Anomalocaris: History, Facts, Size, Habitat, Classification
The fascinating world of extinct animals is full of extraordinary creatures, and one such remarkable being is the Anomalocaris. This article will delve into its captivating history, interesting facts, size, habitat, and classification.
Anomalocaris, meaning “abnormal shrimp,” was a marine creature that lived approximately 515 million years ago during the Cambrian period. Despite its name, it was not a shrimp but rather a large, predatory animal. This ancient creature had a unique appearance with a segmented body, a pair of large, compound eyes, and multiple pairs of jointed appendages.
Measuring up to a meter in length, Anomalocaris was one of the largest predators of its time. It inhabited the oceans and thrived in the warm, shallow waters. Being a fierce hunter, it used its razor-sharp mouthparts to capture and devour soft-bodied animals, which were abundant in the ancient seas.
In terms of classification, Anomalocaris belongs to the extinct family of marine arthropods known as radiodonts. These formidable creatures have left behind an impressive fossil record, and the discovery of Anomalocaris fossils played a crucial role in reshaping our understanding of the Cambrian explosion, a period of rapid diversification of life on Earth.
In this blog, we aim to uncover the mysteries surrounding Anomalocaris, shedding light on its captivating history, distinct features, enormous size, preferred habitat, and unique classification. So join us as we journey back through time to explore the astonishing world of this incredible ancient creature and unravel the secrets it holds within its fossilized remains. Remember, we also have an article on 155+ other fascinating extinct animals, in case you want to delve even deeper into the wonders of our planet’s prehistoric past.
History of Anomalocaris
Anomalocaris was a fascinating creature that existed more than 500 million years ago during the Cambrian Period, which was a time of great evolutionary development on Earth. This animal played an important role in shaping the history of life on our planet. It was first discovered through fossils found in Australia and Canada, and scientists were initially puzzled by its unique body structure.
The body of Anomalocaris was quite unusual. It had a long, segmented body and could reach lengths of up to one meter. The most striking feature of this animal was its multiple pairs of large, compound eyes. These eyes allowed Anomalocaris to see its surroundings and capture prey. It also had two grasping appendages near its mouth that helped it catch and consume small marine organisms.
Anomalocaris is considered one of the first apex predators in history. It was a fearsome hunter that lived in the ancient oceans and played a significant role in shaping the ecosystem. Its status as a top predator meant that it controlled the population of other organisms, creating a balance in the marine food chain. Its unique body structure and hunting abilities made it one of the most successful and powerful creatures of its time.
In conclusion, the history of Anomalocaris shows how life on Earth has evolved over millions of years. It existed during the Cambrian Period and was a dominant predator in the ocean. With its unusual body structure and impressive hunting abilities, Anomalocaris played a crucial role in shaping the marine ecosystem. Its fossils provide valuable insights into the ancient world and how organisms have adapted and changed throughout history.
Importance of Anomalocaris
Anomalocaris was a fascinating animal that lived a very long time ago. Even though it no longer exists today, it is important for us to learn about it because it helps us understand the history of life on Earth. By studying Anomalocaris, scientists can gain insights into how animals evolved and adapted over time.
Firstly, Anomalocaris provides valuable information about ancient ecosystems and food chains. By studying its fossils, scientists can learn what Anomalocaris ate and what ate Anomalocaris. This helps us understand the intricate relationships between different organisms and how they interacted with each other in the past.
Secondly, Anomalocaris helps us understand the process of evolution. By examining its unique body structure and comparing it to other animals, scientists have been able to piece together the puzzle of how organisms evolved and diversified. Anomalocaris represents an important link in the evolutionary chain, helping us understand the transition from simple creatures to more complex ones.
Lastly, studying Anomalocaris can also give us clues about the Earth’s ancient climate and environment. By analyzing its fossils and the fossilized remains of its habitat, scientists can make educated guesses about what the world looked like millions of years ago. This helps us understand how our planet has changed over time and the effects those changes have had on living organisms.
In conclusion, even though Anomalocaris is long extinct, studying this fascinating creature is important because it helps us understand the history of life on Earth, the process of evolution, and the ancient environment. By learning about Anomalocaris, scientists gain invaluable insights into the world that existed long before we humans appeared.
