Sivatherium: History, Facts, Size, Habitat, Classification
In the world of extinct animals, the Sivatherium stands as a fascinating creature worth learning about. This large herbivorous mammal lived during the late Miocene period, around 8 million years ago. With its unique appearance and distinct features, the Sivatherium leaves us in awe of the diversity our planet once held.
The Sivatherium was a massive creature, reaching heights of about 2.2 meters at the shoulder and weighing around 1,200 kilograms. Its long neck allowed it to browse treetops, while its sturdy build supported its weight. This animal’s most distinguishing characteristic was its pair of large, branched antlers, similar to those of a modern moose. These antlers were used for defense, attracting mates, and possibly even for feeding.
The Sivatherium inhabited the grasslands, woodlands, and shrublands of Africa, particularly in areas that are now Sudan and Niger. It was a herbivore, feeding on leaves, twigs, and shrubs. Due to its size, it may have had few natural predators, allowing it to roam these habitats with relative safety.
Although the Sivatherium is now extinct, its memory lives on through the discoveries made by scientists and researchers. Understanding the history, facts, size, habitat, and classification of these majestic animals allows us to appreciate the diversity of life that once graced our planet. If you’re interested in learning more, check out our blog, where we have articles on over 155 different extinct animal species that will surely captivate your curiosity.
History of Sivatherium
Sivatherium was a large, long-extinct, herbivorous animal that lived during the Pleistocene period, which was about 2.5 million to 11,700 years ago. It is believed to have roamed the grasslands and forests of Africa and parts of Asia. Sivatherium was a member of the Giraffidae family, which also includes the modern-day giraffes and okapis.
Sivatherium was a unique animal with a body that resembled a cross between a giraffe and a moose. It had a long, muscular neck like a giraffe, but its body was more robust and stocky. Its legs were long and powerful, allowing it to move quickly across the landscape. Sivatherium also had two pairs of large, curving horns on its head, which it likely used for defense against predators or in battles with other Sivatherium males.
Based on fossil evidence, scientists believe that Sivatherium was a browser, meaning it primarily ate leaves, twigs, and other plant materials. Its teeth were adapted to grinding and chewing tough vegetation. It is also thought to have been a social animal, living in small herds and possibly migrating in search of food.
Unfortunately, Sivatherium went extinct around 11,700 years ago, possibly due to climate change or competition for resources with other herbivorous animals. Today, all that remains of this fascinating creature are its fossilized bones, which give us a glimpse into the prehistoric world and the diverse range of animals that once roamed the Earth.
Importance of Sivatherium
Sivatherium was a unique and important animal that lived long ago. It roamed the Earth during the Ice Age, a time when many different types of animals lived. Sivatherium was special because it had a very tall neck, like a giraffe, and long horns on its head. This helped it reach leaves high up on trees to eat, even when they were scarce.
The importance of Sivatherium lies in the information it can provide us about the past. By studying its fossils, scientists can learn more about the climate and environment of that time. This can help us understand how animals and plants adapted to survive in different conditions. By knowing more about Sivatherium, we can also gain insights into the evolution and diversity of mammals.
Additionally, Sivatherium played an important role in the ecosystems it lived in. As a herbivore, it grazed on plants which helped to control their growth. It may have even helped to disperse seeds, which is crucial for the growth of plants. By acting as a link in the food chain, Sivatherium contributed to maintaining the balance of nature.
In summary, Sivatherium is important because it provides valuable scientific information about the past, helps us understand the evolution of mammals, and played a significant role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. By studying this fascinating animal, we can learn a lot about our planet’s history and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
Amazing Facts About Sivatherium
1. Sivatherium was a large, prehistoric herbivorous mammal that lived in different parts of Asia and Africa.
2. It belonged to the family Giraffidae, which also includes modern-day giraffes and okapis.
3. Sivatherium had a unique appearance, with a long neck like a giraffe and large, branching antlers like a deer.
4. Its body was stout and weighed around 700 to 1,000 kilograms, making it comparable to a modern rhinoceros.
5. The animal had four sturdy legs with hooves, which helped it in moving around its habitat.
6. Sivatherium existed during the late Miocene to early Pleistocene epoch, which was around 7 million to 1.5 million years ago.
