Palaeontologists have found evidence that Tyrannosaurus rex, the largest and most dreaded dinosaur that roamed North America 66 million years ago, might have been a cannibal which sometimes devoured its own species.

The scientists, who based their study on the bite marks on the carnivores’ bones, believe the marks were made by other T. rexes. The marks suggest that the giants were killed and then eaten out by victorious T. rexes, the researchers reported in the journal PLoS ONE.

While searching through dinosaur fossil collections for another study on dinosaur bones with mammal tooth marks, Nick Longrich, a researcher from Yale University, discovered a bone with especially large gouges in them. Given the age and location of the fossil, the marks had to be made by T. rex, Mr. Longrich said. “They’re the kind of marks that any big carnivore could have made, but T. rex was the only big carnivore in western North America 65 million years ago,” Mr. Longrich said.

It was only after discovering the bite marks were from a T. rex that Mr. Longrich realised the bone itself also belonged to the behemoth. After searching through a few dozen T. rex bones from several different museum fossil collections, he discovered a total of three foot bones (including two toes) and one arm bone that showed evidence of T. rex cannibalism, representing a significant percentage.

“It’s surprising how frequent it appears to have been,” Mr. Longrich said. “We’re not exactly sure what that means.” The marks are definitely the result of feeding. If two T. rex fought to the death, the victor might have made a meal out of his adversary, said Mr. Longrich. He said: “Modern big carnivores do this all the time. It’s a convenient way to take out the competition and get a bit of food at the same time.”

However, the marks appear to have been made some time after death, Mr. Longrich said, meaning that if one dinosaur killed another, it might have eaten most of the meat off the more accessible parts of the carcass before returning to pick at the smaller foot and arm bones.

While only one other dinosaur species, Majungatholus, is known to have been a cannibal, Mr. Longrich said the practice was likely more common than we think and a closer examination of fossil bones could turn up more evidence that other species also preyed on one another.

The finding is a big clue into the obscure eating habits of these enormous predators. While today’s large carnivores often hunt together in packs, T. rex likely acted on their own, Mr. Longrich said. “These animals were some of the largest terrestrial carnivores of all time. There’s a big mystery around what and how they ate, and this research helps to uncover one piece of the puzzle.”

A total of 230 species of birds have been recorded in Sathyamangalam Forest Division in a bird survey.

The first ever bird survey in the division, funded jointly by Tamil Nadu Forest Department and Care Earth, a Chennai-based biodiversity research organisation, was taken up in Bhavanisagar, Sathyamangalam, Talavadi, T.N. Palayam and Hassanur Ranges.

S. Chandrasekaran, Life Member of the Bombay Natural History Society, who compiled the data and brought out a booklet in association with A. Kumaraguru, Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, said that 15 camps were pitched in the Ranges. Nearly 75 birdwatchers, including Forest Department staff, were engaged in the survey.

Analysing the data, Mr. Chandrasekaran said the highest diversity of 95 and 93 species was recorded in Chikkalli and Talamalai. Of the total species, 14 per cent were raptors, which was a good indicator of the state of the eco-system. A greater concentration of raptors was recorded in Vilamundi, Sujjalkuttai, Mangalapati and Goolithuraipatti in Bhavanisagar Range, which is a riverine and dry scrub / thorny forests of low lands, he said.

Suggestions

Apart from the survey, the team made suggestions, which included upgrading the forests as critical wildlife zones to conserve endangered mammals and birds; proper scientific studies to be undertaken for a viable and pragmatic management plan for conservation of various species.

A bird survey once in one and a half years as done by renowned ornithologist Salim Ali, taking up a long-term study on vultures in this region, providing alternative job opportunities to forest dwellers in tune with conservation priorities and removing invasive species of flora from this area to protect the Savannah type forests, were some of the other recommendations made by the team.

It is brightly coloured, angular and made of plastic – The Rubik’s Cube has hardly changed in 30 years.

But the three-dimensional mechanical puzzle remains as popular as it was when it first came on the mass market in 1980, particularly among those, both young and old, who like to test their ability to solve it quickly. When someone holds a Rubik’s Cube puzzle in their hand, he or she knows instinctively that it won’t be easy to solve. Six different colours are dispersed on squares on all sides of the cube. To solve it, the nine squares on each side must be turned so that, in the end, each side of the cube consists of only one solid colour. It’s been challenging people’s patience ever since it began selling in large quantities in the early 1980s.

