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Lions and Their Lifestyle

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Lion Anatomy and Appearance

Lions have a short coat of tawny or golden fur with a long tail that has a tuft of longer fur at the end. The markings on their coats are much fainter than the bold stripes and spots displayed on other felines which helps these large carnivores in going unseen when stalking prey in the long grasses. Lions have strong and powerful lion jaws that contain 30 teeth in total which includes four fang-like canines and four carnassial teeth that are perfectly designed for slicing through flesh.

Lion Mane 

The lion is one of the largest cats in the world with males being taller and heavier than females and displaying a mane of long hair around their faces (in fact, it is the only case in the feline world where males and females actually look different). Thought to be connected with testosterone levels, the mane of the male lion ranges from blonde to red, brown, and black in color and covers their head, neck, and chest.

White Lions 

Several big cat species have been observed in the wild with color mutations, such as the white tiger or black panther. Likewise, there is an uncommon color mutation of lions that leaves their coat extremely pale.

Unlike white tigers which are albino – that is, lacking in color pigments in their coat – the coat of white lions is caused by recessive traits. The uncommon nature of white lions led to them being captured and moved into captivity in the second half of the 20th century.

Lion Distribution and Habitat

Historically, Lions would have been found throughout much of Africa and even in parts of Europe and Asia as well. Today, however, they have been pushed into more isolated pockets of their once vast natural range with the remaining African Lion population now only found in countries in sub-Saharan Africa. There is also still a small population of Asiatic Lions found inhabiting a remote part of the Gir Forest in India.

Despite their dwindling numbers, Lions are actually incredibly adaptable animals that can and will inhabit very dry climates as they get most of the moisture they need from their food. They prefer areas of open woodland, scrub, and long grasslands where there is not only plenty over cover but also a wide variety of prey. They are only not found in areas of rainforest or far into deserts.

Lion Population — How Many White Lions Are Left?

Like other big cat species, the lion is under threat from habitat loss and hunting. Between 1993 and 2014, the population of lions decreased by 42%. The IUCN’s last assessment places the adult population between 23,000 to 39,000 mature individuals. Today, lions as a species are listed as “Vulnerable,” a step above being declared “Endangered.”  

While the Africa lion’s population likely numbers over 20,000, Asiatic lion populations are estimated to number just 600 individuals. Asiatic lions are limited to just a single wildlife sanctuary in India that measures just 545 square miles (1,400 sq. km). Further growth in the population of Asiatic lions will rely on reintroduction into new habitats in India.

Extinct lion species and subpopulations

Scientists believe that 10,000 years ago lions were the most widespread mammal outside of humans. However, today their range is a fraction of its historical size. This comes from the extinction of two unique lion species near the end of the last ice age and habitat loss that has reduced the range of lions.

Barbary lion

The Barbary lion used to live across the North Coast of Africa, with a range that stretched from Egypt to Morocco. Until recently, it was believed to be a distinct subspecies of lion, but research now shows it’s genetically similar to Asiatic lions.

The Barbary lion was largely hunted to extinction in the 19th century. The last documented sighting was in Algeria’s Atlas Mountains in 1942 (although, skins were found on illegal markets into the 1980s, suggesting the Barbary lions may have survived longer), leaving the lion regionally extinct in North Africa. Today, Barbary lions aren’t recognized as unique subspecies, but for much of the 20th century, they were believed to be.

Cave lion (Panther Leo spelean)

The Cave lion was a species of lion that stretched across Eurasia and into Alaska and went extinct with the collapse of the mammoth steppe about 12,000 years ago. The species lived across all of continental Europe and many archeological drawings of lions from that area depict cave lions. The species was larger than today’s surviving lions. In recent years, a number of frozen cave lion cubs have been discovered in Russia’s permafrost.

American lion (Panthera leo atrox)

Another lion species that disappeared roughly 12,000 years ago during a period of global climate change, the America lion’s ranged stretched across most of the modern-day United States and Mexico. The American lion is notable for being the largest lion species. Its habitat was similar to today’s African lion, with it hunting across large grasslands on large mammals like bison, deer, and even mammoths.

Lion Behavior and Lifestyle

Lions are unique among cats as they live together in strong social groups. A pride is made up of 5-15 related females and their cubs along with a generally single male (small groups of 2 or 3 though are not uncommon). Male Lions patrol a territory of around 100m² marking trees and rocks with urine and roaring to warn off intruders. Although male Lions can defend their pride to great effect, their position in the pride is constantly under threat from other males who try to take over their patch and if successful, they will kill any cubs that were sired by the previous male. Despite their enormous size, male Lions actually do hardly any of the hunting as they are often slower and more easily seen than their female counterparts. The Lionesses in the pride hunt together meaning that they are not only more successful on their trips, but they are also able to catch and kill animals that are both faster than them and much bigger.