Amazing Facts About Anomalocaris
1. Anomalocaris is an extinct animal that lived during the Cambrian period, approximately 500 million years ago.
2. It is considered one of the largest known predators of the Cambrian seas.
3. Anomalocaris had a unique body structure with a long, segmented body and a pair of large, grasping appendages at the front.
4. Its body could reach lengths of up to one meter, making it a significant creature of its time.
5. The name “Anomalocaris” means “strange shrimp” because its appearance was unlike any other known animal during that era.
6. It had a circular mouth with serrated plates, which it used to capture and crush its prey.
7. Anomalocaris had large eyes with exceptional vision, allowing it to locate and track its potential victims even in murky waters.
8. Fossil evidence suggests that it primarily fed on soft-bodied organisms such as trilobites and other arthropods.
9. Its segmented body was probably quite flexible, allowing it to swim using a wave-like motion.
10. Anomalocaris likely used its grasping appendages to grab and immobilize its prey before bringing it towards its mouth.
11. With its powerful jaw plates, it could exert significant force to break the tough exoskeletons of its prey.
12. Scientists believe that Anomalocaris was likely an active swimmer and not a bottom-dweller, as its body structure indicates speed and agility.
13. Some researchers suggest that Anomalocaris might have had a gentle side too, possibly using its appendages to filter small particles from the water for feeding.
14. Fossilized remains of Anomalocaris have been found worldwide, giving scientists a better understanding of the animal’s morphology and behavior.
15. Despite its intimidating appearance, Anomalocaris eventually became extinct, possibly due to environmental changes or competition with other evolving predators.
Can we keep Anomalocaris as our Pet?
No, we cannot keep Anomalocaris as our pet because it is an extinct animal. Anomalocaris lived a very long time ago during a period called the Cambrian period, around 500 million years ago. It was a fascinating creature with a unique body structure, but unfortunately, it disappeared from the Earth a very long time ago.
Scientists believe that Anomalocaris became extinct due to a variety of reasons. One of the possible reasons is a change in the environment. Over time, the Earth’s climate and habitats changed, making it difficult for Anomalocaris to survive. Additionally, changes in the food chain and competition from other organisms might also have contributed to its extinction. These factors, combined with the passage of such a long period of time, ultimately led to the disappearance of this amazing creature from our planet.
While Anomalocaris may be a fascinating creature to learn about, it is not possible for us to keep them as pets. Since Anomalocaris lived so long ago, there are no living individuals for us to have as pets. However, we can still admire and study their fossils to learn more about the incredible diversity of life that once existed on Earth. It is fascinating to think about how our planet has changed over time and the different animals that have inhabited it, but unfortunately, keeping Anomalocaris as a pet is not possible since it is extinct.
Size of Anomalocaris
Anomalocaris was a fascinating animal that lived over 500 million years ago, during a time called the Cambrian period. It was one of the largest creatures of its time and was estimated to reach a length of about 3 feet (1 meter). That’s like the size of a small car! This amazing creature had a long slender body with a pair of large eyes and a mouth full of sharp teeth.
The size of Anomalocaris might seem small compared to the animals we see today, like whales or elephants. However, during the Cambrian period, it was considered quite big. In fact, Anomalocaris was one of the top predators in its underwater environment. It used its sharp teeth to catch and eat other small animals. Imagine having an animal that large swimming around you while you’re in the ocean!
Scientists have learned a lot about Anomalocaris from fossils they discovered. These fossils provide valuable information about its size and shape. By studying these fossils, paleontologists have been able to reconstruct what Anomalocaris must have looked like and how it moved. While it may be difficult to imagine such a large and unusual creature existing a long time ago, the fossils tell us that Anomalocaris was indeed a remarkable animal that roamed the ancient seas.
Habitat of Anomalocaris
Anomalocaris lived in the sea around 515 million years ago during a time called the Cambrian period. Its habitat was underwater, and it could be found in many different parts of the ocean. This strange creature was one of the first large predators, and it liked to swim freely in the open water.
The ocean during the Cambrian period was full of life. Anomalocaris shared its habitat with many other interesting creatures, such as trilobites and brachiopods. It lived in warm, shallow waters where there was plenty of food available for it to eat. Anomalocaris had large, sharp appendages near its mouth that it used to catch and eat smaller animals.