For some it’s too perplexing, but for other people it’s so fascinating that they want to time how long it takes them to solve it in competition with other puzzlers. They call themselves speedcubers and they regularly hold contests to determine who is fastest at solving the puzzle. The German speedcubing championship, for example, was held recently with Cornelius Dieckmann, a 15-year-old from Berlin, winning the German master award. Robin Bloehm, 22, is another award-winning German speedcuber. He recalls the day three years ago when he was sitting in a math lecture not understanding a word when he noticed the guy next to him with a Rubik’s Cube. His father had an old one and he tried it.

“At the beginning, it was something that required concentration and patience,” he said. “But at some point it just came together automatically. Now it’s about working the puzzle quickly.”

The Hungarian interior architect who invented the cube, Erno Rubik, came up with the idea for the toy in the mid 1970s, with the idea of using it to improve people’s sense of space.

At the time Hungary was part of the Soviet Union’s communist bloc, making marketing the toy difficult. It took until 1980 for it to be introduced to the mass market. Since then, 350 million Rubik’s Cubes have been sold, according to Wikipedia.

It’s best to understand a little bit about the construction of the cube before trying to solve it. The square in the middle of the nine squares on each side stays in place while the others around it move in all directions. There are several ways to solve the puzzle but the minimum number of turns is 22.

One way is the Fridrich method, in which different algorithms are used, meaning the cube’s pieces have to be turned in a certain order. This is the method Bloehm employs to solve the puzzle. He got quick at it, but now as a student, he doesn’t have all day to practice, while younger speedcubers do. Some speedcubers solve the puzzle as many as 1,000 times per day. No one has been able to beat the record of 7.08 seconds set two years ago by Erik Akkersdijk of the Netherlands.

“It’s unbelievable how fast some of the younger players have become,” said Reiner Thomsen. At age 45 he is among the oldest Speedcubers.

“I had the cube in my hands when I was young,” he said. His first contact with speedcubing came six years ago at a toy trade show in Essen. By practicing he got his time down to under 20 seconds, said Thomsen, a computer scientist.

Algorithms, mathematicians, computer scientists? Can only geeks solve the puzzle? Bloehm and Thomsen admit that the speedcubing scene is dominated by men and mathematicians.

“But they are all very informal,” he said. “Naturally, we talk shop.” But it’s still fun, even after 30 years, and especially in the era of video gaming consoles and computer games.

“My free time does not revolve around the cube. Far from it,” said Bloehm. He worries that strenuous training could cause tendonitis in his hands and wrists and he advises speedcubers to use silicon spray so that the cube’s sides turn more smoothly.

There are various types and styles of job-related interviews. Apart from the usual one-to-one or one-to-panel face to face interview, there is the telephone interview in which there is a great saving in time and energy spent for travel.

Often the telephone interview would be the first stage, to be followed by a face-to-face interview of the candidates selected at the first stage. We discussed in some detail the stress interview and the behavioural interview during the past weeks. Let us now have a quick look at some of the other interview styles followed by employers.

Screening interview

This has the limited objective of confirming the claims of the candidates in respect of their qualifications and professional attainments. There would be questions based on the data furnished in the resume submitted by the candidates. Comparison of attainments of different candidates would be easy if the data are gathered in a digital format. Candidates who do not fall in line with the prescribed norms would be eliminated, thereby saving further efforts at the next stages of evaluation and assessment. Often, the screening may be done over the phone.

You should pay attention to ensure that there is no inconsistency or mismatch in the information you provide in your resume. Long gaps or periods of inactivity in your resume may not be to your advantage. This emphasises the need for your engaging yourself in some creative or useful work, and not remaining idle for long spells. Further, employers are likely to assess the value of your service in relation to your cost.

You should present all relevant information about yourself with clarity in a straightforward manner. Your expressions should be simple and direct. You should not try to cover up any weakness or drawback through vague expressions. The interviewer would be interested in gathering specific details about yourself in the shortest possible time. The questions would be direct; so the answers should also be the same way.

