Welcome to our blog where we delve into the fascinating world of extinct animals. In this article, we will be exploring the captivating creature known as Hallucigenia. This peculiar animal holds a significant place in history and leaves us with many unanswered questions.
Hallucigenia, whose name translates to “ghost animal,” lived during the Cambrian period approximately 508 million years ago. Although its name may sound spooky, there is nothing to fear about this incredible creature. It was a tiny marine worm-like animal that measured about 0.5 inches in length.
Hallucigenia had a unique appearance which sets it apart from other animals of its time. It was characterized by its spiny arm-like legs, with a row of spines on the back and seven pairs of long, thin pointed legs. It is classified as an early relative of velvet worms and arthropods.
While the habitat of Hallucigenia is still a subject of debate, scientists believe that it lived in shallow marine environments, burrowing in the sediment or hiding among the seaweed. Its body structure suggests that it was adapted to moving through soft muddy sediments, searching for food and avoiding predators.
Hallucigenia remains a captivating mystery in the animal kingdom. Although no living descendants of this ancient creature exist today, its fossils provide valuable insight into the diversity and complexity of life millions of years ago. By studying animals like Hallucigenia, we can unlock the secrets of our Earth’s past and gain a deeper appreciation for the incredible variety of life that has evolved throughout history.
History of Hallucigenia
Hallucigenia is an ancient animal that lived a really long time ago, even before the dinosaurs! It was part of a group called the “worm-like animals” and it had a really strange and unique appearance. Scientists first discovered Hallucigenia in the Burgess Shale, which is a special kind of rock in Canada that preserves fossil remains really well.
Hallucigenia was a small animal, only about 2 centimeters long. It had a long body with many pairs of spiky legs. Its head was round and had a mouth at the end. But what made Hallucigenia really special were the long spines that stuck out from its back. These spines were really tall and pointy, making Hallucigenia look like a creature from a strange dream.
For a long time, scientists didn’t really know what to make of Hallucigenia. It was so weird-looking, they couldn’t figure out which way it walked or even which end was front and which was back! Some scientists even thought that the fossils were upside down, and they drew Hallucigenia with its legs sticking up in the air.
But after studying more and more fossils, scientists finally figured it out. They discovered that the spines on Hallucigenia’s back actually folded down and pointed backwards. This means that it walked on its spiky legs with its back facing the ground. It also had claws on its legs that helped it walk and dig in the mud.
So, even though Hallucigenia may look like something out of a crazy dream, it was a truly fascinating animal that once roamed our Earth millions of years ago. Scientists continue to study this strange creature to better understand our planet’s ancient past.
Importance of Hallucigenia
Hallucigenia is an important animal because it helps scientists learn about ancient creatures and how they evolved. By studying Hallucigenia, researchers can understand more about the early animals that lived on Earth millions of years ago. This is valuable because it gives us a better understanding of our planet’s history and how life has changed over time.
One reason why Hallucigenia is important is because it provides evidence of how animals adapted to their environments. Its unique body structure, with spines and tentacle-like legs, helps scientists understand how animals like Hallucigenia moved and interacted with their surroundings. This gives us clues about how animals evolved different strategies for survival and how they adapted to different habitats.
Additionally, Hallucigenia has features that are similar to modern animals. By comparing Hallucigenia to animals that are alive today, scientists can learn more about the origins of certain traits and features. This helps us understand how characteristics have been passed down through generations and how animals have changed over time.
In conclusion, the study of Hallucigenia is important because it gives us insights into the past and teaches us about the evolution of animals. By studying this ancient creature, scientists can understand more about our planet’s history and how life has developed. Hallucigenia provides valuable information about how animals adapted to their environments and offers clues about the origins of certain traits. Through these studies, we gain a better understanding of our world and the creatures that have inhabited it throughout history.
Amazing Facts About Hallucigenia
1. Hallucigenia is an extinct animal that lived approximately 508 million years ago during the Cambrian period.
2. It was a tiny creature, measuring only about 2 centimeters in length.
3. Hallucigenia had an elongated body with a series of spines or spikes along its back.
4. It had multiple pairs of legs, with each leg ending in a hook-like structure.
5. Its head was located at one end of its body and featured two pairs of tentacles or appendages.
6. Researchers believe that Hallucigenia lived in the oceans and likely burrowed in the soft sediment of the seabed.
7. The name “Hallucigenia” was derived from its unique appearance and unusual features, leading early scientists to think it might have been a hallucination.