7. Fossil remains of Sivatherium have been discovered in countries such as India, Pakistan, Morocco, and Algeria.
8. It is believed that Sivatherium lived in forested habitats, feeding on leaves, branches, and fruits from trees.
9. The long neck of Sivatherium allowed it to reach for higher vegetation that other herbivores couldn’t access.
10. The large, elaborately branched antlers of Sivatherium were mainly used for display and attracting mates, rather than for fighting.
11. The antlers of Sivatherium could reach up to 1.8 meters in width, making them one of the largest antlers known in the animal kingdom.
12. Sivatherium had a complex social structure, with both males and females living in groups.
13. It is thought that Sivatherium had a slow, deliberate pace of movement due to its large size and body structure.
14. The extinction of Sivatherium is believed to have been caused by environmental changes, competition for resources, and human activities.
15. Studying the fossil remains of Sivatherium helps scientists learn more about the biodiversity and evolutionary history of ancient mammals.
Can we keep Sivatherium as our Pet?
No, we cannot keep Sivatherium as our pet because it is an extinct animal. Sivatherium was a fascinating creature that lived long ago, but sadly, it is no longer found in the world today. Let’s learn more about this amazing animal and why we can’t have it as our pet.
Sivatherium was a large, herbivorous animal that lived during the Pleistocene era, around 2 million years ago. It resembled a mix of a giraffe and a deer, with long neck and horns. It had a massive body, reaching about 2 meters in height and weighing over a ton. Sivatherium roamed the grasslands and forests, feeding on leaves and plants.
Unfortunately, Sivatherium became extinct thousands of years ago. Scientists believe that factors like climate change and human hunting played a role in their extinction. As the world changed, the habitats of Sivatherium began to disappear, making it difficult for them to find enough food and suitable places to live. Additionally, early humans hunted these animals for their meat and skins, which further contributed to their decline.
Although it would have been fascinating to have Sivatherium as a pet, it’s just not possible because they no longer exist. It’s important to respect the natural order and understand that certain animals are meant to live in their own habitats, not in our homes. We can, however, learn about these incredible creatures through fossils and archaeological discoveries, appreciating the diversity of life that once existed on our planet.
Size of Sivatherium
Sivatherium was a large extinct animal that lived millions of years ago. It belonged to the giraffe family, but it was much bigger than today’s giraffes. Sivatherium was about 2 meters tall at the shoulders and could reach up to 4 meters in height when it stretched its long neck. It was as tall as a two-story building!
Not only was Sivatherium tall, but it was also very long. It could measure up to 6 meters from head to tail. That’s about the length of two big cars parked next to each other! Its body was bulky and weighed around two tons, which is the same as three small cars combined! Sivatherium had long legs and a strong neck, which helped it reach leaves from tall trees.
The horns of Sivatherium were quite striking too. It had four horns on its head, two on the top and two at the bottom. These horns could measure up to 1 meter long! That’s taller than most people! The horns were made of bone and were probably used for defense or to attract a mate.
In summary, the Sivatherium was a gigantic animal that stood as tall as a two-story building. It was around 6 meters long and weighed about two tons. It had four long horns on its head, which were up to 1 meter long. Despite its massive size, Sivatherium was probably a gentle herbivore that fed on leaves from tall trees.
Habitat of Sivatherium
Sivatherium, an ancient animal that lived long ago, had a unique habitat that suited its needs. This large creature was found in grasslands and forests, where it could find plenty of vegetation to eat. Sivatherium liked to live in areas near rivers and lakes, as it needed water to survive.
In the grasslands, Sivatherium could find tasty grasses and leaves to munch on. These open areas allowed the animal to move around freely and find food easily. The grasslands also had plenty of space for Sivatherium to live in herds, as they liked to be together for safety and support.
The forests were another important part of Sivatherium’s habitat. Here, the animal could find different types of plants and leaves to eat. The trees provided shade and protection from predators, while also giving the animal a place to rest. The forests were also home to other creatures, which Sivatherium needed to be careful of, as some predators could pose a threat.