Group interview

There may not be total unanimity in the definitions of group discussion, group interview, and panel interview. The same phrase may mean different things to different people.

A group discussion usually involves 10-12 candidates sitting around a table and discussing the diverse aspects of a controversial topic for 25-30 minutes. The judges will observe and assess their performance, but may not interfere with the proceedings. In a panel interview, a number of interviewers sit together and interview a candidate. The members of the panel may be drawn from different departments of the organisation.

The ‘group interview’ involves a situation wherein a number of candidates meet simultaneously one or more interviewers in a small assembly. A company official who is an interviewer may make a quick presentation on the company. It would be followed by a question and answer session, where the candidates can participate effectively if they have already made appropriate preparation. Remember that a person can be assessed from the quality of his questions. The style of interaction, the quality of ideas and expressions, and the overall approach of each candidate would be observed and judged carefully.

Sometimes the candidates may be split into smaller groups and asked to perform some task with a bearing on the job. Each team will then make a presentation on its work. The interviewers would assess attributes such as interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, team spirit, knowledge, insight, ease in communication, and problem-solving ability.

A well-groomed candidate who can introduce himself well in a few words will generate a fine first impression. You should be prepared to do it. You may indicate your favourite area of work and your most important passion, without blowing your own trumpet. Admiring innovative ideas in others, participating actively in the proceedings in a pleasant manner, and not jumping into arguments are positive points. Never be aggressive. Be courteous to all. Control your body language. Remain confident.

Informational interview

This style of interview does not aim at securing an immediate appointment. The purpose is limited to gathering information about a specific career and the various opportunities it offers. The candidate interacts with experienced hands in the line, as part of job-hunting through planned networking. There would be no reference to any specific job opening. However, talking to people working in your chosen field will help you to gain a better understanding of the concerned industry, and to refine your career path. Further, it will develop your confidence in facing job interviews.

Sometimes the informational interview may lead to your appointment in a job position. The chances for such appointments are not few, since many vacancies are not advertised. Selection may be from candidates who come in contact with the employers. This stresses the reason for giving your best presentation and creating a fine impression, although you initiate a meeting with the limited objective of gathering information. Some employers would be maintaining a database of available talent for appointment on a later occasion. If you make a good impression in the meeting, you may be blessed with an appointment afterwards. Do not forget to give the interviewer your card or contact information. So also, sending a thank-you note after the interview is important.

Before you go for the interview, plan your questions well. Anyone would feel flattered if he is given an opportunity to describe the intricacies and prospects of his profession. Listen carefully to what the interviewer tells you. You have to acknowledge his comment with an admiring node or positive expression. Your intellectual curiosity should be transparent. You may explain your background and interests as briefly as possible. Give him more time, so that you gather the finer points of the profession. You should never to try to dominate the discussion. Your manners should be pleasing.

Tag-team interview

In this you may be interviewed by two or more interviewers. Each interviewer would view from his special angle. This style will give the employer insights of different people on your skills and personality.

The members of the interviewing team will have a clear understanding of the specific goal of the exercise. They work with a spirit of total co-operation.

The interviewers may take turns and interact with you one after the other in a series. Alternatively, a few of them may ask you questions simultaneously as in a one-to-panel interview. Remember that each interviewer has his own separate agenda. So you have to pay special attention to each one of them with care. The interviewers may be holding various responsible positions in the company. It is a good idea to know each member of the interview team by name and job positions. You should make each interviewer feel that you give profound importance to him. Be constantly alert. Prepare well on basics as for any conventional interview.

Second interview

When the interview board has problems in making a final choice from the short-listed candidates, it may summon the candidates once again and hold a second interview. You have to maintain consistency in your approach. You can confirm the picture you first presented, and furnish useful additional information if any. In any case, you get an opportunity to cement the rapport you have already built. The second interview may be a routine follow-up interview in certain companies.

Exit interview

In this, you meet an executive of the company which you are leaving. Perhaps, the company wants to study the causes of your leaving and make corrective measures in the company for better employee retention, It is not essential that you attend it. But it is advisable that you attend and depart with no malice or ill feeling. It is indeed a good thing if you can leave a good impression even as you depart. The possibility of your re-joining the company on a later occasion cannot be ruled out.