Because Anomalocaris was a good swimmer, it could explore different parts of the ocean. It could be found near reefs, where it could sneak up on other animals and surprise them. It also liked to hunt in the open water, where it could use its speed and agility to catch its prey. Anomalocaris was well adapted to its habitat, and it thrived in the Cambrian sea. Today, we can study its fossils to learn more about this amazing animal and the world it lived in long ago.
Evolution of Anomalocaris
Anomalocaris is a fascinating animal that lived long ago, but before we talk about it, let’s first go back in time to when life on Earth was just beginning. Around half a billion years ago, in a time called the Cambrian period, there were no big animals like we see today. Instead, the oceans were filled with strange and unique creatures, one of which was the ancestor of Anomalocaris.
This ancient creature was quite different from anything we have today. It had a long body divided into segments, with eyes on stalks and a pair of large, grasping appendages at the front. It used these appendages to catch and eat smaller animals. Over millions of years, this ancestor went through many changes, evolving into different forms. For example, it developed a pair of swimming flaps to help it move through the water more efficiently.
Eventually, this evolution led to the birth of Anomalocaris. It was a mighty predator that could grow up to one meter long, making it one of the largest animals of its time. It had a long, slender body with several pairs of swimming flaps and a large, fan-like tail. Its grasping appendages had transformed into a pair of sharp claws, allowing it to catch and crush its prey. Anomalocaris was a successful hunter and played a significant role in shaping the early marine ecosystems.
In conclusion, through millions of years of evolution, Anomalocaris transformed from a small, simple creature into a fearsome predator. Its story teaches us about the incredible diversity that can arise over time and the great changes that can happen in our Earth’s history.
Classification of Anomalocaris
Anomalocaris is a fascinating extinct creature that lived around 510 million years ago. It belongs to the group of animals called arthropods, which include insects, spiders, and crustaceans. Anomalocaris had a long, slender body and a pair of sharp appendages on its head called appendages. These appendages were used to capture and eat smaller sea creatures. It is known for its large, compound eyes, which helped it locate its prey.
The classification of Anomalocaris can be a bit tricky since it is an extinct animal, but scientists have studied its fossils and compared it to other similar creatures to determine its place in the animal kingdom. Based on these studies, Anomalocaris is considered to be part of the phylum Arthropoda. This means that it shares common characteristics with other arthropods, such as a segmented body and jointed legs.
Within the phylum Arthropoda, Anomalocaris belongs to the class of animals known as Dinocarida. This class includes several extinct groups of arthropods, including Anomalocaris. Dinocarida is characterized by its unique body plan and appendages, which set it apart from other arthropods. Anomalocaris, being a member of Dinocarida, had a body structure that was distinct from other arthropods of its time.
In summary, Anomalocaris is a fascinating creature that falls under the classification of phylum Arthropoda and class Dinocarida. It had a long, slender body, large compound eyes, and sharp appendages on its head. By studying its fossils, scientists have been able to learn more about the unique characteristics of Anomalocaris and its place in the animal kingdom.
How did Anomalocaris Extinct?
Anomalocaris was an ancient ocean-dwelling creature that existed about 500 million years ago during the Cambrian period. It was one of the most fearsome predators of its time, with a long, slender body and a pair of large, segmented appendages on its head that it used to catch and devour smaller organisms. However, despite its dominance in the seas, Anomalocaris eventually went extinct.
There are several theories as to why Anomalocaris disappeared from the Earth. One possibility is that a dramatic change occurred in the Earth’s climate, causing a shift in the ocean ecosystems. This climate change could have resulted in the decline of the smaller organisms that Anomalocaris relied upon for food. With its main source of sustenance disappearing, Anomalocaris may have struggled to find enough nourishment to survive and reproduce, ultimately leading to its extinction.
Another theory proposes that competition with other organisms played a significant role in Anomalocaris’ extinction. During the Cambrian period, there was an explosion of life forms, resulting in a diverse array of creatures inhabiting the oceans. The emergence of new predators and competitors could have put pressure on Anomalocaris, as it had to compete for limited resources. Over time, the increased competition could have caused its population to dwindle, eventually leading to its extinction.
Lastly, it is also possible that Anomalocaris became the prey of larger, more specialized predators. As evolution progressed, new species of creatures with more efficient hunting strategies and stronger bodies may have evolved. These predators could have outcompeted Anomalocaris for food and potentially hunted them down, causing their population to decline until it eventually disappeared from the oceans.
