had watched the wolves and followed
the entire hunt up to the eventual kill.
B. Ravens have also been put through multiple studies to test their problem solving
capabilities.
1. In an article titled A
n Experimental Investigation of Insight in Common Ravens
(Corvus corvax), researcher Bernd Heinrich presented a group of ravens with a
multi-step problem that they had never encountered before.
a) The ravens had to pull up on a rope that had a piece of food dangling
from it.
b) Ravens in the study developed a system of pulling up on the rope with
their beaks, then holding the string with one foot. They continued this
process until they retrieved the food.
c) This solution was developed alone by each raven through trial and error,
demonstrating that they are capable of learning sequences of
problem-solving steps all on their own.
2. This is just one of many research studies that demonstrates ravens’ high degree
of intelligence.
Transition: Finally, ravens have earned their place within the mythos of varying cultures.
IV.
In the past, the Nordic people and the ancient Celts held ravens in high esteem within their
respective pantheons.
A. In Norse mythology, there is a god by the name of Odin, also known as the All-Father or
Raven God.
1. In Norse mythology, Odin is the god of wisdom.
2. In The Poetic Edda, author Jackson Crawford tells of Odin’s companions - two
ravens, Huginn and Muninn.
a) These ravens would travel around the world and whisper news into
Odin’s ear on their return.
b) Odin feared that one day they would not return. Crawford interprets
this as a metaphor for losing your memory with age.
3. In Nordic culture, ravens symbolized Odin and thus knowledge, wisdom, and
intelligence.
B. Alternatively, the ancient Celts believed in a goddess called the Morrigan.
1. The Morrigan was the goddess of life and death.
a) The Morrigan was depicted as a woman accompanied by a raven, or as a
woman with the head of a raven.
b) According to the article entitled M
orrigan by Honor Johnson, the
Morrigan represented the cycles of nature and was considered to be
three goddesses in one.
c) She existed as a young girl in the morning, a middle aged woman during
the day, and an old hag at night.
2. The Celts described her as being able to take on the form of a raven and appear
where there was to be a battle.
a) Ravens became known as an omen of death in the Celtic culture.
b) When a raven consumed a corpse, they considered it to be a form of
reincarnation.
c) The Celts’ strong association of ravens with death has persisted through
history.
Transition: Through mythology and by association with multiple gods, ravens have developed as
symbols for wisdom and death and are still thought of as such today.
V.
Conclusion
A. Today I informed you about the physical and biological aspects of ravens, their
behavioral qualities, and their position in Nordic and Celtic mythology.
B. Ravens are fascinating creatures.
1. They are truly advanced as a species.
2. It comes as no surprise that they are revered by humans and have become
significant symbols in human cultures.
Running head: CAR ENTHUSIASM
What it means to be a Car Enthusiast
1
CAR ENTHUSIASM
I.
2
Introduction
A. There are several hobbies and interests in the world and car enthusiasm is one of them.
B. Usually, car enthusiasts often face criticism from non-car enthusiasts simply because they
have no idea what the car enthusiasts know. Admiring cars alone doesn’t make one a car
enthusiast. The real car enthusiasts are interested in what they can do with their car.
C. One common trait among car enthusiast is the ability to see beauty in any car. Non-car
enthusiasts usually see a normal car while the non-car enthusiast sees uniqueness in a
normal car. Real car enthusiasts love cheaper cars. In most instances, car enthusiasts tend
to take cheaper cars and turn them into fancy cars that meet their needs. Non-car
enthusiasts usually never see the value of a car unless it is one of those car brands such as
Ferrari and Lamborghini that are fast and good-looking. A car enthusiast sees beyond the
emblem.
D. A real car enthusiast doesn’t conform to the societal demands about cars. I am going to
share with you on what drives the passion of car enthusiasts:
1. Driving a car is more than a skill. It is an art that brings satisfaction to the souls of car
enthusiasts.
2. Even ordinary cars are pleasing to the car enthusiasts. Car enthusiasts find them to be
reliable and effective. This is something that the non-car enthusiasts are never keen to
observe because they perceive them to be low-budget cars.
3. Driving and controlling cars is a special type of task that spikes adrenalin and
demands focus especially amongst the car enthusiasts. Cars give man mobility than
any other mode of transport and thus, they deserve the kind of attention they receive
from the car enthusiasts.
CAR ENTHUSIASM
3
First, let’s start with the nature of driving, and cars in general. Driving by itself is an art that
brings satisfaction to the souls of car enthusiasts– it defines one’s level of car enthusiasm.
II.
Car enthusiasts perceive cars as more than just the tools that they need to move from
one place to another. It is the non-car enthusiast who believes that cars are just for
moving from point A to point B.