8. This animal was initially misunderstood, as early reconstructions depicted it upside down or with incorrect limb placement.
9. Hallucigenia was part of the group of animals known as lobopodians, which are early relatives of arthropods (like insects and spiders).
10. It had a hard exoskeleton, which provided protection and support for its soft body.
11. Fossil evidence of Hallucigenia was first discovered in the Burgess Shale formation in British Columbia, Canada.
12. The discovery of Hallucigenia challenged previous understanding of early animal evolution due to its unique body plan.
13. It is considered an important fossil because it provides valuable insights into the evolutionary history of arthropods.
14. Hallucigenia’s spines may have served as a defense mechanism against predators or as a way to anchor itself in the sediment.
15. Although Hallucigenia is now extinct, its discovery has helped scientists better understand the diversity and adaptations of ancient marine life.
Can we keep Hallucigenia as our Pet?
Hallucigenia is an ancient and peculiar animal that lived long ago on Earth, but unfortunately, it is extinct today. We cannot keep Hallucigenia as a pet because there are no living Hallucigenia animals to be found anymore. Extinction means that a species no longer exists because all of its members have died.
The extinction of Hallucigenia occurred millions of years ago due to natural processes and changes that happened on our planet. Some scientists believe that the extinction of Hallucigenia was caused by environmental changes and competition with other species. Over time, the conditions on Earth changed and Hallucigenia could no longer survive. This is a natural process that has happened to many species throughout Earth’s history.
Even though Hallucigenia is a fascinating creature that might seem like an interesting pet, it is simply not possible because there are no living individuals. Today, we have to respect and protect the diversity of life that still exists on Earth. We can learn about extinct species like Hallucigenia from fossils and study their characteristics. However, it is important to recognize that these animals are no longer part of our present world. We should focus on taking care of the animals that are alive today and do our best to prevent more species from becoming extinct in the future.
Size of Hallucigenia
Hallucigenia was a weird and wonderful animal that lived a long time ago, about 505 million years ago during the Cambrian period. It was quite small in size, measuring only around 2 to 4 centimeters long. To put that into perspective, it was about the same length as a small paperclip or a little longer than your thumb.
This strange creature had a long and slender body with several pairs of spiky legs, which made it look like a walking brush or a strange combination of a caterpillar and a centipede. On the top side of its body, Hallucigenia had numerous spines or bristles pointing up like little tentacles. It also had a pair of long, spiky appendages at its head, which helped it to probe and search for food in the ocean floor.
Scientists discovered the fossils of Hallucigenia in Canada and later in other parts of the world. At first, they were confused about which side of the animal was the top and which was the bottom. They thought the spines were legs, and the skinny legs were tentacles! It wasn’t until they found more well-preserved fossils that they were finally able to understand the true anatomy of this peculiar creature.
In conclusion, Hallucigenia was a small and bizarre animal that roamed the ocean millions of years ago. Despite its strange appearance, it played an important role in the evolution of the animal kingdom and helped scientists learn more about the diversity of life on Earth.
Habitat of Hallucigenia
The habitat of Hallucigenia animal is very fascinating. It lived a long time ago, around 508 million years ago, during a period called the Cambrian period. During this time, the Earth looked very different from how it does now. The environment was filled with water, and there were no plants or trees on land yet.
Hallucigenia lived in the seas and oceans of the Cambrian period. It liked to live in warm waters that were filled with lots of other strange creatures. These creatures, known as marine invertebrates, lived on the ocean floor. Some of its neighbors included animals like trilobites, an extinct group of arthropods, as well as sea worms and mollusks.
Because Hallucigenia lived in the ocean, it had to adapt to its watery surroundings. It had a long, skinny body that was covered in hard spikes. These spikes probably helped to protect it from predators and helped it move around in the soft mud on the ocean floor. Scientists believe that Hallucigenia was a bottom-dweller, meaning that it spent most of its time crawling on the ocean floor.