In conclusion, the extinction of Anomalocaris may have been due to a combination of climate change, increased competition, and the rise of more advanced predators. These factors likely affected Anomalocaris’ ability to find food and reproduce, ultimately leading to its disappearance from the Earth’s oceans.
Geographical Presence of Anomalocaris
The Anomalocaris animal lived in a special region called the Cambrian period. This region existed around 500 million years ago. During this time, the Anomalocaris, along with many other strange and unique creatures, roamed the Earth’s oceans. They had large and spiky bodies, which helped them swim and catch their prey. Some scientists believe that the Anomalocaris was one of the first animals with complex eyes, showing how special it was.
However, today you will not be able to find any Anomalocaris animals. They went extinct a very long time ago. They lived only in the Cambrian region and could not adapt to the changes that occurred later on. Because of this, they disappeared from the Earth’s oceans and are no longer found anywhere in the world. But don’t worry, there are still many amazing and fascinating animals that exist today, and new discoveries are being made all the time.
In summary, the Anomalocaris animal lived in the Cambrian region around 500 million years ago. This was a long time ago, and they are not found anywhere in the world today. They were unique creatures with special features, but they could not survive the changes that happened over time. Even though the Anomalocaris is gone, we still have many incredible animals to learn about and discover today.
Scientific Name of Anomalocaris
The scientific name for the fascinating prehistoric creature Anomalocaris is Anomalocaris canadensis. Anomalocaris lived during the Cambrian Period, about 500 million years ago. It is known from its beautifully preserved fossils found in Canada.
Anomalocaris was a truly unique and unusual animal. It had a long, segmented body and a pair of large, grasping appendages at the front of its body. These appendages were used to capture and bring food towards its mouth, which sat in the middle of its body. With its sharp and pointy mouthparts, Anomalocaris was a formidable predator of its time.
Scientists believe that Anomalocaris was an important predator in the ancient oceans. Its large size and powerful jaws allowed it to feed on other animals, such as trilobites. Its unique body shape and appendages set it apart from other creatures of its time, making it an intriguing subject for study.
In conclusion, Anomalocaris canadensis is a scientific name given to a fascinating creature that lived 500 million years ago. With its long body, large grasping appendages, and powerful jaws, it was a fearsome predator in the ancient oceans. Studying Anomalocaris helps us understand the diversity and evolution of life on Earth during the Cambrian Period.
Diet of Anomalocaris
The Diet of Anomalocaris animal was mostly made up of small creatures that lived in the ocean a long, long time ago. Anomalocaris liked to eat things like trilobites, which were small, shelled animals. It would use its large, sharp mouthparts to catch and crush its prey. Anomalocaris also had many legs that helped it swim quickly to catch its food.
Anomalocaris was a clever predator and used different strategies to hunt. Sometimes, it would swim close to the ocean floor and use its long, flexible body to sneak up on its prey. Other times, it would swim above the water and use its sharp eyes to spot its next meal. Once it found its target, Anomalocaris would quickly swim towards it and use its strong legs to grab and hold it tight. Then, it would use its sharp mouthparts to break through the tough shells and eat up all the yummy insides.
Anomalocaris had a big appetite and would eat as much as it could to survive. It roamed the ancient ocean, looking for food to keep itself strong and energetic. Although Anomalocaris no longer exists today, it played an important role in the ocean’s food chain millions of years ago. It reminds us that every creature, no matter how big or small, has a special place in nature.
Locomotion of Anomalocaris
Anomalocaris was a prehistoric creature that lived a long time ago. It had a unique way of moving called locomotion. Locomotion is how an animal gets from one place to another.
Anomalocaris used its long, slender body to swim through the water. It had flaps on its sides that helped it move forward. It also had large flaps called fins on its back that helped it steer while swimming. Anomalocaris used its many legs to push itself through the water. It would wiggle and wave its body, like a fish swimming. This helped it move quickly and catch its prey. Anomalocaris was a fascinating creature with a special way of getting around.
Social and Sexual Behaviour of Anomalocaris
Anomalocaris was an ancient sea creature that lived a very long time ago. While we don’t know a lot about its social and sexual behavior, scientists have been able to learn some things from studying its fossils.