Overall, Sivatherium was well adapted to its habitat in the grasslands and forests. It had the perfect combination of food, water, and shelter. This mighty creature roamed these areas, forming herds and enjoying the abundant plant life. It was truly a remarkable animal that thrived in its natural habitat.
Evolution of Sivatherium
Sivatherium was a fascinating animal that lived during prehistoric times. It was a member of the giraffe family, but it looked quite different from the giraffes we know today. Sivatherium had a long neck just like a giraffe, but it also had two pairs of long horns on its head, which made it truly unique.
The story of Sivatherium begins millions of years ago when its ancestors roamed the ancient forests of Africa. These early ancestors were small and deer-like, with short necks and no horns. Over time, as their habitat changed, they needed to adapt to survive. Natural selection favored those individuals with longer necks, as they were able to reach higher leaves on trees for food. This longer-necked species eventually evolved into what we now know as Sivatherium.
As time went on, Sivatherium continued to evolve and thrive. Its two pairs of long horns started to develop, possibly as a way to defend against predators or fight for mates. These impressive features helped Sivatherium become one of the largest land mammals of its time, standing about 7 feet tall at the shoulder.
The evolution of Sivatherium highlights the incredible adaptability of animals and their ability to change over time. From its humble origins as a small deer-like creature, Sivatherium was able to develop unique characteristics that allowed it to survive and thrive in its changing environment. It serves as a reminder of the wonders of evolution and the remarkable diversity of life on Earth.
Classification of Sivatherium
Sivatherium is an extinct animal that lived during the Pleistocene Epoch, around 1.8 million to 11,000 years ago. It belonged to the family Giraffidae, which includes modern-day giraffes and okapis. Sivatherium was a large herbivorous mammal, similar in size to an elephant. Its name comes from the Greek words “sivao,” meaning “I am able to walk,” and “therion,” meaning “beast,” indicating its robust and powerful build.
The classification of Sivatherium is as follows:
Kingdom: Animalia – Sivatherium is classified as an animal because it belongs to the animal kingdom. Animals are multicellular organisms that are capable of voluntary movement.
Phylum: Chordata – Sivatherium is classified as a chordate because it possesses a notochord, which is a flexible rod that provides support for the body. This phylum includes animals with a dorsal nerve cord, such as vertebrates.
Class: Mammalia – Sivatherium is classified as a mammal because it is warm-blooded, has hair or fur covering its body, and gives birth to live young.
Order: Artiodactyla – Sivatherium is classified as an artiodactyl because it has an even number of toes on each foot. This order includes hooved animals such as cows, goats, and pigs.
Family: Giraffidae – Sivatherium is a member of the giraffe family, which consists of long-necked mammals. Sivatherium shares common characteristics with its modern relatives, including elongated legs and a long neck.
Genus: Sivatherium – Sivatherium is the only known genus within the family Giraffidae. It is believed to have evolved from an earlier giraffid genus, Bramatherium, and eventually went extinct due to changes in its environment.
In summary, Sivatherium is an extinct animal that belongs to the family Giraffidae. It had a robust build, similar in size to an elephant. Sivatherium is classified as an animal, chordate, mammal, artiodactyl, and specifically, a member of the Giraffidae family within the genus Sivatherium.
How did Sivatherium Extinct?
Sivatherium was a magnificent animal that once roamed the lands during the Pleistocene era, around 2 million years ago. Sadly, these gentle giants are no longer with us today. So, what led to the extinction of this remarkable species?
One of the main factors that contributed to the disappearance of Sivatherium was climate change. During the Pleistocene era, the Earth experienced significant fluctuations in temperature, leading to the expansion and retreat of glaciers. These environmental changes had a profound impact on the habitats of many animals, including Sivatherium. As the climate became colder and drier, the vegetation that Sivatherium relied upon for food became limited. This scarcity of vegetation made it increasingly difficult for the species to survive and reproduce, eventually leading to their extinction.
Additionally, human activity played a role in the extinction of Sivatherium. As early humans began to expand their territory and hunt for food, they came into contact with these magnificent creatures. The emergence of advanced hunting techniques, such as the invention of spears and bows, made it easier for humans to kill animals, including Sivatherium, for their meat, skins, and bones. Overhunting by humans, combined with the already challenging environmental conditions, greatly contributed to the decline of the Sivatherium population.
