Icadyptes: History, Facts, Size, Habitat, Classification
In this blog post, we will explore the fascinating world of Icadyptes, an extinct animal that lived millions of years ago. Icadyptes, or Animals Name, was a large marine bird that existed during the Eocene period, which was about 36 to 33 million years ago. It was discovered in the sedimentary rocks of Peru, providing valuable insights into the ancient history of our planet.
When it comes to facts about Icadyptes, one of the most striking features is its size. This incredible animal stood about five feet tall, making it one of the largest birds of its time. Its long beak, measuring around 18 inches, suggests that it had a diet primarily consisting of fish. Scientists believe that Icadyptes was well-adapted to life in the water, with its streamlined body and powerful wings enabling it to swim and fly effortlessly.
The habitat of Icadyptes was the coastal regions of Peru, where it likely nested and hunted for fish. These areas would have provided it with the ideal conditions for survival and reproductive success. As for its classification, Icadyptes belonged to the order of Animal Order and the family Animals Family. Although it no longer exists today, the discovery of its fossils has allowed us to learn more about the incredible diversity of life that once existed on Earth.
Please note that we already have an article on our blog exploring over 155+ different animal species, each with its unique characteristics and history. Take a dive into the fascinating world of extinct animals and discover the wonders of creatures like Icadyptes.
History of Icadyptes
Icadyptes was a fascinating animal that lived millions of years ago. It was a type of penguin that had some unique features. Scientists have discovered its remains and studied them to learn more about its history.
During the time Icadyptes lived, the Earth was a very different place. It existed around 36 to 40 million years ago, in what is now South America. At that time, the environment was warmer than it is today. The land was covered with lush forests, and the oceans were filled with many different kinds of creatures.
What set Icadyptes apart from other penguins was its enormous size. It was much larger than the penguins we see today. It stood about 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall and weighed around 60 kilograms (130 pounds). This made Icadyptes one of the tallest and heaviest penguins that ever lived. Its beak was also special, as it had a long shape that helped it catch fish.
Scientists believe that Icadyptes spent much of its time in the water, hunting for fish as its main source of food. It likely used its strong wings to swim and dive deep underwater. Fossils of Icadyptes have been found in Peru, which is evidence that they inhabited the areas near the coast.
Although Icadyptes is no longer alive today, its fossils have provided valuable information about penguins and their evolution. Scientists continue to study these remains to better understand the history of these interesting creatures.
Importance of Icadyptes
Icadyptes is an important animal because it helps us learn about the past. By studying its fossils, scientists can understand what the environment was like a long time ago. This information is helpful for knowing how animals and their habitats have changed over time. It also gives us clues about how different species have evolved.
Learning about Icadyptes can also help us understand how animals have adapted to their surroundings. For example, scientists believe that Icadyptes was a giant penguin that lived about 36 million years ago. Its large size and long beak suggest that it may have been a powerful swimmer and hunter. This information helps us understand how penguins have evolved to survive in different environments.
Additionally, Icadyptes teaches us about the diversity of life on Earth. It shows us that there were unique and fascinating animals in the past that were quite different from the ones we see today. By studying Icadyptes and other ancient animals, we can appreciate the incredible variety of life that has existed throughout history.
In conclusion, studying Icadyptes is important because it helps us understand the past, learn about animal adaptations, and appreciate the diversity of life on Earth. It is fascinating to discover how animals have evolved and adapted over time, and Icadyptes provides valuable insights into these processes. By studying this ancient animal, we gain a better understanding of our planet’s history and the incredible creatures that have lived before us.
Amazing Facts About Icadyptes
1. Icadyptes is the name of a prehistoric animal that lived about 35 million years ago during the Eocene period.
2. It was an extinct species of penguin, which means it is no longer alive and cannot be found today.
3. The name Icadyptes comes from combining the Greek words “ika” and “dyptes,” which mean “spear” and “diver” respectively, referring to its ability to dive into the water to catch fish.
4. Icadyptes was one of the largest known penguin species, estimated to have stood over 5 feet tall, which is about the height of an average adult human.
5. Its body shape was similar to modern penguins, with a streamlined body, short wings, and strong flippers for swimming.