First, let’s talk about its social behavior. It is believed that Anomalocaris did not live in groups or have any sort of social structure like modern-day animals. Instead, it probably lived a solitary life. This means that it didn’t hang out with other Anomalocaris creatures or work together with them.
Now, let’s talk about its sexual behavior. Scientists have found evidence that Anomalocaris had different body structures between males and females. This suggests that they had separate sexes, similar to many animals today. It is likely that they reproduced by laying eggs, but we don’t know for sure.
In conclusion, Anomalocaris was a solitary creature with separate sexes. While there is still much we don’t know about its social and sexual behavior, scientists continue to study its fossils to learn more about this fascinating creature from the past.
Reproduction and Lifecycle of Anomalocaris
The Anomalocaris animal had a unique way of reproducing and going through its life cycle. It started its life as an egg. The eggs were laid by the female Anomalocaris in the water. After a while, the eggs hatched into small larvae. These larvae were very tiny and had to go through a process called metamorphosis, where they changed their shape and body structure.
During metamorphosis, the larvae grew larger and developed into adult Anomalocaris. The process of metamorphosis took some time, and during this time, the Anomalocaris went through several stages of growth. Once the Anomalocaris completed its metamorphosis, it became a fully grown adult and was ready to reproduce.
To reproduce, the adult Anomalocaris laid eggs. The female Anomalocaris laid the eggs in the water, just like her own birth. These eggs then hatched into larvae, and the life cycle of the Anomalocaris started all over again. The whole process of reproduction and going through the life cycle helped to ensure the continuation of the Anomalocaris species.
In summary, the Anomalocaris began its life as an egg, hatched into larvae, and went through metamorphosis to become a fully grown adult. Once matured, the adult laid eggs, which then hatched into larvae, starting the life cycle again. This cycle ensured the survival and continuation of the Anomalocaris species.
Threats to Anomalocaris
Anomalocaris animal faces various threats in its natural habitat. One of the biggest threats is competition for food. As Anomalocaris feeds on smaller animals and plankton, it has to compete with other creatures for limited food resources. This can make it challenging for Anomalocaris to find enough food to sustain itself and survive.
Another threat that Anomalocaris faces is predation. There were many fearsome predators roaming the oceans during the time of Anomalocaris, such as the giant sea scorpion and the armored fish. These predators were always on the lookout for a tasty meal, making it dangerous for Anomalocaris to venture out in search of food or a mate without the risk of becoming someone else’s dinner.
Lastly, changes in the environment also pose a threat to Anomalocaris. Shifts in temperature, water acidity, or the availability of food sources can disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem, impacting the survival of Anomalocaris and other organisms. If the environment changes too drastically or too quickly, Anomalocaris may struggle to adapt and find itself at an increased risk of extinction.
To ensure the survival of Anomalocaris and similar creatures, it is crucial to protect their habitats and the overall health of the ecosystem. This means taking steps to minimize pollution and human activities that harm the environment. It also involves creating protected areas where these ancient animals can thrive without the added pressures of modern threats. By understanding and addressing the challenges faced by Anomalocaris, we can contribute to the conservation and preservation of this incredible animal species.
Population of Anomalocaris
The population of Anomalocaris, an ancient marine creature, is difficult to determine as it lived millions of years ago. Scientists can only make assumptions based on fossil records. They estimate that there were likely many individuals of Anomalocaris living during its time, but the exact number is unknown. An assumed figure for its population would be millions or even billions.
Unfortunately, Anomalocaris is now extinct. This means that it no longer exists and there are no living individuals today. The extinction of Anomalocaris happened a long time ago, around 500 million years ago. It is believed that changes in the Earth’s environment, such as a shift in ocean conditions or competition with other organisms, may have contributed to its extinction. However, since Anomalocaris lived so long ago, it is challenging for scientists to uncover all the details surrounding its disappearance.
In conclusion, the population of Anomalocaris is uncertain due to its ancient existence, but it is believed that there were many individuals living. Unfortunately, Anomalocaris is now extinct, meaning it no longer exists on Earth. Scientists continue to study its fossils to learn more about this fascinating creature and the reasons for its extinction millions of years ago.
Conclusion
In summary, we have delved into the fascinating world of Anomalocaris, an extraordinary creature that roamed the ancient seas more than 500 million years ago. This extinct animal, also known as the “monster shrimp,” has left us amazed by its history, size, habitat, and classification.
