Tuesday’s Traveller
Seal —> Satellite
Seal
Often a popular attraction at zoos and animal theme parks, seals are semi aquatic marine mammals, of which there are over 33 species. Belonging to the group called pinnipeds, they have four limbs that are modified into flippers.
The largest seal is the southern elephant seal, and these creatures are agile and flexible. Some of the most common species are fur seals and true seals.
They live in the cold water of the Northern and Southern hemisphere, but come ashore to mate and give birth.
Pinniped
This refers to a group of fin footed marine mammals, which includes seals, walruses, and sea lions.
They belong to the genus Carnivora and their closest living relatives are bears and musteloids. Their features are adapted to both land and water, and have well-developed senses. Many species of pinnipeds are kept in captivity, and trained to peform tricks and tasks.
They have a layer of fat or blubber, which is used by human beings. With climate change affecting the ice levels and coldness of water, some pinnipeds are now an endangered species.
Climate change
Last week, a group of scientists met to discuss the impact and effects of climate change on the planet.
They have determined that the effect of it can be felt all over the world, and our ability to adapt to this is low.
Climate change is when a lasting change takes place in weather patterns, over a long period of time. It is caused by various factors, including natural processes and man-made ones like global warming.
One of the most sensitive indicators of climate change are glaciers, which have been studied closely using photographs and satellites.
Satellite
The recent Malaysia Airlines mystery was solved used satellite images, according to the authorities, though the debris has not been recovered. A satellite is an artificial object intentionally placed into orbit.
These are also called artificial satellites, to differentiate them from natural satellites like the moon.
The world’s first satellite Sputnik 1 was launched by the USSR in 1957, and today there are over 1000 active satellites in orbit.
They are used for a number of purposes, including communication, navigation, weather and research.
So the path that we have traversed today is:
Seal—> Pinniped —> Climate change —> Satellite
Three clicks! Hop over. It’s time for the next question:
Wednesday's Wanderer
>Tayyip Erdogan —> >Guinness World Records
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