A. On Car Power.
1. Car enthusiasts always love their cars, regardless of the kind of power they get
while using their cars. Some car enthusiasts prefer powerful cars while some
require medium powered cars.
2. Part and parcel of being a car enthusiasts entails knowing one’s power needs in a
car. Car enthusiasts don’t have necessary to own several fleets of high end SUVs
and Lamborghinis, they just need to know the specific brands that appeal to them.
3. A real car enthusiast wants a connection, and a feeling of control and that is
something only car enthusiasts know to identify in cars.
4. Only car enthusiasts are knowledgeable enough to know what they want in a car.
Any model of a car can be aesthetic to a car enthusiast in so many ways
depending on the specific features of that car that appeal to him or her.
B. On breath-taking speeds
1. They say speed kills but when served in the right proportions, speed is
actually thrilling. Some car enthusiasts love speed while others do not.
CAR ENTHUSIASM
4
2. Unlike non-car enthusiasts, car enthusiasts do not spend hefty amounts of
money in buying supercars (that can reach breath-taking speed levels). Instead
they have a special ability to see the good in every type of car.
3. Going at top speeds is such a beauty to behold. Equally, cars with moderate
speed capabilities are appealing to certain groups of car enthusiasts.
Car enthusiasts are generally picky with their cars. Here’s how:
III.
Car enthusiasts subscribe to certain cultures regarding a certain brand of a car.
A. Car enthusiasts see value in a certain brand
1. Subaru cars have dominated the safari-rally for considerably long periods of time,
thanks to the cult of Subaru enthusiasts.
B. Car enthusiasts don’t choose a car because of they have to. The typical car enthusiast has
their own reasons as to why they like a certain brand of a car.
C. On Cost
1. Cost is a factor that the typical car enthusiast doesn’t really care about. To them,
there’s more to certain styles of engineering in a car than the price.
2. Car enthusiasts can either spend little money over ordinary brands or spend millions
of dollars in an old-school car auction, depending on the car that is appealing to him
or her.
D. On performance
A car enthusiast doesn’t need a car that can just perform, he or she needs a powerful car with a
near perfect ability to deliver speed and reliability even in the worst of conditions.
CAR ENTHUSIASM
5
Being a car enthusiast is a whole vibe. Here is how:
IV.
Driving and controlling cars is a special type of task that spikes passion amongst car
enthusiasts.
A. The passion of car enthusiasm gives birth to communities of car enthusiasm
1. Car enthusiasm gives way to the formation of social groups and clubs. It is a community
of like-minded people who share the love of anything and everything about cars.
2. Car enthusiasm communities can be beneficial to the society as they can engage in worthcauses. Such worth-causes including holding rallies to fundraise for cancer patients or
even support a children’s home.
B. On supporting the creative industry
1. The love for cars creates a bond that leads to relationships that make the world a
better place.
V.
In a nutshell:
Here is what drives the passion of car enthusiasts:
1. To car enthusiasts, driving cars is more than a skill. It is an art that brings satisfaction to
their souls.
2. Even ordinary cars are pleasing to the car enthusiasts. Car enthusiasts find them to be
reliable and effective. This is something that the non-car enthusiasts are never keen to
observe because they perceive them to be low-budget cars.
3. Driving and controlling cars is a special type of task that spikes passion especially
amongst the car enthusiasts.
Cars give man mobility than any other mode of transport and thus, they deserve the kind of
attention they receive from the car enthusiasts.
CAR ENTHUSIASM
6
References
Andresen, J. A., & Byrne, R. (1978). High-speed lateral stability of a freight car related to
modifications of conventional trucks. Journal of Engineering for Industry, 100(1),
49-52. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.3439345
Doty, D. (1989). Model car building: Getting started.
Shirahase, T., & Oku, A. (2005). Racing car aerodynamics development.
https://doi.org/10.4271/2005-08-0387
GOAL: AN 3 PAGE OUTLINE ABOUT BEING A "CAR ENTHUSIAST".
WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?
Arguing in support of a cause you care about is a vital skill. Understanding positions outside of
your own can be an exercise in critical thinking to help you understand your own position and
advance it better in the future. Choosing a topic and position you are passionate about will add
a strong undercurrent of fire that can help you show the audience the importance of your topic
through your delivery.
The goal of this speech is to persuade the audience that your position is the strongest and
best-supported. It is not to inform the audience about the existence of a controversial issue so
they can make up their minds. You must adopt a clear position on a topic or issue and advance
and support it with strong arguments and passionate delivery built on a solid foundation of
your own credibility. Influence the audience and move us to action!