Anomalocaris holds a significant place in the animal kingdom due to its unique characteristics. It was one of the largest creatures of its time, with a length ranging from a few centimeters to a staggering one meter. Despite its size, it was a gentle predator, feeding on small marine organisms and even other Anomalocaris. Its unusual shape and presence in various habitats indicate its ability to adapt to different environments.
Scientists have classified Anomalocaris as a part of the arthropod group, which includes insects, spiders, and crustaceans. Although it had some features similar to modern-day arthropods, it possessed distinct traits that make its classification both intriguing and challenging. Through fossil discoveries and scientific research, we have gained valuable knowledge about this extraordinary creature, contributing to our understanding of prehistoric life and the diverse range of animals that once existed.
As we conclude our exploration of Anomalocaris, we are left in awe of the incredible diversity and complexity of life on our planet. This ancient creature serves as a reminder that millions of years ago, the seas were dominated by magnificent and enigmatic animals. By studying the history, facts, size, habitat, and classification of Anomalocaris, we can appreciate the marvels of nature and the endless mysteries it holds.
Frequently Asked Questions about Anomalocaris (FAQ’s)
Q: What is Anomalocaris?
A: Anomalocaris is an extinct genus of marine animal that lived during the Cambrian period around 520 million years ago.
Q: What does the name Anomalocaris mean?
A: The name Anomalocaris means “abnormal shrimp” in Greek, referring to its unusual appearance.
Q: When and where was Anomalocaris discovered?
A: Anomalocaris was first discovered in the Burgess Shale deposits in British Columbia, Canada in the early 20th century.
Q: How big was Anomalocaris?
A: Anomalocaris could reach lengths of up to one meter, making it one of the largest arthropods of its time.
Q: What did Anomalocaris eat?
A: Scientists believe that Anomalocaris was a predator that mainly fed on other soft-bodied animals, such as trilobites.
Q: How did Anomalocaris catch its prey?
A: Anomalocaris had large, grasping appendages on its head that it likely used to capture and manipulate its prey.
Q: Did Anomalocaris have any natural predators?
A: There is no direct evidence of Anomalocaris having any natural predators, but it is speculated that larger marine organisms could have been potential threats.
Q: What is the significance of Anomalocaris in evolutionary history?
A: Anomalocaris is considered an important fossil in understanding the explosion of complex life forms during the Cambrian period, known as the Cambrian explosion.
Q: Are there any living relatives of Anomalocaris?
A: No, there are no known living relatives of Anomalocaris.
Q: How was Anomalocaris able to swim?
A: Anomalocaris had a pair of large, lateral flaps on its body that allowed it to swim through the water in a manner similar to modern-day jellyfish.
Q: Did Anomalocaris have any hard parts?
A: Anomalocaris had a soft body, with a pair of large, multifaceted eyes and a circular mouth lined with sharp teeth, but no hard parts like an exoskeleton.
Q: Could Anomalocaris regenerate body parts?
A: There is no direct evidence to suggest that Anomalocaris had the ability to regenerate body parts.
Q: How long did Anomalocaris exist as a species?
A: It is believed that Anomalocaris existed as a species for a relatively short period of time during the Cambrian period, around 10 to 20 million years.
Q: Did Anomalocaris possess any defensive mechanisms?
A: While there is no direct evidence, it is speculated that Anomalocaris may have had defensive structures such as spines or armor to protect itself from potential threats.
Q: How do scientists know what Anomalocaris looked like?
A: Scientists have reconstructed the appearance of Anomalocaris based on fossilized remains and comparisons to other similar organisms.
Hi there! I’m Morgan Gutierrez, and I love animals! I work as a Seasonal Animal Care Specialist at Brookfield Zoo and also teach people about animals, which is super fun. I studied at Valparaiso University in Lockport, Illinois, where I learned even more about these amazing creatures.
I’m not just about taking care of animals; I write articles about them, too! I explore and share many interesting animal stories, from cute kittens to giant elephants.
In the past, I’ve worked with veterinarians, helped with research, and even been an Animal Ambassador, bringing animals closer to people. Animals are my passion, and I enjoy helping others learn about them. So, if you ever want to know about animals, feel free to ask. I’ll explain it in a way that’s easy to understand, just like talking to a friend!