6. Icadyptes likely had a slender beak that curved downwards, which indicates that it mainly fed on fish and other marine creatures.
7. This prehistoric penguin had sharp, backward-facing spines on its tongue and upper palate, which helped it grip and swallow slippery prey underwater.
8. Fossils of Icadyptes have been found in Peru, South America.
9. The climate of Peru during the time of Icadyptes was much warmer than present-day, and it had a coastline that provided an ideal habitat for these large marine birds.
10. Icadyptes had long legs and feet with powerful webbed toes, enabling it to swim swiftly and navigate through the water.
11. It is believed that Icadyptes may have spent most of its time in the ocean, only coming ashore to breed and raise its young.
12. Similar to modern-day penguins, Icadyptes likely nested in colonies for protection and support during breeding season.
13. It is thought that Icadyptes had a unique way of molting its feathers, as fossilized feathers from this species have been discovered in a high state of preservation.
14. The predator of Icadyptes is uncertain, but it is possible that larger marine creatures, such as sharks or ancient whales, could have posed a threat to these penguins.
15. The discovery of Icadyptes fossils has provided important insights into the behavior, ecology, and diversity of prehistoric penguins, contributing to our understanding of the evolutionary history of these remarkable birds.
Can we keep Icadyptes as our Pet?
There was once an amazing creature called Icadyptes, but sadly, it is now extinct. This means that Icadyptes no longer exists in our world today. It is important to understand why we cannot keep Icadyptes as a pet.
Icadyptes was a type of prehistoric penguin that lived millions of years ago. It was very large, standing about four feet tall, and had a long beak. These incredible creatures could swim like fish and catch yummy fish to eat. However, due to changes in their environment, like the loss of their food source and changes in the climate, Icadyptes could not survive. As a result, they became extinct, which means there are no more Icadyptes penguins left in the world.
Even though Icadyptes was an extraordinary and fascinating animal, we cannot keep them as pets because they no longer exist. We must understand that it is not possible to bring back creatures that have become extinct. It is important to respect the natural balance of our world and focus on protecting and preserving the animals that are still living today. We can learn from the sad story of Icadyptes and work hard to prevent other animals from facing the same fate.
In summary, Icadyptes was an incredible species of penguin that lived long ago but is now extinct. We cannot keep them as pets because they no longer exist in our world. Let’s appreciate the amazing animals we have today and make sure we do all we can to protect and preserve their habitats, so they don’t suffer the same fate as the mighty Icadyptes.
Size of Icadyptes
Icadyptes is an extinct animal that lived millions of years ago. It was a giant penguin and one of the largest ever known. This amazing creature was about 5 feet tall, which is taller than most children and even some adults! Can you imagine seeing a penguin that big?
Not only was Icadyptes tall, but it was also quite heavy. It weighed around 250 pounds, which is equivalent to the weight of two grown-up humans! That’s a lot of weight for a penguin. It’s important to note that Icadyptes was much larger than the penguins we see today, like the Emperor Penguin. In fact, it was nearly twice their size!
To give you a better idea of how enormous Icadyptes was, let’s compare it to something you might be familiar with, like a door. If you stand next to a door, you would likely come up to around the same height as Icadyptes. That means if you were to meet this penguin, it would tower over you, just like a basketball hoop does when you try to dunk a ball!
In conclusion, Icadyptes was an incredibly large penguin that stood about 5 feet tall and weighed around 250 pounds. It was much bigger than the penguins we see today. Just imagine coming face to face with this enormous creature, it would be quite a sight to behold!
Habitat of Icadyptes
Icadyptes was a fascinating animal that lived a long time ago. It had a very unique habitat where it called home. Let’s explore where Icadyptes lived and what its habitat was like.
Icadyptes was a giant penguin that lived around 36 million years ago. It was much bigger than the penguins we see today. Icadyptes lived in what is now known as Peru. Its habitat was on the coast, near the ocean. This is because penguins need to be close to water to find food and go swimming.
The habitat of Icadyptes was a rocky place with sandy beaches. It had a cool and temperate climate, which means it wasn’t too hot or too cold. The ocean water was rich in fish and squid, which were Icadyptes’ favorite foods. The rocky cliffs provided a safe place for the penguins to build their nests and lay their eggs. They would swim in the water to catch their prey and then return to their nests on the cliffs.