For this speech, choose a topic that you care about and a position on that topic that you are
passionate about. Make sure the issue or topic indeed has multiple angles from which to
discuss it (i.e. people can be persuaded about it). Ensure that your topic is relevant to the
audience and is neither a safe nor flashpoint issue.
A visual aid is optional for this speech. Make this decision with your message and audience
in mind. If you feel it would help you, I encourage you to use one. If you feel that you can best
advance your argument if the audience focuses their attention entirely on your arguments and
delivery, I encourage you to remain the sole star of the show.
Specifics:
Speeches should be
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
6-8 minutes in length.
Well-researched, with a minimum of 5 credible outside sources, cited orally.
Visual aid optional.
Deliberately constructed with sound reasoning and argument organization.
Thoroughly supported and outlined in a manner similar to the sample outline provided
(same outline format as informative sample with content adjusted).
Clearly rehearsed and practiced.
Presented with enthusiasm, engagement and confidence
cars in general, like the idea of falling in love with a set of wheels and being selective on
choosing what to drive. as a car enthusiast a car to me isn't just a machine than takes me from
point A to B. it's more like an extension of myself that takes me through a journey every time I
sit behind a steering wheel and turn on the ignition. use that to change the outline
you can also steal some ideas from the movie gone in 60 seconds, where the main character
"Nicholas cage" gives each special car a name not like a pet, but more like a woman who he
encountered in a point of his life. many cars in the movie did not have names which shows you
the mindset of a car guy where he specifies every car in the world into two main categories,
either a machine which is how most people view cars in general, or that rare marvelous thing in
which the car enthusiaste won't waste a second to interact with(like a person mind you) if
he/she had the chance
also use car enthusiast instead of car guy to rule out any possible controversy.
USE THE TWO ATTACHED FILES AS A GUIDE ON THE SET UP OF THE OUTLINE.
either watch a compilation on youtube of Jeremy Clarckson from the original top gear or watch gone in 60
seconds movies starring Nicolas cage.
once you do you will get the idea
forgot to mention do not include any personal opinions what so ever. this is a persuasive speech outline.
just convince the reader about your passion without disrespecting any groups of people like when you
mentioned earlier about the varies groups of people who are not car enthusiast. try the rule out controversy
because this is not an argumentive speech outline.
done
1- I have specific mannerisms that define me
do not take about yourself as a person this is a persuasive speech not a personal introduction.
2- Mediocre automobiles have always been meant for the lazy, old grannies, disabled people, and people with
low-budget coordination.
I specifically told you to remove that. i doesn't make sense that certain cars are built for old, lazy, and disabled
people all in the same time that just sounds uneducated.
3- A.Why Build and Modify
remove every build, built, or any building-related word from the whole outline. because that is a whole
different area of expertise which isn't related to the main subject.
4- A.On supporting the creative industry
1.Car enthusiasm is a passion that integrates art. It encourages creativity and innovation that can change the
way man using cars as mode of transport.
2.The love for cars creates a bond that leads to relationships that make the world a better place.
that just doesn't make sense, nor it add up with the main idea. unlike this line which makes
sense"Most importantly, they create communities." and there is no need to elaborate on it,
move on to the next point.
5- please rewrite the main points again because the points you used were week and
unpersuasive. after you have changed the main points, stack them in the intro saying I am
going to explain A,B and C for an example, then bring them back in the conclution saying I have
showed you or explained to you A,B, and C.
I have tried my best to help you correct most of the big mistakes, and to rewrite the main points
in order to create a stronger more convincing outline.
thank you
this time focus HEAVILY on rewriting(replacing) the main points to make a stronger more
persuasive speech, and please follow up on my latest feedback to avoid repeating the same
mistakes again.
ONE LAST THIS A CAR ENTHUSIAST OUTLINE CAN'T BE GREAT WITHOUT MENTIONING CAR
NAMES, INCLUDE CLASSIC, MODERN, MUSCLE, LUXARY, SUV, TRUCK, AND EXOTIC NO DOUBT.
i just read it all, here are my thoughts.
PROBLEMS
1- I felt like I have just read a long list of sentences instead of paragraphs, they do not
complement each other or merge in any way.
if I deleted the numbering on the left hand side and scattered the paragraphs, I wouldn't know
which is the intro, which is the body, and which is the conclusion.
2- you still haven't detailed the 4 main points you will talk about, and haven't listed them
properly at the beginning in the into and at the end in the conclusion.