Overall, the habitat of Hallucigenia was an underwater world filled with all sorts of bizarre creatures. It enjoyed warm oceans and liked to crawl around on the ocean floor. Even though it lived millions of years ago, the fossils of Hallucigenia that have been found are giving scientists important clues about the past and helping us understand the amazing variety of life that existed on Earth long ago.
Evolution of Hallucigenia
Hallucigenia is one of the fascinating creatures that existed millions of years ago. This animal went through a remarkable evolution over time. Let’s explore the journey of the Hallucigenia animal’s evolution.
During its early stages, Hallucigenia had a long and slender body with numerous spines protruding from its back, making it look like a strange and otherworldly creature. Its body was covered in tough skin, protecting it from predators. The spines not only provided this animal with defense but also acted as sensory organs to detect changes in its environment. This helped Hallucigenia navigate and survive.
As time went on, Hallucigenia evolved further and developed a more distinctive feature – its limbs. These appendages were long, jointed, and ended in sharp claws. With these newfound limbs, Hallucigenia was able to crawl across the ocean floor with ease, searching for food and mates. The claws allowed it to dig into the soft sediment in search of worms or other small organisms.
Moreover, the Hallucigenia animal continued to evolve, adapting to changes in its surroundings. Its body shape became more streamlined, making it more efficient at moving through water. Its legs eventually transformed into a series of spines that helped it swim gracefully in the ocean currents. These adaptations allowed Hallucigenia to survive and thrive in its aquatic environment.
In conclusion, the evolution of Hallucigenia shaped it into a unique and successful creature. From its spines and tough skin for defense to its limbs and swimming abilities, this animal underwent remarkable changes to suit its environment. Studying the evolution of ancient creatures like Hallucigenia helps us understand the diversity of life on our planet and how living organisms adapt to survive.
Classification of Hallucigenia
Hallucigenia is a fascinating animal that lived in ancient times, around 500 million years ago. Scientists have classified Hallucigenia as an extinct genus of marine animal that belonged to a group called the lobopodians. These creatures had long and slender bodies with many legs, which helped them move and hunt for food.
The classification of Hallucigenia was quite puzzling to scientists because of its strange appearance. At first, they thought it was a kind of worm or even a plant. However, after careful examination of fossil remains, they concluded that Hallucigenia was an animal. It had a tubular body covered in rows of spines and several pairs of claw-like legs. Its head had a simple mouth, but its most distinctive feature was the spikes protruding from its back.
Hallucigenia is now classified as an early ancestor of arthropods, a group that includes insects, spiders, and crabs. Although it may look quite different from animals we know today, it played a significant role in the development of diverse and complex life forms. By studying this ancient creature, scientists can better understand how different animal groups evolved and changed over time.
In summary, Hallucigenia is a fascinating animal classified as an extinct genus of lobopodian. It lived around 500 million years ago and had a unique and strange appearance. Despite its peculiar features, it is considered an early ancestor of arthropods, shedding light on the evolution of complex life forms on our planet.
How did Hallucigenia Extinct?
Hallucigenia was an ancient animal that roamed the Earth millions of years ago during the Cambrian period. It had a unique and bizarre appearance, with spikes and limbs sticking out from its long body. However, despite its intriguing appearance, Hallucigenia eventually became extinct.
One possible reason for the extinction of Hallucigenia is changes in its environment. During the Cambrian period, the Earth experienced drastic shifts in climate and sea levels. These changes would have directly impacted the habitats where Hallucigenia lived. If the water levels rose or fell too quickly, the animals living in those areas would struggle to adapt. The shifting environment may have destabilized the food chain and disrupted the delicate balance of life, ultimately leading to the extinction of Hallucigenia and many other species.
Another factor that could have contributed to Hallucigenia’s extinction is competition with other organisms. In the ancient oceans, there was fierce competition for resources such as food and living space. As new species evolved and adapted to their environments, they may have outcompeted Hallucigenia for these essential resources. This intense competition could have put great pressure on Hallucigenia’s population, leading to its decline and eventual extinction.