In summary, Icadyptes lived in a coastal habitat in Peru. It had rocky cliffs with sandy beaches and a cool climate. The penguins would swim in the ocean to find fish and squid to eat, and then return to their nests on the cliffs. It was a great place for Icadyptes to live and thrive!
Evolution of Icadyptes
Icadyptes was a fascinating animal that lived long ago. Its evolution can be traced back to its ancestor, the ancient penguins. These penguins began to evolve over millions of years to adapt to their changing environment and develop unique characteristics.
The first penguins were rather small, much smaller than the penguins we see today. As time went on, their bodies started to change. They became more streamlined, which means they became better able to move through the water. This helped them catch fish and other sea creatures more easily. They also developed wings that were modified into flippers to help them swim faster and more efficiently. These changes were vital for their survival in the water.
Over time, some penguins began to grow larger. They needed to be bigger to hunt for larger fish and dive to greater depths. This is where the amazing Icadyptes comes in. It was a giant penguin that lived about 36 to 43 million years ago. Its size was extraordinary, reaching up to six feet tall! This awe-inspiring creature had a strong beak and sharp teeth, which made it an excellent hunter. Its long flippers helped it swim gracefully in the ocean. These adaptations allowed Icadyptes to thrive in its environment and become a powerful predator.
In conclusion, the evolution of Icadyptes showcases the incredible changes that happened over time in penguins. From their small and agile ancestors to the giant and fearsome Icadyptes, penguins adapted to their surroundings to become superb swimmers and hunters. It is truly fascinating to learn about these ancient creatures and how they became masters of the sea.
Classification of Icadyptes
Icadyptes is an extinct animal that lived millions of years ago. It belonged to a group of birds called penguins. Penguins are known for their unique ability to swim and catch fish in the cold waters of the ocean. Icadyptes was a very large penguin and is considered one of the largest ever discovered.
The classification of Icadyptes is as follows: it belonged to the animal kingdom, the phylum Chordata, the class Aves, the order Sphenisciformes, the family Spheniscidae, and the genus Icadyptes. This means that it was classified as a bird and more specifically, as a penguin.
Penguins are special birds that have adapted to life in the water. They have streamlined bodies, wings modified as flippers, and webbed feet. Icadyptes was estimated to be over five feet tall, much taller than the average penguin we know today. Its long beak and strong jaws suggest that it had a different diet compared to other penguins, possibly feeding on larger prey like fish and squid.
Unfortunately, Icadyptes went extinct millions of years ago, and we can only study its fossils to learn more about it. Scientists classify animals based on their characteristics, like their appearance and behavior, to understand their relationship to other living organisms. By studying the classification of Icadyptes, we can learn more about the diversity and evolution of penguins and how they have adapted to different environments throughout history.
How did Icadyptes Extinct?
Icadyptes was a fascinating animal that lived long ago in our Earth’s history. Sadly, it is no longer with us today. The extinction of Icadyptes was caused by several factors, including changes in its habitat and competition with other animals for resources.
One important reason for the extinction of Icadyptes was the changing environment. Over time, the climate became colder and the area where Icadyptes lived started to freeze. This meant that the food sources for Icadyptes, such as fish and squid, became harder to find. With less food available, it became difficult for Icadyptes to survive and reproduce. As a result, their numbers began to decline.
Another reason for Icadyptes’s extinction was competition with other animals. As the climate became colder, other animals that were better adapted to the freezing conditions started to thrive. These animals, like seals and penguins, were very efficient at hunting for food in the icy waters. They could swim faster and dive deeper, giving them an advantage over Icadyptes. The competition for food became fierce, and unfortunately, Icadyptes couldn’t keep up.
Furthermore, human activities also played a role in the extinction of Icadyptes. When humans started to explore and settle in the areas where Icadyptes lived, they brought along new predators, such as dogs and cats. These predators hunted Icadyptes and their eggs, further decreasing their population. Additionally, humans also contributed to habitat destruction, as they modified the landscape for their own needs, leaving less space for Icadyptes to live and reproduce.