3- state more examples of car communities like the ford mustangs, chevy corvettes, dodge
hellcats, chevy silverados, Nissan GTRS, Toyota Supras......etc
SOLUTIONS
1- you wrote some great sentences there in comparison of the previous drafts, but you need to
take a breath and collect your thoughts. Organize your ideas instead of just typing what fits in.
merge sentences to create a vision. and from the vision build a dream.
2- remove the cost ideas from the whole outline because its false and inaccurate. Car modifiers
pay way more than normal tims as you called them before to upgrade their valuable cars
making them either faster or sexier. so ya no cost points.
3- read this sample of ravens outline and organize your thoughts to match it. write your outline
in the same manner and fashion.
Introduction
Gained attention and interest ||
Relevance; gave audience a reason to listen ||
Purpose/Thesis statements; previewed main points
Body
Main arguments clear and easily distinguished ||
Effective implementation of ethos/pathos/logos ||
Well planned and executed; Flow/structure ||
Smooth and effective transitions; Signposts ||
Accurate, clear, and appropriate language ||
Established speaker credibility; orally cited sources (5)
Conclusion
Prepared audience for ending ||
Gave audience a reason to remember and motivation to act
Overall effectiveness
Appropriate topic selection; Visual aids (if used); Pacing (tempo/structure); Rapport with audience; Genuine
emotion; Connected with audience’s emotions; Overall good communicator.
Outline
Introduction, Purpose/thesis, Conclusion || Correct format, symbolization, organization || Reference page with
legitimate and credible sources
I.
Introduction
A. Corvus Corvax, also known as the common raven, has long been an intriguing animal.
B. The common raven has rightfully earned its position as one of the smartest bird species
on the planet.
C. Several cultures throughout history have given ravens religious significance and
adopted them into their beliefs.
D. Today I will share with you:
1. The physical and biological characteristics of the common raven.
2. The intelligence of the common raven.
3. And the depictions of ravens in varying myths and legends.
Transition: First, let’s describe ravens and a few key facts about their biology.
II.
The common raven can be identified by its physical traits, preferred habitat, and physical needs.
A. The physical qualities of a common raven make it easily recognizable from other birds.
1. The common raven is a large black bird.
a) According to Rachel Berg, author of C
orvus Corvax, the raven is classified
as the largest known passerine (songbird).
b) The common raven reacens up to 69 cm (27 in) in length and weighs
between 689 - 1625g (1.5 - 3.6 lbs).
2. The common raven has a wedge shaped tail.
3. Berg describes ravens as “vocal animals” with varying sounds and calls for
“different purposes and social contexts.”
a) Ravens have a deep throaty croak that sets them apart from many other
birds.
b) This is much different from the higher pitched caws of crows.
B. Ravens are spread across the world but concentrate in specific regions.
1. Overall, ravens prefer open landscapes.
2. More specifically, ravens have been found in North and Central America,
northern Europe, Greenland, Iceland, Central and Eastern Asia, and
Northwestern Africa.
C. The common raven is a very flexible survivor.
1. Ravens are omnivorous and eat whatever they can find.
a) They prey on insects, birds, and rodents up to their own size and
smaller.
b) They are scavengers and able to consume most corpses of dead animals.
c) In his article The Largest Songbird, Dennis Paulson states that “The
guaranteed presence of carrion (everything dies eventually) may be one
of the factors that allow ravens to live just about anywhere.”
2. Ravens themselves are formidable predators which means most other creatures
avoid preying on them.
3. Ravens mate for life and are often seen travelling in pairs.
Transition: Now that you are familiar with the physical aspects of this species, let us move on to the
intellectual and behavioral qualities.
III.
Ravens are very intelligent, as demonstrated in their ability to partake in advanced social
interactions and complex problem solving activities.
A. Ravens are social creatures by nature.
1. Some have actually developed bonds with larger predators of different species.
2. Daniel Stahler wrote an article in which he describes the interesting social
dynamic between the gray wolf and the common raven as observed in
Yellowstone National Park.
a) In the study, scientists observed ravens interacting with large animals
such as elk, coyotes, or wolves.
b) Ravens prefer to follow wolves because a pack of wolves is more likely to
take down larger prey.
c) Every time the scientists observed wolves successfully hunting large
prey, they also observed ravens at the site of the kill.
d) They further observed that ravens had watched the wolves and followed
the entire hunt up to the eventual kill.
B. Ravens have also been put through multiple studies to test their problem solving
capabilities.
1. In an article titled A
n Experimental Investigation of Insight in Common Ravens
(Corvus corvax), researcher Bernd Heinrich presented a group of ravens with a
multi-step problem that they had never encountered before.
a) The ravens had to pull up on a rope that had a piece of food dangling
from it.
b) Ravens in the study developed a system of pulling up on the rope with
their beaks, then holding the string with one foot. They continued this
process until they retrieved the food.
c) This solution was developed alone by each raven through trial and error,
demonstrating that they are capable of learning sequences of
problem-solving steps all on their own.