Finally, competition with other species also played a role in the extinction of Sivatherium. The Pleistocene era was a time when many large herbivores, such as mammoths and rhinoceroses, roamed the land. These animals shared similar habitats and competed for the same resources, including food and water. The intense competition between different species, combined with the challenges posed by climate change and human hunting, put increased pressure on the Sivatherium. Their populations dwindled and eventually became unable to sustain themselves, leading to their ultimate extinction.
In summary, the extinction of Sivatherium was due to a combination of factors, including climate change, human hunting, and competition with other species. The harsh environmental conditions caused by climate fluctuations, coupled with the overhunting by early humans and competition for resources, ultimately led to the downfall of these magnificent creatures. Today, we can only marvel at their existence through fossils and paintings, as Sivatherium is a sad example of the impact that human activities and environmental changes can have on the survival of a species.
Geographical Presence of Sivatherium
Sivatherium is an animal that was found in the region of Asia during the prehistoric times. This gentle giant roamed the grasslands, forests, and wetlands of what is now modern-day India, Pakistan, and China. Its fossils have been discovered in various places in these countries, giving us a glimpse into the past and helping scientists learn more about this ancient creature.
However, Sivatherium is not found in other parts of the world. It was specific to the Asian region and did not exist in places like Europe, Africa, or the Americas. This means that the Sivatherium was limited to its own unique habitat in Asia, with its own climate, food sources, and environment.
Today, the Sivatherium is extinct, which means it no longer exists on Earth. We can only learn about it through fossils and scientific research. It is important for scientists to study these ancient animals to understand our planet’s history and how different species have evolved over time. While we may not see Sivatherium in our present world, its existence in the past helps us appreciate the diversity of life that once existed on Earth.
Scientific Name of Sivatherium
Sivatherium, also known as the “giraffe deer,” is an extinct animal that lived millions of years ago. Despite not introducing Sivatherium, it is essential to mention its scientific name, as per the request. The scientific name for Sivatherium is Sivatherium giganteum.
Sivatherium giganteum refers to a large, herbivorous mammal that belonged to the same family as giraffes and deer. This creature lived during the late Miocene to Pleistocene epochs, which means it roamed the Earth between 11 million and 50 thousand years ago.
The name “Sivatherium giganteum” breaks down into two parts. “Sivatherium” comes from the discovery of the species in the Sivalik hills in northern India, while “giganteum” highlights its massive size. Sivatherium giganteum was a majestic animal, estimated to be as tall as the modern-day giraffe but with a bulkier build. It possessed long, branching antlers and a unique mixture of features from both giraffes and deer.
In conclusion, Sivatherium giganteum is the scientific name for an extinct, large herbivorous animal that lived millions of years ago. This creature was similar to both giraffes and deer and was known for its massive size. The name “Sivatherium giganteum” reflects its discovery location and its remarkable dimensions.
Diet of Sivatherium
Sivatherium animals, like many other herbivores, had a diet mainly composed of plants. They ate various types of vegetation such as leaves, branches, and fruits. Their diet was primarily based on the surrounding plants and the availability of food in their habitat.
Sivatherium animals were large mammals and needed a lot of food to survive. They had to spend a significant amount of time grazing and searching for plants to eat. They had strong teeth and jaws to chew and digest tough plant material. Their long and flexible necks allowed them to reach high branches and leaves in trees.
These animals were browsers, which means they ate a mix of different plants. They could eat soft grasses, leaves from low bushes, and even fruits that they could find. This varied diet helped them to get the necessary nutrients they needed to stay healthy and grow. They also had a unique adaptation called a prehensile upper lip, which allowed them to pluck leaves and small branches more effectively.
In summary, the diet of Sivatherium animals consisted of plants. They were herbivores and had to eat a lot of vegetation to survive. Their diet included leaves, branches, soft grasses, and fruits. They had strong teeth, flexible necks, and a special upper lip to help them find and consume their food.
Locomotion of Sivatherium
Sivatherium was a big, heavy animal that lived long ago. It had a special way of moving around called locomotion. This means how an animal walks, runs, or moves its body.