In summary, the extinction of Icadyptes happened because its habitat changed and became colder, making it harder for them to find food. Moreover, the competition with other animals, and the introduction of new predators by humans, also contributed to their decline. Sadly, these factors combined to eventually wipe out Icadyptes from our planet.
Geographical Presence of Icadyptes
Icadyptes is a fascinating animal that can be found in the region of southern Peru. It prefers to live in an area known as the Pisco Formation, which is located along the coast of Peru. This region is famous for its rich fossil beds and has provided scientists with valuable insights into the past.
However, Icadyptes is not found in other parts of the world. It is unique to the Pisco Formation and has not been discovered in any other region or country. This makes it a special and important animal, as it gives us a glimpse into the diverse range of creatures that once lived in this specific area.
In other places around the globe, you will not come across Icadyptes. It is only in the Pisco Formation where this amazing animal calls home. This emphasizes the importance of protecting and preserving this region, as it holds valuable information about our planet’s history and the different species that once inhabited it.
Overall, Icadyptes is a remarkable animal that is found exclusively in the southern region of Peru, particularly in the Pisco Formation. It is not found in any other part of the world, making this area a significant location for scientific study and research. Preserving and understanding this unique region can help us expand our knowledge of Earth’s past and the diverse range of animals that existed long ago.
Scientific Name of Icadyptes
The scientific name for the animal known as Icadyptes is Icadyptes salasi. This name is made up of two parts: the genus (Icadyptes) and the species (salasi). The genus is like the animal’s last name, and the species is like its first name. Just like humans have both a first and last name, animals also have a unique scientific name made up of a genus and a species.
Icadyptes was a prehistoric animal that lived around 40 million years ago. It was a type of penguin and is known for its large size. In fact, it is one of the largest known species of penguins to have ever existed. The scientific name, Icadyptes salasi, helps scientists and researchers identify and classify this particular species of penguin.
By using scientific names, scientists can communicate with each other more easily. This is because the same scientific name is used worldwide, regardless of the language spoken. So, even if someone in another country doesn’t speak the same language as you, they will still understand what animal you are talking about when you use the scientific name. It’s a bit like having a universal language for animals!
Diet of Icadyptes
Icadyptes was a giant animal that lived long ago. While we won’t talk about Icadyptes itself, we can still learn about its diet. The food that Icadyptes liked to eat helps us understand what this big creature was like.
Firstly, Icadyptes was a bird, so it probably ate lots of fish. Birds that are similar to Icadyptes like to go fishing in the ocean. They wait for fish to swim by and then swoop down and catch them with their sharp beaks. Just like how we go to the supermarket to buy our food, Icadyptes had the ocean as its supermarket!
Secondly, Icadyptes might have also enjoyed munching on squids. These were like big water worms that lived in the ocean. Birds like Icadyptes would dive underwater and grab the squids in their beaks. It’s quite impressive how they could catch them! These squids were an important part of Icadyptes’ diet, giving them the energy they needed to survive.
Lastly, just like we need to drink water every day, Icadyptes also needed to drink to stay hydrated. They could find water in the ocean where they lived. Instead of using a cup or a bottle, Icadyptes would use its beak to take a drink.
Overall, Icadyptes liked to eat fish and squids that it found in the ocean. It would use its beak to catch its food, just like how we use our hands and tools to eat. By understanding what Icadyptes ate, scientists can learn more about the life of this fascinating creature.
Locomotion of Icadyptes
Icadyptes was a very special animal that lived long ago. It was a type of penguin, but much bigger than the penguins we see today. It was about 5 feet tall and weighed around 220 pounds.
To move around, Icadyptes had to rely on its strong flippers. It would use these flippers to push through the water when it was swimming. Its body was shaped like a torpedo, which helped it swim very fast. However, on land, Icadyptes was not very good at walking. Its short legs and big body made it waddle instead of walking straight. It would waddle from side to side, just like the way we walk when we are in a hurry.
Even though it couldn’t walk very well, Icadyptes was an excellent swimmer. It spent most of its time in the water, hunting for fish and other small sea creatures. Its flippers were like powerful paddles that helped it move through the water effortlessly. So, even though it may have struggled on land, Icadyptes was perfectly adapted for a life in the ocean.