2. This is just one of many research studies that demonstrates ravens’ high degree
of intelligence.
Transition: Finally, ravens have earned their place within the mythos of varying cultures.
IV.
In the past, the Nordic people and the ancient Celts held ravens in high esteem within their
respective pantheons.
A. In Norse mythology, there is a god by the name of Odin, also known as the All-Father or
Raven God.
1. In Norse mythology, Odin is the god of wisdom.
2. In The Poetic Edda, author Jackson Crawford tells of Odin’s companions - two
ravens, Huginn and Muninn.
a) These ravens would travel around the world and whisper news into
Odin’s ear on their return.
b) Odin feared that one day they would not return. Crawford interprets
this as a metaphor for losing your memory with age.
3. In Nordic culture, ravens symbolized Odin and thus knowledge, wisdom, and
intelligence.
B. Alternatively, the ancient Celts believed in a goddess called the Morrigan.
1. The Morrigan was the goddess of life and death.
a) The Morrigan was depicted as a woman accompanied by a raven, or as a
woman with the head of a raven.
b) According to the article entitled M
orrigan by Honor Johnson, the
Morrigan represented the cycles of nature and was considered to be
three goddesses in one.
c) She existed as a young girl in the morning, a middle aged woman during
the day, and an old hag at night.
2. The Celts described her as being able to take on the form of a raven and appear
where there was to be a battle.
a) Ravens became known as an omen of death in the Celtic culture.
b) When a raven consumed a corpse, they considered it to be a form of
reincarnation.
c) The Celts’ strong association of ravens with death has persisted through
history.
Transition: Through mythology and by association with multiple gods, ravens have developed as
symbols for wisdom and death and are still thought of as such today.
V.
Conclusion
A. Today I informed you about the physical and biological aspects of ravens, their
behavioral qualities, and their position in Nordic and Celtic mythology.
B. Ravens are fascinating creatures.
1. They are truly advanced as a species.
2. It comes as no surprise that they are revered by humans and have become
significant symbols in human cultures.
Surname 1
Student’s name:
Professor’s name:
Course: Hcom100-45
Date: April 8th 2021
Megalodon Shark
1. Introduction
A. A megalodon shark is extinct species of shark that existed approximately 3 million
years ago.
B. The megalodon sharks were regarded as largest and most powerful predators to
ever exist.
C. The size and appearance of the megalodon shark are uncertain and the sharks are
known for their fragmentary remains.
D. Scientist believes the megalodon sharks resembled the great white shark more
closely and were perceived to belong to the same family.
E. The fossils of megalodon sharks indicate that it had a major impact on the marine
community and it probably targeted large prey, such as seals and whales.
F. Today I will share with you:
1. The physical and biological characteristics of the megalodon sharks
2. The range and habitat, location of fossils, competition and prey relationships
3. The feeding strategies and growth and reproduction of the megalodon shark
Surname 2
4. The extinction of the megalodon shark.
Transition: First, let’s describe the Megalodon and a few common facts about their
biology
2. The megalodon have been identified by their physical appearance, biological traits
and their habitat and needs.
A. The physical characteristics of the megalodon shark made it differentiable from
other sharks
a) The megalodon sharks are the most powerful and largest predators, estimated
maximum size was up to 14 to 20 metres in length and the average length of 10
meters. (Shimada, 7)
b) The megalodon sharks had thick and robust teeth.
•
It is estimated that the jaws could exert a force of up to 110500 newton.
•
Their teeth were built to grab and break the bones of their prey.
B. Megalodons fossils were excavated from many parts of the world, they commonly
occurred in temperate and sun tropical latitudes.
a.
Occurred in latitudes of up to 50C.
b.
Its temperature range was between 1 to 24C
c.
Their ability to conserve metabolic heat made it possible to endure
such low temperatures.
C. Megalodon preyed upon many ocean species, they preyed on whales, rorquals,
sperm whales and dolphins. (Collareta, et al. 87)
a. Megalodons have great size, powerful jaws and high swimming speed
made it capable to dominate almost any sea creature.
b. Megalodon fed at higher trophic level than other sharks.
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c. Adult megalodon sharks had no prey but the young were preyed by bigger
whales.
Transition: now, that you are familiar with the physical aspects of the megalodon
sharks, let us move on to their growth and reproduction habits.