Sivatherium had strong, tall legs that helped it walk and run. It could move quite fast for its size. It also had a long, muscular neck that allowed it to reach high leaves. Sivatherium used its legs and neck to find food and survive in its environment. Its size and strength made it well adapted to its habitat. Sivatherium had a unique way of getting around that helped it to survive.
Social and Sexual Behaviour of Sivatherium
Sivatherium, a fascinating animal from the past, had interesting social and sexual behaviors. These behaviors helped them survive and interact with each other. Let’s explore more about them!
Firstly, Sivatherium animals were highly social creatures. They lived in groups called herds, just like some present-day animals do. Living in herds helped them stay safe from predators as they could watch out for each other. Within these herds, they had a hierarchical structure, which means that each member had a specific rank or position. The leader of the herd, often a strong male, made important decisions and protected the group from any danger.
Secondly, when it came to sexual behavior, Sivatherium had a special way of finding a mate. The males in the herd would compete for the attention of the females. They would engage in battles, using their large and impressive horns, to show off their strength and dominance. The strongest male usually won the right to mate with the females. This process ensured that only the fittest and most powerful males passed on their genes to the next generation.
In summary, Sivatherium were social animals that lived in herds and had a leader to guide them. They also had interesting ways of choosing their mates, with the strongest males displaying their strength through horn battles. These behaviors were important for their survival and reproduction.
Reproduction and Lifecycle of Sivatherium
The Sivatherium animal had an interesting reproduction and life cycle. Like many other mammals, Sivatherium reproduced sexually through mating between a male and a female. Mating usually occurred during a specific season, when the male Sivatherium would compete with each other to win the attention of a female. They did this by fighting using their impressive horns. The winner would then have the chance to mate with the female.
Once the female Sivatherium became pregnant, she would carry the baby inside her womb for several months. This period, known as gestation, allowed the baby Sivatherium to develop and grow. When the time was right, the female would give birth to a single baby Sivatherium.
The baby Sivatherium, known as a calf, was born with a small body and underdeveloped features. It relied completely on its mother for care and nourishment. The mother Sivatherium would nurse the calf with her milk until it was strong enough to start eating plants by itself. As the calf grew, it would slowly gain strength and develop the characteristics of an adult Sivatherium.
Throughout its life, a Sivatherium would go through different stages, from a calf to an adult. It would continue to live and thrive alongside its herd, which provided protection and support. As an adult, a Sivatherium could reproduce and continue the life cycle by mating and giving birth to the next generation. And so, the cycle of life for the Sivatherium animal would continue, ensuring the survival of their species.
Threats to Sivatherium
Sivatherium, a prehistoric animal that lived millions of years ago, faced many threats that eventually led to its extinction. These threats were mainly caused by changes in its habitat, predators, and human activities.
One of the major threats to Sivatherium was the changing environment. As the climate shifted and forests turned into grasslands, the vegetation that Sivatherium relied on for food started to disappear. With their primary food source vanishing, these large herbivores struggled to find enough sustenance to survive. This scarcity of food weakened them and made them vulnerable to other dangers.
Another threat to Sivatherium came in the form of predators. During its time, Sivatherium had to face formidable predators like saber-toothed tigers and giant crocodiles. These ferocious hunters posed a constant risk to the survival of Sivatherium and its population. As the number of predators increased, the pressure on Sivatherium to find enough food and stay safe became even greater, pushing the animal closer to extinction.
Lastly, human activities also played a role in the decline of Sivatherium. As humans expanded their settlements and hunted for food, they encroached upon the territories of these prehistoric animals. Hunting, in particular, had a devastating impact on Sivatherium as they were targeted for their meat, hide, and horns. With the increasing pressure from human activities, the population of Sivatherium diminished, ultimately leading to their extinction.
In summary, the threats faced by Sivatherium were due to changes in their habitat, predators, and human activities. The alteration of their environment, the presence of formidable predators, and the encroachment by humans all contributed to the decline of this prehistoric animal. These collective factors led to their eventual extinction, underscoring the importance of preserving the delicate balance of ecosystems to protect the survival of vulnerable species in our world.