Social and Sexual Behaviour of Icadyptes
Icadyptes is a large penguin-like animal that lived a long time ago. It had interesting social and sexual behaviors. These behaviors are how the animal interacts with others and how it finds a mate.
First, Icadyptes lived in colonies, which means they lived together with many other animals. They liked to be with their fellow Icadyptes friends. Living in groups helped them stay safe from predators and kept them warm during cold weather.
Next, when it was time to find a mate, Icadyptes had a special way of doing it. The male would make a special call to attract the attention of a female. If the female liked the call, she would join the male and they would do a special dance together. This dance involved wiggling their wings and moving their heads in a funny way. It was a way for them to show they were ready to be mates.
In conclusion, Icadyptes had interesting social and sexual behaviors. They liked living in groups and importantly, they had a unique way of finding a mate through special calls and dances. These behaviors helped them survive and reproduce.
Reproduction and Lifecycle of Icadyptes
Icadyptes is an extraordinary animal that lived millions of years ago. Let’s take a closer look at how Icadyptes reproduced and went through its life cycle.
The life of an Icadyptes started with reproduction. Just like penguins today, Icadyptes laid eggs to bring new life into the world. The female Icadyptes would lay one or two eggs in a safe place, such as a nest on the ground. The parents would then take turns keeping the eggs warm until they hatched. This process, called incubation, usually took about 40 days. Once the eggs hatched, the baby Icadyptes, known as a chick, relied on its parents for food and protection.
As the chick grew, it went through various stages of development. It started with a downy layer of soft feathers to keep it warm. The chick was not able to fly, so it stayed close to its parents, who taught it how to swim and catch fish. Over time, the chick grew bigger and stronger. It molted, or shed its old feathers, and replaced them with waterproof ones, just like penguins do today. This helped the bird stay warm and dry while swimming in the cold ocean.
Once the Icadyptes chick reached adulthood, it was ready to find a mate and start the cycle again. Using various behaviors such as courtship displays and calls, the adults would find a suitable partner. After mating, the female would lay eggs, and the whole process would begin anew. This life cycle continued for many generations, ensuring the survival of the Icadyptes species.
Threats to Icadyptes
Icadyptes animal faces several threats that endanger its survival. The first major threat is habitat loss. As humans continue to expand their cities and industries, they cut down trees and destroy the natural environment of Icadyptes. This is a problem because Icadyptes needs specific conditions to thrive, such as access to water and a suitable place for nesting. Without the right habitat, their population decreases, and they struggle to find food and raise their young.
Another threat to Icadyptes is pollution. Human activities, like factories and vehicles, release harmful chemicals into the air and water. These pollutants can contaminate the food sources of Icadyptes, like fish and other marine animals, leading to their decline. Pollution also affects the quality of the air, which Icadyptes breathe, causing respiratory problems and making them vulnerable to diseases. Additionally, oil spills in the ocean can have devastating effects on their feathers, making them unable to fly or keep warm, putting their survival at risk.
Lastly, overfishing is a significant threat to Icadyptes. When humans catch fish in large quantities without giving enough time for the fish populations to recover, it disrupts the balance of the marine ecosystem. Icadyptes heavily relies on fish for their diet, and a decrease in fish availability means they struggle to find enough food. This can lead to malnutrition and a decrease in their overall health. If overfishing continues, it can push Icadyptes to the brink of extinction.
To protect Icadyptes, it is crucial to address these threats. Governments and communities need to work together to conserve their natural habitat by creating protected areas. Efforts should also be made to reduce pollution and find sustainable alternatives to harmful practices. By implementing strict fishing regulations and promoting sustainable fishing methods, we can ensure the long-term survival of Icadyptes and maintain the balance of the marine ecosystem they depend on.
Population of Icadyptes
The population of the Icadyptes animal was estimated to be around 2,000 individuals. This is only an assumed figure as there is limited information available about this ancient creature. It is believed to have lived during the Eocene period, about 40 million years ago. However, unfortunately, the Icadyptes animal is now extinct.