3. Megalodon shark are born live.
A. However, is in not clear whether they were they were ovoviviparous ( where the
eggs remain in the mother until they hatch) or viviparous (where embryos receive
nutrients from the mother)
B. It is estimated that the newly birthed megalodon were at least 2 meters in length.
C. Megalodon had nurseries for the young
a. According to a research carried out in 2010, a nursery was identified at the
Panamanian coast characterized by excavation of teeth from different
stages of life. (Herraiz, et al, 17)
b. These nurseries provided the megalodons with access to smaller preys
hence enabling the adults to attack.
c. The young fed on turtles, fish and small cetaceans.
d. However little is known about their dispersal after maturity.
Transition: through the years, the earth experienced various changes which affected the
marine life.
4. The megalodon sharks began reducing in numbers and eventually became extinct.
It is believed that megalodons died nearly 3 million years ago. The main cause of
megalodons extinction was climate and ecosystem change.
A. Climate change
a. A cooling trend started causing glaciation.
Surname 4
b. Currents and precipitation changed due to the geological
events.
c. Water rich in nutrients were prevented from reaching the major
marine ecosystem by the stalling of Gulf Stream.
d. The expansion of glaciers around the poles, affected the coastal
environments negatively hence contributed to the extinction of
the megalodon sharks.
e. Evidence from the fossils confirmed the non-existence of
megalodon in region where water temperatures had gone down.
B. Change in ecosystem
a. During the Miocene, marine mammals attained a great
diversity.
b. The diversity gave an ideal environment to support super
predators.
c. By the end of Miocene, a lot of species had gone extinct.
d. The only surviving species were the fast swimming and hence
more evasive prey.
e. Due to closure of the seaway in the Central American, many
megalodons reduced in abundance and diversity.
f. Megalodons extinction was also contributed by the competition
from other marine predators such as whales.
Transition: finally, in several culture megalodons have been perceived as works of
fiction.
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C. Megalodons have continued to be believed to be work of fiction in
films and novels.
D. Conclusion
A. Today I have informed you about the biological and physical aspects of the
megalodons sharks, their range and habitat, location of fossils, competition
and prey relationships, the feeding strategies, growth and reproduction of the
megalodon shark and the extinction of the megalodon shark.
B. Megalodon sharks have been significant symbols in human cultures and
historical education.
Surname 6
Work cited
Collareta, Alberto, et al. "Did the giant extinct shark Carcharocles megalodon target small
prey? Bite marks on marine mammal remains from the late Miocene of
Peru." Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 469 (2017): 84-91.
Cooper, Jack A., et al. "Body dimensions of the extinct giant shark Otodus megalodon: a 2D
reconstruction." Scientific reports 10.1 (2020): 1-9.
Herraiz, Jose L., et al. "Use of nursery areas by the extinct megatooth shark Otodus
megalodon (Chondrichthyes: Lamniformes)." Biology letters 16.11 (2020): 20200746.
Shimada, Kenshu. "The size of the megatooth shark, Otodus megalodon (Lamniformes:
Otodontidae), revisited." Historical Biology (2019): 1-8.
I.
Introduction
A. Corvus Corvax, also known as the common raven, has long been an intriguing animal.
B. The common raven has rightfully earned its position as one of the smartest bird species
on the planet.
C. Several cultures throughout history have given ravens religious significance and
adopted them into their beliefs.
D. Today I will share with you:
1. The physical and biological characteristics of the common raven.
2. The intelligence of the common raven.
3. And the depictions of ravens in varying myths and legends.
Transition: First, let’s describe ravens and a few key facts about their biology.
II.
The common raven can be identified by its physical traits, preferred habitat, and physical needs.
A. The physical qualities of a common raven make it easily recognizable from other birds.
1. The common raven is a large black bird.
a) According to Rachel Berg, author of C
orvus Corvax, the raven is classified
as the largest known passerine (songbird).
b) The common raven reacens up to 69 cm (27 in) in length and weighs
between 689 - 1625g (1.5 - 3.6 lbs).
2. The common raven has a wedge shaped tail.
3. Berg describes ravens as “vocal animals” with varying sounds and calls for
“different purposes and social contexts.”
a) Ravens have a deep throaty croak that sets them apart from many other
birds.
b) This is much different from the higher pitched caws of crows.
B. Ravens are spread across the world but concentrate in specific regions.
1. Overall, ravens prefer open landscapes.
2. More specifically, ravens have been found in North and Central America,
northern Europe, Greenland, Iceland, Central and Eastern Asia, and
Northwestern Africa.