Lion Reproduction, Cubs, and Lifespan

Both male and female lions are able to reproduce between the ages of two and three but despite this, they will often not breed until the pride has been firmly established. After a gestation period that lasts for nearly four months, female lions give birth to between one and six cubs that are born blind and are incredibly vulnerable in their new surroundings. The fur of lion cubs is covered in darker spots that help to camouflage them into their den to protect them whilst the adults have gone out to hunt.

Sadly, however, less than half of cubs make it to be a year old and four out of five have died by the time they are two, generally either from animal attacks or starvation. Remarkably though, the female lions in the pride will have their cubs at around the same time and will help to suckle and care for the cubs of other females. Lion cubs suckle on milk until they are about six months old and although they won’t begin actively hunting until they are about a year old, lion cubs start to eat meat after 12 weeks or so.

Like most big cats, lions live about 10 to 15 years. In captivity, lions have lived quite a bit longer than in the wild. In 2016, the Philadelphia Zoo was had to euthanize a 25-year old female lion after it began suffering from limited mobility.

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Renting for College Students: On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Housing

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Renting for College Students: On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Housing

Choosing where to live is one of the most significant decisions college students face. The choice between on-campus and off-campus housing can impact your college experience, budget, and lifestyle. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both options to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding On-Campus Housing

The Convenience of Living On-Campus

Living on-campus means being in the heart of the college community. Dormitories and campus apartments offer close proximity to classrooms, libraries, and dining halls. This convenience is a major plus, especially for freshmen who are still getting accustomed to college life.

If you’re considering moving off-campus or are attending a college that doesn’t offer on-campus housing, browsing through apartments for rent can provide you with a sense of what’s available in your college town.

Advantages of On-Campus Housing

  • Community and Social Interaction: Dorm life often fosters a strong sense of community and provides ample opportunities for social interaction.
  • Simplicity: On-campus housing usually includes utilities, and there’s no need to worry about monthly bills.
  • Safety and Security: Colleges typically provide campus security, making on-campus housing a safe option.

Disadvantages of On-Campus Housing

  • Limited Privacy and Space: Dorm rooms can be cramped, and sharing a room is common.
  • Rules and Regulations: On-campus housing often comes with strict rules, including quiet hours and restrictions on visitors.
  • Higher Cost: While convenient, on-campus housing can be more expensive than off-campus options.

Exploring Off-Campus Housing

The Independence of Living Off-Campus

Off-campus housing offers more independence and can be a great way to transition into more adult responsibilities. This option allows you to choose your roommates, living space, and often, a quieter environment conducive to studying.

Advantages of Off-Campus Housing

  • More Space and Privacy: Off-campus apartments usually offer more living space and private bedrooms.
  • Freedom and Independence: You have more freedom to set your own rules and live independently.
  • Potentially Lower Cost: Depending on the location, off-campus housing can be more affordable than on-campus options.

Disadvantages of Off-Campus Housing

  • Responsibility for Bills: Unlike on-campus housing, you’ll be responsible for paying monthly utilities and rent.
  • Commuting: Living off-campus might mean a longer commute to your classes and campus events.
  • Less Integration with Campus Community: Living off-campus can sometimes lead to a sense of detachment from campus life.

Factors to Consider

Budget

Consider your budget carefully. While off-campus housing can be cheaper, remember to factor in utilities, internet, and commuting costs.

Lifestyle and Study Habits

Think about your lifestyle and study habits. If you prefer a quiet environment or want more independence, off-campus housing might be more suitable.

Duration of Stay

If you’re planning to stay in your college town for the summer or beyond the academic year, off-campus housing can offer more flexibility.

Tips for Finding Housing

Start Your Search Early

Whether you choose on-campus or off-campus housing, start your search early. This gives you the best chance to find housing that suits your needs and budget.

Consider Roommates

Think about whether you want to live alone or with roommates. Roommates can help reduce costs but require compromise and cooperation.

Visit Potential Housing

Before making a decision, visit the potential housing options. Check for safety, proximity to campus, and the overall condition of the living space.