The extinction of the Icadyptes animal happened a long time ago, but scientists believe it was likely due to various factors. One potential cause could be changes in the environment, as the Earth went through natural shifts and climate patterns over millions of years. These changes might have affected the availability of the Icadyptes’ main food sources, such as fish and squid. Additionally, competition with other species and natural predators could have also played a role in their decline and eventual extinction.
Although the Icadyptes animal is no longer alive, scientists continue to study its fossils to learn more about its habitat, behavior, and evolution. By understanding these ancient creatures, we gain valuable insights into the history of our planet and the diverse species that have inhabited it over time.
Conclusion
In summary, Icadyptes is a fascinating creature that once roamed the Earth millions of years ago. As we have explored in this blogpost, Icadyptes is an ancient animal that had unique features and adaptations. We have learned about its size, habitat, and classification.
Firstly, Icadyptes was a massive animal, reaching a height of about 5 feet. This makes it one of the largest known penguins in history. Secondly, Icadyptes lived near the coastline in what is now Peru. Its habitat was filled with warm waters and abundant fish, providing the perfect environment for this majestic creature.
In terms of classification, Icadyptes belongs to the group of animals known as penguins. Penguins are flightless birds that spend most of their time in water. While Icadyptes shares some similarities with modern-day penguins, it also had some distinct differences, such as its elongated beak and larger size.
In conclusion, Icadyptes was an extraordinary animal with its own place in history. Although it may no longer exist today, the discovery and study of such magnificent creatures allow us to better understand the diversity of life on Earth. By learning about animals like Icadyptes, we gain valuable knowledge about our planet’s past and the many fascinating species that once inhabited it.
Frequently Asked Questions about Icadyptes (FAQ’s)
Q1: What is an Icadyptes animal?
A1: Icadyptes is an extinct genus of penguin that lived during the late Eocene epoch, approximately 36-40 million years ago.
Q2: What is the meaning of the name Icadyptes?
A2: “Icadyptes” is derived from the Greek words “íkarios” meaning “strong” and “dýptes” meaning “diver,” referring to its likely diving abilities.
Q3: How big was an Icadyptes penguin?
A3: Icadyptes was a large penguin, with estimates suggesting that it stood around 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) tall and weighed approximately 80 kilograms (176 pounds).
Q4: Where were fossils of Icadyptes discovered?
A4: Fossils of Icadyptes have been found in the Cerro Colorado Formation in southern Peru.
Q5: What was the habitat of Icadyptes?
A5: Icadyptes likely lived in a coastal marine environment, where it could hunt fish and other prey.
Q6: Did Icadyptes have any adaptations for swimming?
A6: Yes, Icadyptes had streamlined bodies, flipper-like wings, and strong, webbed feet that allowed it to swim efficiently in the water.
Q7: What did Icadyptes eat?
A7: Based on its beak structure and the presence of fish remains in the fossil record, it is believed that Icadyptes primarily fed on fish.
Q8: Did Icadyptes live in colonies?
A8: It is uncertain whether Icadyptes lived in large colonies like modern penguins, as fossil evidence of their nesting behaviors is lacking.
Q9: How did Icadyptes reproduce?
A9: The exact reproductive behaviors of Icadyptes are unknown, but it is likely that they laid eggs and incubated them like other penguin species.
Q10: Were there any predators for Icadyptes?
A10: Although specific predators of Icadyptes are not known, being a large marine bird, it may have faced threats from sharks or other marine predators.
Q11: What caused the extinction of Icadyptes?
A11: The exact reasons for the extinction of Icadyptes are uncertain, but it is believed to be related to changes in the marine environment and the loss of suitable prey.
Q12: Are there any living descendants of Icadyptes?
A12: No, Icadyptes is an extinct genus, and there are no living descendants of this particular penguin species.
Q13: How do scientists study Icadyptes?
A13: Scientists study Icadyptes through the analysis of fossils, studying their physical characteristics, and comparing them to other penguin species and the environment in which they lived.
Q14: What can we learn from studying Icadyptes?
A14: Studying Icadyptes helps us understand the evolution and diversity of penguins and provides insight into the ancient marine ecosystems they inhabited.
Q15: Have any other species similar to Icadyptes been discovered?
A15: Yes, several other extinct penguin species have been discovered, each contributing to our understanding of the evolutionary history of these fascinating birds.
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!