C. The common raven is a very flexible survivor.
1. Ravens are omnivorous and eat whatever they can find.
a) They prey on insects, birds, and rodents up to their own size and
smaller.
b) They are scavengers and able to consume most corpses of dead animals.
c) In his article The Largest Songbird, Dennis Paulson states that “The
guaranteed presence of carrion (everything dies eventually) may be one
of the factors that allow ravens to live just about anywhere.”
2. Ravens themselves are formidable predators which means most other creatures
avoid preying on them.
3. Ravens mate for life and are often seen travelling in pairs.
Transition: Now that you are familiar with the physical aspects of this species, let us move on to the
intellectual and behavioral qualities.
III.
Ravens are very intelligent, as demonstrated in their ability to partake in advanced social
interactions and complex problem solving activities.
A. Ravens are social creatures by nature.
1. Some have actually developed bonds with larger predators of different species.
2. Daniel Stahler wrote an article in which he describes the interesting social
dynamic between the gray wolf and the common raven as observed in
Yellowstone National Park.
a) In the study, scientists observed ravens interacting with large animals
such as elk, coyotes, or wolves.
b) Ravens prefer to follow wolves because a pack of wolves is more likely to
take down larger prey.
c) Every time the scientists observed wolves successfully hunting large
prey, they also observed ravens at the site of the kill.
d) They further observed that ravens had watched the wolves and followed
the entire hunt up to the eventual kill.
B. Ravens have also been put through multiple studies to test their problem solving
capabilities.
1. In an article titled A
n Experimental Investigation of Insight in Common Ravens
(Corvus corvax), researcher Bernd Heinrich presented a group of ravens with a
multi-step problem that they had never encountered before.
a) The ravens had to pull up on a rope that had a piece of food dangling
from it.
b) Ravens in the study developed a system of pulling up on the rope with
their beaks, then holding the string with one foot. They continued this
process until they retrieved the food.
c) This solution was developed alone by each raven through trial and error,
demonstrating that they are capable of learning sequences of
problem-solving steps all on their own.
2. This is just one of many research studies that demonstrates ravens’ high degree
of intelligence.
Transition: Finally, ravens have earned their place within the mythos of varying cultures.
IV.
In the past, the Nordic people and the ancient Celts held ravens in high esteem within their
respective pantheons.
A. In Norse mythology, there is a god by the name of Odin, also known as the All-Father or
Raven God.
1. In Norse mythology, Odin is the god of wisdom.
2. In The Poetic Edda, author Jackson Crawford tells of Odin’s companions - two
ravens, Huginn and Muninn.
a) These ravens would travel around the world and whisper news into
Odin’s ear on their return.
b) Odin feared that one day they would not return. Crawford interprets
this as a metaphor for losing your memory with age.
3. In Nordic culture, ravens symbolized Odin and thus knowledge, wisdom, and
intelligence.
B. Alternatively, the ancient Celts believed in a goddess called the Morrigan.
1. The Morrigan was the goddess of life and death.
a) The Morrigan was depicted as a woman accompanied by a raven, or as a
woman with the head of a raven.
b) According to the article entitled M
orrigan by Honor Johnson, the
Morrigan represented the cycles of nature and was considered to be
three goddesses in one.
c) She existed as a young girl in the morning, a middle aged woman during
the day, and an old hag at night.
2. The Celts described her as being able to take on the form of a raven and appear
where there was to be a battle.
a) Ravens became known as an omen of death in the Celtic culture.
b) When a raven consumed a corpse, they considered it to be a form of
reincarnation.
c) The Celts’ strong association of ravens with death has persisted through
history.
Transition: Through mythology and by association with multiple gods, ravens have developed as
symbols for wisdom and death and are still thought of as such today.
V.
Conclusion
A. Today I informed you about the physical and biological aspects of ravens, their
behavioral qualities, and their position in Nordic and Celtic mythology.
B. Ravens are fascinating creatures.
1. They are truly advanced as a species.
2. It comes as no surprise that they are revered by humans and have become
significant symbols in human cultures.
Surname 1
Student’s name:
Professor’s name:
Course: Hcom100-45
Date: April 8th 2021
Megalodon Shark
1. Introduction
A. A megalodon shark is extinct species of shark that existed approximately 3 million
years ago.
B. The megalodon sharks were regarded as largest and most powerful predators to
ever exist.
C. The size and appearance of the megalodon shark are uncertain and the sharks are
known for their fragmentary remains.
D. Scientist believes the megalodon sharks resembled the great white shark more
closely and were perceived to belong to the same family.
E. The fossils of megalodon sharks indicate that it had a major impact on the marine
community and it probably targeted large prey, such as seals and whales.