Lastly, changes in predation patterns may have played a role in Hallucigenia’s extinction. Predators are organisms that hunt and eat other animals, and they play a crucial role in shaping ecosystems. If new predators evolved during the Cambrian period and began to prey upon Hallucigenia, it would have put additional pressure on the population. An increase in predation could have made it even more challenging for Hallucigenia to survive and reproduce, eventually leading to its extinction.
In conclusion, the extinction of Hallucigenia could be attributed to various factors, such as changes in the environment, competition with other organisms, and increased predation. These factors worked together to create an unfavorable situation for this ancient animal, ultimately leading to its demise. The extinction of species is a natural part of the Earth’s history and helps pave the way for new forms of life to emerge and thrive.
Geographical Presence of Hallucigenia
The Hallucigenia animal is found in the fossil records of various regions around the world. These strange creatures lived during the Cambrian period, which was around 508 million years ago. Fossils of Hallucigenia have been discovered in places like Burgess Shale in Canada, Chengjiang in China, and Emu Bay in Australia. These regions were once home to ancient oceans and are rich in fossils, giving scientists a glimpse into the past.
However, Hallucigenia is not found in other parts of the world. Fossils of these peculiar animals have not been discovered in regions like Antarctica or the Sahara Desert. This could be because these areas were not suitable habitats for Hallucigenia or because the necessary conditions for fossilization were not present. Regardless, the absence of Hallucigenia fossils in certain regions provides valuable information about their distribution and the environments they inhabited.
In summary, the Hallucigenia animal is found in regions like Burgess Shale, Chengjiang, and Emu Bay, where ancient oceans once existed. These regions have provided scientists with important fossil evidence of this peculiar creature. However, Hallucigenia fossils have not been discovered in other parts of the world, such as Antarctica or the Sahara Desert. The study of their distribution helps us understand more about their ancient habitats and the processes of fossilization.
Scientific Name of Hallucigenia
The scientific name of the animal known as Hallucigenia is Hallucigenia sparsa. This unique animal lived during the Cambrian period, over 500 million years ago. It was a small creature, measuring around 20 millimeters in length, and it had a long, worm-like body with multiple pairs of spiny legs.
Hallucigenia had a distinctive appearance that sets it apart from many other animals. It had a row of spines on its back, and on its underside, it had long limbs with claws or spikes. Additionally, it had a long tubular structure on its head that was likely used for feeding. Its body was covered in a tough outer layer, possibly for protection.
Scientists believe that Hallucigenia lived in the oceans, where it scavenged for food on the seafloor. Its unique body shape and features suggest that it may have used its spines and limbs for locomotion and burrowing into the sediment. Its long tubular structure on the head may have helped it catch and consume small particles of organic matter.
The discovery of Hallucigenia has contributed greatly to our understanding of ancient ecosystems and the diversity of life that existed during the Cambrian period. Although it looked quite strange compared to the animals we see today, it played a significant role in the evolutionary history of our planet.
Diet of Hallucigenia
The diet of the Hallucigenia animal consisted mainly of plants. It loved to munch on leaves, stems, and other parts of plants. It would use its sharp little jaws to tear through the plant material and chew it up. This helped it to get the nutrients it needed to survive.
Sometimes, the Hallucigenia would also eat tiny organisms that lived in the soil, like worms or other small bugs. It would use its long spines to catch these little creatures and bring them to its mouth. These extra snacks gave the Hallucigenia some extra protein to stay healthy.
Interestingly, the Hallucigenia’s diet may have also included some microbes that lived in the plants it ate. These tiny microbes would have provided the Hallucigenia with even more nutrients. This would have been like getting a little bonus with each meal!
In summary, the Hallucigenia animal ate plants, including leaves and stems, as its main source of food. Sometimes, it would also eat small bugs and worms in the soil. Additionally, the Hallucigenia may have ingested microbes that lived in the plants it consumed. By getting all these different types of food, the Hallucigenia could maintain a balanced diet and survive in its environment.
Locomotion of Hallucigenia
The Locomotion of Hallucigenia animal is quite fascinating. It moves by using the numerous spines that cover its body. These spines are attached to muscles and can be moved sideways. By coordinating the movement of these spines, Hallucigenia pushes itself forward, almost like a caterpillar walking.
