The elk is one of the largest species of deer in the world and one of the largest land mammals in North America and eastern Asia. Elk are almost identical to Red Deer in Europe, of which they were long believed to be a subspecies; however, mitochondrial DNA evidence strongly suggests they are distinct species. Elk range in forest and forest-edge habitat, feeding on grass, leaves, and bark. Although native to North America and eastern Asia, they have adapted well to countries where they have been introduced, where their great adaptability may threaten endemic species and ecosystems. Male elk have large antlers which are shed each year. Males engage in mating behaviors during the rut, including posturing, antler wrestling (sparring), and bugling, a loud series of vocalizations which establishes dominance over other males and attracts females. Elk are susceptible to a number of infectious diseases, some of which can be transmitted to livestock. Efforts to eliminate infectious diseases from elk populations, largely through vaccination, have had mixed success. Some cultures revere the elk as a spiritual force. In parts of Asia, antlers and their velvet are used in traditional medicines. Elk are hunted as a game species; the meat is leaner and higher in protein than beef or chicken.
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_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:
1825:
Decembrist revolt: Imperial Russian Army officers led about 3,000 soldiers in a protest against Nicholas I's assumption of the throne after his elder brother Constantine removed himself from the line of succession. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decembrist_revolt
1911:
Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and his team became the first people to reach the South Pole. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roald_Amundsen
1913:
Haruna, the fourth and last ship of the Kongō-class, was launched, eventually becoming one of the Japanese workhorses during World War I and World War II. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_battleship_Haruna
1960:
Ian Meckiff of Australia was run out by the West Indies, causing the first Tied Test in the history of cricket. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Meckiff
1964:
The United States Supreme Court ruled in Heart of Atlanta Motel v. United States that Congress could use the Constitution's Commerce Clause power to fight discrimination. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_of_Atlanta_Motel_v._United_States
2004:
Cuba and Venezuela founded the Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolivarian_Alliance_for_the_Americas
_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:
ascribe (v): To attribute; to impute; to refer, as to a cause http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/ascribe
___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:
Moral cowardice that keeps us from speaking our minds is as dangerous to this country as irresponsible talk. The right way is not always the popular and easy way. Standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral character. --Margaret Chase Smith http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Margaret_Chase_Smith