F. Today I will share with you:
1. The physical and biological characteristics of the megalodon sharks
2. The range and habitat, location of fossils, competition and prey relationships
3. The feeding strategies and growth and reproduction of the megalodon shark
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4. The extinction of the megalodon shark.
Transition: First, let’s describe the Megalodon and a few common facts about their
biology
2. The megalodon have been identified by their physical appearance, biological traits
and their habitat and needs.
A. The physical characteristics of the megalodon shark made it differentiable from
other sharks
a) The megalodon sharks are the most powerful and largest predators, estimated
maximum size was up to 14 to 20 metres in length and the average length of 10
meters. (Shimada, 7)
b) The megalodon sharks had thick and robust teeth.
•
It is estimated that the jaws could exert a force of up to 110500 newton.
•
Their teeth were built to grab and break the bones of their prey.
B. Megalodons fossils were excavated from many parts of the world, they commonly
occurred in temperate and sun tropical latitudes.
a.
Occurred in latitudes of up to 50C.
b.
Its temperature range was between 1 to 24C
c.
Their ability to conserve metabolic heat made it possible to endure
such low temperatures.
C. Megalodon preyed upon many ocean species, they preyed on whales, rorquals,
sperm whales and dolphins. (Collareta, et al. 87)
a. Megalodons have great size, powerful jaws and high swimming speed
made it capable to dominate almost any sea creature.
b. Megalodon fed at higher trophic level than other sharks.
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c. Adult megalodon sharks had no prey but the young were preyed by bigger
whales.
Transition: now, that you are familiar with the physical aspects of the megalodon
sharks, let us move on to their growth and reproduction habits.
3. Megalodon shark are born live.
A. However, is in not clear whether they were they were ovoviviparous ( where the
eggs remain in the mother until they hatch) or viviparous (where embryos receive
nutrients from the mother)
B. It is estimated that the newly birthed megalodon were at least 2 meters in length.
C. Megalodon had nurseries for the young
a. According to a research carried out in 2010, a nursery was identified at the
Panamanian coast characterized by excavation of teeth from different
stages of life. (Herraiz, et al, 17)
b. These nurseries provided the megalodons with access to smaller preys
hence enabling the adults to attack.
c. The young fed on turtles, fish and small cetaceans.
d. However little is known about their dispersal after maturity.
Transition: through the years, the earth experienced various changes which affected the
marine life.
4. The megalodon sharks began reducing in numbers and eventually became extinct.
It is believed that megalodons died nearly 3 million years ago. The main cause of
megalodons extinction was climate and ecosystem change.
A. Climate change
a. A cooling trend started causing glaciation.
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b. Currents and precipitation changed due to the geological
events.
c. Water rich in nutrients were prevented from reaching the major
marine ecosystem by the stalling of Gulf Stream.
d. The expansion of glaciers around the poles, affected the coastal
environments negatively hence contributed to the extinction of
the megalodon sharks.
e. Evidence from the fossils confirmed the non-existence of
megalodon in region where water temperatures had gone down.
B. Change in ecosystem
a. During the Miocene, marine mammals attained a great
diversity.
b. The diversity gave an ideal environment to support super
predators.
c. By the end of Miocene, a lot of species had gone extinct.
d. The only surviving species were the fast swimming and hence
more evasive prey.
e. Due to closure of the seaway in the Central American, many
megalodons reduced in abundance and diversity.
f. Megalodons extinction was also contributed by the competition
from other marine predators such as whales.
Transition: finally, in several culture megalodons have been perceived as works of
fiction.
Surname 5
C. Megalodons have continued to be believed to be work of fiction in
films and novels.
D. Conclusion
A. Today I have informed you about the biological and physical aspects of the
megalodons sharks, their range and habitat, location of fossils, competition
and prey relationships, the feeding strategies, growth and reproduction of the
megalodon shark and the extinction of the megalodon shark.
B. Megalodon sharks have been significant symbols in human cultures and
historical education.
Surname 6
Work cited
Collareta, Alberto, et al. "Did the giant extinct shark Carcharocles megalodon target small
prey? Bite marks on marine mammal remains from the late Miocene of
Peru." Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 469 (2017): 84-91.
Cooper, Jack A., et al. "Body dimensions of the extinct giant shark Otodus megalodon: a 2D
reconstruction." Scientific reports 10.1 (2020): 1-9.
Herraiz, Jose L., et al. "Use of nursery areas by the extinct megatooth shark Otodus
megalodon (Chondrichthyes: Lamniformes)." Biology letters 16.11 (2020): 20200746.
Shimada, Kenshu. "The size of the megatooth shark, Otodus megalodon (Lamniformes:
Otodontidae), revisited." Historical Biology (2019): 1-8.
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