Population of Sivatherium
The population of the Sivatherium animal, which lived thousands of years ago, is difficult to determine exactly. However, scientists believe that there were likely a considerable number of these animals roaming the Earth during that time. It is estimated that their population could have been in the range of a few thousand individuals.
Sadly, the Sivatherium animal is now extinct. This means that none of them exist in our world today. The extinction of the Sivatherium happened many years ago, around 8,000 to 12,000 years ago. There are several reasons that contributed to their extinction, such as changes in the environment and climate, as well as hunting by early humans.
It is important to learn about animals like the Sivatherium to understand the Earth’s biodiversity and the impact that humans can have on other species. Although this unique animal is no longer with us, we can still study their remains and fossils to uncover valuable information about their lives and the past.
In summary, the Sivatherium animal once had a population estimated to be in the thousands. However, it is now extinct, which means none of them exist today. The reasons for their extinction include changes in the environment and hunting by early humans. Studying their remains helps us learn about them and our impact on Earth’s biodiversity.
Conclusion
In summary, Sivatherium was a fascinating creature that roamed the Earth thousands of years ago. This magnificent animal, belonging to the giraffe family, was a mix of several unique characteristics. It had a long neck, two pairs of horns, and the ability to live in different habitats.
Sivatherium was quite large in size, standing at around 7 feet tall at the shoulder. Its weight is estimated to be similar to that of a modern-day rhinoceros. With its incredible height, it could reach leaves and twigs in tall trees that other animals couldn’t access easily.
These incredible beings dwelled in various habitats, including forests, open grasslands, and even marshy areas. This adaptability allowed Sivatherium to survive and thrive in different environments.
Unfortunately, the Sivatherium species no longer exists today. However, scientists have gained valuable knowledge about these remarkable animals through the study of fossils and historical records. By learning about extinct creatures like Sivatherium, we can better appreciate the diversity and significance of the animal kingdom throughout time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sivatherium (FAQ’s)
Q: What is a Sivatherium animal?
A: A Sivatherium animal is an extinct genus of giraffid that lived during the Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs.
Q: When did Sivatherium animals live?
A: Sivatherium animals lived between 5 million and 12,000 years ago.
Q: Where were Sivatherium animals primarily found?
A: Sivatherium animals were primarily found in the Indian subcontinent, as well as certain regions of Africa, Arabia, and the Middle East.
Q: How big were Sivatherium animals?
A: Sivatherium animals were quite large, reaching heights of around 7 feet at the shoulder and weighing up to 2,200 pounds.
Q: What did Sivatherium animals look like?
A: Sivatherium animals had long necks resembling those of giraffes and branched antlers similar to those of a stag. They had a robust body and a mane-like tuft of fur along their spine.
Q: Were Sivatherium animals herbivores?
A: Yes, Sivatherium animals were herbivores and likely fed on leaves and shrubs.
Q: Did Sivatherium animals have any natural predators?
A: Sivatherium animals possibly faced predation from large carnivores like lions, hyenas, and saber-toothed cats.
Q: Why did Sivatherium animals go extinct?
A: The exact cause of Sivatherium’s extinction is uncertain, but it is believed to be primarily due to habitat loss and climate change.
Q: How long did Sivatherium animals live for?
A: Sivatherium animals had a lifespan of around 15 to 20 years.
Q: Were there any social structures or herds among Sivatherium animals?
A: There is not enough evidence to determine the social structures or herding behavior of Sivatherium animals.
Q: Did Sivatherium animals have any unique adaptations?
A: Sivatherium animals had a range of unique adaptations, including their antlers and elongated necks, which allowed them to reach higher vegetation.
Q: Were Sivatherium animals closely related to modern giraffes?
A: Yes, Sivatherium animals were part of the same giraffid family as modern giraffes.
Q: How do we know about Sivatherium animals if they are extinct?
A: Fossil remains, such as bones and antlers, have been discovered and studied to gain knowledge about Sivatherium animals.
Q: Are there any living descendants of Sivatherium animals?
A: No, there are no living descendants of Sivatherium animals.
Q: How does the study of Sivatherium animals contribute to our understanding of evolution?
A: Studying Sivatherium animals helps scientists understand the diversity and adaptations of ancient species, providing insights into the evolutionary history of giraffids.
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!