Additionally, this strange animal also has long legs located underneath its body. These legs help it walk on the ocean floor. They move in a wave-like motion, propelling the Hallucigenia forward as it searches for food or tries to escape from predators. This unique locomotion allows the Hallucigenia to adapt to different environments and survive in its ancient world.
Social and Sexual Behaviour of Hallucigenia
Hallucigenia is an ancient animal that lived more than 500 million years ago. Although not much is known about its social and sexual behavior, scientists have been able to make some interesting observations based on its physical characteristics and the environment in which it lived.
In terms of social behavior, Hallucigenia is believed to have lived in small communities or groups. This is because fossils of Hallucigenia have been found clustered together in certain areas. These clusters suggest that these animals may have lived in close proximity to each other, potentially interacting and living together in organized groups.
When it comes to sexual behavior, scientists have discovered that Hallucigenia had both male and female reproductive organs. This means that they were capable of both producing and fertilizing eggs. It is likely that they engaged in internal fertilization, where the male would transfer sperm to the female’s reproductive organs. However, without more evidence, it is difficult to determine the exact mating rituals or courtship behaviors of Hallucigenia.
Overall, while there is still much to learn about the social and sexual behavior of Hallucigenia, scientists have made some interesting observations about this ancient creature. By studying its physical characteristics and fossil remains, we can gather clues about how it may have lived and interacted with others of its kind.
Reproduction and Lifecycle of Hallucigenia
Hallucigenia is a fascinating animal that lived long ago. Let’s explore its reproduction and life cycle!
Hallucigenia’s life began when its parent animals laid eggs in the water. These eggs were very small and had a protective shell. Inside each egg, a tiny Hallucigenia slowly grew. After a certain amount of time, the eggs hatched, and baby Hallucigenias emerged. The young Hallucigenias looked very similar to their parents, but they were much smaller in size.
As the baby Hallucigenias grew, they needed to find food to survive. They used their spiky claws to crawl around the ocean floor, searching for tasty bits of food. They had soft bodies and no hard skeletons, so they were flexible and could move easily. Hallucigenias were not picky eaters – they would eat anything they could find!
As the young Hallucigenias reached adulthood, they started to look for a mate to reproduce. The males and females would meet and perform a special dance to get closer to each other. Once they were ready, the female Hallucigenia would lay her eggs in the water, just like her parents did. And so, the cycle began again – the eggs hatched, and the next generation of Hallucigenias began their journey in the underwater world.
The life cycle of Hallucigenia teaches us about how animals reproduce and grow. It shows us that every living creature has a purpose – from the tiny eggs to the adult animals. Hallucigenia’s fascinating journey helps us understand the amazing diversity of life on our planet.
Threats to Hallucigenia
Hallucigenia is a unique animal that lived over 500 million years ago during the Cambrian period. Despite its strange appearance, it was well adapted to its environment. However, there were several threats that could have caused harm to these creatures.
One major threat to Hallucigenia was predation. During the Cambrian period, there were many predators that would have seen Hallucigenia as a tasty meal. With its spiky body and sharp spines, Hallucigenia was capable of defending itself against some attackers. However, larger predators may have been able to overcome these defenses, putting Hallucigenia in danger.
Another threat to Hallucigenia may have been environmental changes. The Cambrian period was a time of great geological and climatic shifts. If the environment changed too quickly or dramatically, Hallucigenia may not have been able to adapt in time. This could have led to a decline in their population and even extinction.
Lastly, competition for resources could have been a threat to Hallucigenia. Other animals living during the Cambrian period would have competed for food and shelter, limiting the resources available for Hallucigenia. This increased competition could have affected their survival, especially if they were outcompeted by more efficient or strong species.
In summary, Hallucigenia faced threats from predation, environmental changes, and competition for resources during the Cambrian period. These factors put pressure on the survival of the species, highlighting the challenges they had to overcome to thrive in their ancient world.
Population of Hallucigenia
The population of the Hallucigenia animal is believed to have lived millions of years ago during the Cambrian period. Although there is no concrete data available, scientists estimate that there may have been a considerable number of Hallucigenia animals thriving during that time. This assumption is based on the fossils that have been discovered, which hint at a diverse and abundant population.