Conclusion

The decision between on-campus and off-campus housing depends on your personal preferences, budget, and college lifestyle. On-campus housing offers convenience and a sense of community but can be more expensive and restrictive. Off-campus housing offers more independence and space but comes with added responsibilities. Weigh the pros and cons, consider your priorities, and choose the option that best fits your needs for a fulfilling college experience.

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Top 9 In-Demand Skills That You Can Learn Online

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Top 9 In-Demand Skills That You Can Learn Online

During job interviews, learning new skills can help you present yourself as a worthy candidate. Online learning is a great way to expand one’s skill set and increase one’s chances of finding work. Examining and exploring the skills, you can learn online will help you decide which ones are best for your professional development. In this article, our essaywriterhelp.org will discuss the kinds of skills you can learn online and see examples of skills.

What skills can be learned online?

The specialized and transferable skills that can be learned online are those that can be learned remotely without attending a physical institution. These can be learned from a variety of websites and online resources. Depending on the provider, online courses can be taken for free or for a fee. You can finish some of these courses at your own pace, while others follow a predetermined schedule. Coursera, Udemy, Skillshare, and edX are some of the best places to learn new skills online.

Examples of Skills You Can Learn Online

You can learn a variety of skills online based on your interest and industry. When applying for a job, concentrate on skills that enhance your candidature and complement your existing skills. Some popular skills that can be learned online are as follows:

  1. Coding

Coding is an expertise that numerous businesses esteem in a few enterprises, according to https://eduhelphub.com/assignment-help . You can help a team launch an app, optimize a website for various search engines, and even create or edit content more easily if you have basic coding skills. Numerous online programs are available to assist with learning to code.

  • Foreign languages

Due to the globalization of demand and supply, learning a new language can increase your value within any organization, regardless of industry or job type. You can improve your relationships with foreign clients and customers by conversing in that language. If the language you are learning is harder to find among other candidates, having language skills can make you eligible for opportunities that are newer or more advanced.

  • Photography

You can improve and optimize a company’s website or social media content with photography skills. High-quality photography can have a significant impact on sales, so these skills are also invaluable for product-selling businesses. Whether you are a seasoned professional looking for in-depth instruction to expand your versatility or you are just starting out and need a beginner’s course, there are numerous websites that teach photography skills online.

  • Writing skills

Writing skills are one of the most sought-after skills these days, according to essay writing help service. Employers look for strong writing skills in their candidates. Irrespective of the field or domain you are in, having excellent writing skills is certainly an asset. You may consider learning writing skills depending on your field as there are different types of writing skills. If you are required to write manuals, proposals, or reports, you may take online courses in technical writing.

  • Accounting skills

If you are interested in working in banking, or finance corporations, then accounting skills are a requisite. The fundamentals of accounting, such as bookkeeping, can be covered in addition to specifics, such as liquidity management. You will need to enroll in a formal degree program in order to become an accountant. However, you can also begin by mastering the fundamentals by learning skills online.

  • Digital Marketing

Skills in digital marketing are important for anyone who wants to work in sales or marketing. You can learn about search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), digital advertising, video marketing, and social media marketing (SMM) by studying digital marketing. Digital marketing can be learned through podcasts, webinars, paid courses, blogs, online videos, and podcasts.

  • Graphic design

If you’re a creative professional, learning graphic design can help you turn your thoughts into tangible results. You can make banners, logos, and images for social media and promotional website content with graphic design skills. Graphic design can be learned through beginner or advanced online courses that teach you more technical skills.

  • Skills for podcasting

A podcast is a great way to establish yourself or your company as an authority on any topic, whether you want to create and monetize your own podcast or create one for your employer to promote their products and services. There are numerous online courses that can assist you, whether you are just getting started or want to acquire more advanced podcasting strategies.

  • Marketing on social media

There are a lot of courses and how-to guides online that teach marketing on social media, whether you want to learn the fundamentals or improve your skills on a particular platform. The first step is to identify your specific objectives, which include the platform or platforms you want to master and any particular skills you wish to acquire.

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10 Things Every College Student Should Do Before Graduating

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10 Things Every College Student Should Do Before Graduating

As a college student, you must have a list of things that you want to do before graduating. If you don’t, simply grab a pen and paper, and start taking notes.

This is your ultimate guide for making the most of your college life, and all for your benefit!

Do you want to know why? This list is going to bring you opportunities and experiences that will add more value to your academic and social life, during college and post-graduation.

Let’s take a look at this epic list of things every college student should do before graduating.

Things That Every Student Should Learn

There are several things that every college student should consider doing before graduating. And from this preparation students can better prepare themselves for success in the workforce and set themselves apart from their peers.