However, it is important to note that the Hallucigenia animal is now extinct. This means that there are no more living individuals of this species today. The reasons behind its extinction remain uncertain, but it is believed to have occurred as a result of natural changes in the environment, such as shifts in climate, habitat loss, or the appearance of new predators.
Understanding the extinction of species like the Hallucigenia animal helps scientists piece together the puzzle of Earth’s history and how different organisms have evolved and disappeared over time. By studying the remains of these ancient creatures, scientists can learn valuable lessons about the fragility of life on Earth and the importance of protecting our planet’s biodiversity to prevent future extinctions.
Conclusion
Overall, Hallucigenia is a fascinating creature from the past. It existed millions of years ago and is known for its unusual appearance. This animal’s name might make you think of hallucinations, but it actually refers to its strange body shape. It had spines, tentacle-like legs, and a long tube-like body. Hallucigenia was not very big, measuring only a few centimeters in length.
Scientists have studied Hallucigenia fossils to learn more about its habitat and classification. They have discovered that this animal lived in the oceans during the Cambrian period, which was a time when life was just beginning to evolve. Hallucigenia’s peculiar body design helped it navigate through the water and survive in its environment. It was a tiny creature with a big impact on our understanding of prehistoric life.
In conclusion, Hallucigenia is an extraordinary creature from the past that sparks our curiosity. Its name may sound a bit strange, but it perfectly describes its unique appearance. Despite being small, Hallucigenia has left a significant mark on scientific research, providing valuable insights into the ancient world. By studying fossils and understanding its habitat and classification, we can continue learning about the wonders of the animal kingdom and the remarkable diversity that existed millions of years ago.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hallucigenia (FAQ’s)
Q1: What is a Hallucigenia animal?
A1: Hallucigenia is a prehistoric animal that lived during the Cambrian period over 500 million years ago.
Q2: What does the name Hallucigenia mean?
A2: The name Hallucigenia means “a creature of hallucination” in Latin, due to its strange and unusual appearance.
Q3: How was the Hallucigenia animal discovered?
A3: Hallucigenia was first discovered in the Burgess Shale fossil beds in British Columbia, Canada, by paleontologist Simon Conway Morris in 1977.
Q4: What is the size of a Hallucigenia animal?
A4: Hallucigenia animals were relatively small, ranging in size from a few centimeters to around 5 centimeters in length.
Q5: What was the appearance of a Hallucigenia animal?
A5: Hallucigenia had a long, slim body covered in rows of spines. It had pairs of tentacles on each body segment, with longer appendages at the front and shorter ones at the back.
Q6: Did Hallucigenia have legs or feet?
A6: Hallucigenia did not have legs or feet but moved using its numerous tentacles or spines.
Q7: What is the purpose of the spines on Hallucigenia?
A7: The exact purpose of the spines on Hallucigenia is not fully understood, but they might have served as protection from predators or as sensory organs.
Q8: What did Hallucigenia eat?
A8: The diet of Hallucigenia is uncertain, but it is believed to have been a detritivore, feeding on decaying organic matter or microbes.
Q9: Was Hallucigenia a predator or prey?
A9: Hallucigenia is thought to have been a prey animal, as it lacked any significant defense mechanisms.
Q10: Are there any living animals related to Hallucigenia?
A10: No living animals have been found to be direct descendants of Hallucigenia. It is believed to belong to a now-extinct group of organisms called lobopodians.
Q11: How do scientists study Hallucigenia if it is extinct?
A11: Scientists study Hallucigenia by examining the fossils that have been preserved in rock formations and conducting various analyses and reconstructions.
Q12: How many different species of Hallucigenia are known?
A12: Currently, seven different species of Hallucigenia have been identified based on the fossils discovered so far.
Q13: Why is Hallucigenia considered important to our understanding of evolution?
A13: Hallucigenia provides valuable insights into the early stages of animal evolution and the development of complex body plans.
Q14: When did Hallucigenia go extinct?
A14: Hallucigenia went extinct during the Cambrian period, around 500 million years ago.
Q15: Where can I see a Hallucigenia fossil?
A15: The Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada, and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., are among the institutions that have Hallucigenia fossils on display.
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!