1. Build a Strong Academic Foundation

This means working hard to earn good grades, taking challenging courses, and staying engaged in your studies.

Make sure to take a variety of courses in your major, and seek out opportunities to gain practical experience in your field.

2. Develop Effective Study Habits

Make sure to establish good study habits early on and continue to hone them throughout your college career. This can help you manage your time effectively and succeed academically.

If you are wondering how old you’ll be when you graduate college then the answer might be between the age of 23 to 26.

Although there are exceptions, some students enroll quite young and finish the four years of college by 21.

While, on the other hand, there are students who take a gap year, and take longer to graduate than the average 4 years.

Usually for older students, it gets very tiring to keep focus but if you have developed habits like studying in bursts, avoiding procrastination, highlighting key concept materials, and managing schedules then things will be easier for you even at a later age.

3. Intern or Gain Practical Experience

An internship or other practical experience can help you gain valuable skills and build your resume. It can also help you decide on a career path or give you a competitive edge in the job market.

Exploring career options such as considering internships, job shadowing, and other opportunities to explore different career paths and gain valuable experience.

4. Build Your Network

Building a network of professional contacts can help find job opportunities or get advice on your career path. Consider attending networking events related to your field of study.

Besides, attend career fairs, join professional organizations, and reach out to alumni and other professionals in your field of interest.

This will help you in the job sector or even when you want to go to abroad for higher studies.

5. Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities

Participating in extracurricular activities, such as clubs, organizations, sports teams, or community service projects, can help you develop new skills, make connections, to develop leadership skills, and make lasting connections.

6. Learn How to Manage Your Finances

Develop good budgeting and financial management habits, such as creating a budget, paying bills on time, and saving for the future.

Begin saving for the future, whether that means paying off student loans, saving for a down payment on a house, or simply building up your emergency fund.

7. Take Care of Your Physical and Mental Health

Make sure to prioritize your physical and mental health and seek out resources on campus if you need support.

8. Take Advantage of Resources

Many colleges and universities offer a range of resources to help students succeed, such as tutoring services, career counseling, and financial aid assistance.

Make sure to take advantage of these resources while you have access to them. Also, learn how to drive. Having this skill is a lifesaver for those who want to go abroad for studying or to get a better job.

9. Plan for Your Future

Start thinking about what you want to do after graduation and take steps to achieve your goals, such as applying to graduate school or looking for jobs in your field.

10. Reflect on Your Goals and Values

As you near the end of your college career, it can be helpful to take some time to reflect on what you want to achieve and what is most important to you. This can help you make informed decisions about your future.

How the Students Will Go Through the Process

1. Talk to Academic Advisors

Your academic advisor is a great resource for information about what you need to do before graduating. They can help you make a plan to complete all requirements and ensure you are on track to graduate.

2. Check Your School’s Website

Many colleges and universities have a section of their website dedicated to graduation requirements and the process of applying to graduate. This is a good place to start to get an overview of what you need to do.

3. Attend Workshops and Information Sessions

Many schools offer workshops and information sessions specifically for students who are planning to graduate. These can be a great opportunity to learn about the process and ask questions.

4. Talk to Other Students

Don’t be afraid to reach out to other students who are also planning to graduate. They may have helpful insights and experiences to share about the process.

5. Keep Track of Deadlines

Make sure to pay attention to deadlines for applying to graduate, submitting transcripts, and any other requirements.

Missing a deadline can delay your graduation, so it’s important to stay organized and on top of things. Process

6. Seek Guidance From Trusted Advisors or Mentors

During college, it can be easy to feel lost or uncertain about the next steps after graduation.

Seeking guidance from trusted advisors or mentors can provide valuable insight and direction on career paths or post-graduation opportunities.

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

It is normal to feel uncertain or overwhelmed during this time, and it is important to remember that there are resources available to help.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to career services or counseling centers for guidance and support.

8. Avoid Amiss People

Students should not follow amiss people or friends who can mislead or give incorrect information.

Someone needs to have accurate and reliable information as they prepare to enter the workforce or pursue further education. The misleading path could lead to someone making incorrect decisions.

Final Thoughts

Generally, completing these tasks before graduating college can help set a student up for success in the real world.

From networking and building professional relationships, to gaining practical skills and experience, these are essential steps that will benefit them in their future career.

Additionally, taking care of practical matters such as creating a budget and setting financial goals will help them to navigate the challenges of post-grad life.

So, make sure to take the time to complete these important tasks before graduation and set yourself up for success in the future.

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