Giant squid

The rarity of observations of specimens and the extreme difficulty of observing them alive, tracking their movements, or studying their mating habits militates against a complete understanding.
. No genetic or physical basis for distinguishing between the named species has been proposed, as evidenced by the placenames -- of location of specimen capture -- used to describe several of them. Half-court games double the number of players that can utilize a court, and are sometimes required by the owner of a busy facility. It is probable that not all of these are distinct species. Only one basket is used, with the requirement that the ball be "cleared" - passed or dribbled outside the half-court or three-point line - whenever possession of the ball changes. The broadest list is:. Perhaps the single most common variation is the half court game.

Lumpers and splitters may propose as many as eight species or as few as one. Most of the variations are played in informal settings without referees or strict rules. The taxonomy of the giant squid, as with many cephalopod genera, has not been entirely resolved. Other variations include children's games, contests or activities intended to help the player reinforce skills, which may or may not have a competitive aspect. Eyewitness accounts of other sea monsters like the sea serpent are also thought to be mistaken interpretations of giant squid. Some variations are only superficial rules changes, while others are distinct games with varying degrees of basketball influences. However, it is thought to be impossible for a giant squid to lift its tentacles from the water. Variations of basketball are activities based on the game of basketball, utilizing common basketball skills and equipment (primarily the ball and basket).

The Lusca of the Caribbean and Scylla in Greek mythology may also derive from giant squid sightings. Anthony "Spud" Webb was just 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 m) tall, but had a 42-inch (1.07 m) vertical leap, giving him significant height when jumping. Steenstrup, the describer of Architeuthis, suggested a giant squid was the species described as a sea monk to the Danish king Christian III c.1550. Some shorter players experience success at professional level. Tales of giant squid have been common among mariners since ancient times, and may have led to the Norwegian legend of the kraken, a tentacled sea monster as large as an island capable of engulfing and sinking any ship. The shortest player ever to play in the NBA is Muggsy Bogues at 1.60 meters (5 ft 3 in). [1]. Currently, the tallest NBA player is Yao Ming, who stands at 2.29 m (7 ft 6 in).

In December 2005, the Melbourne Aquarium in Australia paid AUD$100,000 for the intact body of a giant squid, preserved in a giant block of ice, which had been caught by fishermen off the coast of New Zealand's South Island earlier in the year. The tallest players ever to play in the NBA, Manute Bol and Gheorghe Muresan, are 2.31 m (7 ft 7 in). It seems that the species has a much more belligerent feeding technique. Most centers are over 2.1 meters (6 ft 10.5 in) tall. This may disprove the theory that the giant squid is a drifter which eats whatever floats by, rarely moving so as to conserve energy. Forwards in the men's professional leagues are almost all 2 meters (6 ft 6 in) or taller. The photographs showed an aggressive hunting pattern by the baited squid, leading to it impaling a tentacle on the bait ball's hooks. Guards, for whom physical coordination and ball-handling skills are of greater importance, tend to be the smallest players although they can occasionally be quite tall.

Among other things, the observations demonstrate actual hunting behaviors of adult Architeuthis, a subject on which there had been much speculation. At the professional level, most male participants are above 1.90 meters (6 ft 3 in) and most women are above 1.70 meters (5 ft 7 in). According to Kubodera, "we knew that they fed on the squid, and we knew when and how deep they dived, so we used them to lead us to the squid." Kubodera and Mori reported their observations in the journal proceedings of the Royal Society. Being tall is a clear advantage in basketball. The photo sequence, taken at a depth of 900 m (nearly 3000 ft) off Japan's Ogasawara Islands, shows the squid homing in on the baited line and enveloping it in "a ball of tentacles." The researchers were able to locate the likely general location of giant squid by closely tailing the movements of sperm whales. A skilled player can dribble without watching the ball, using the dribbling motion or peripheral vision to keep track of the ball's location.By not having to focus on the ball, a player can look for teammates or scoring opportunities, as well as avoid the danger of someone stealing the ball from them. On September 27, 2005, Kubodera and Mori released the photos to the world. It is common for beginners to dribble into a difficult position.

Later, DNA tests confirmed the animal as a Giant squid. Alternatively, to switch hands, a player can dribble between their legs or behind the back. The squid left behind, attached to the lure, an 18-foot tentacle. This is because, when switching the hand that is dribbling, the ball travels in front of the player making it easier to steal. These were the first photographs ever captured of a live giant squid in its natural habitat. The dribble is also lowered when switching hands. It took the squid over four hours to break free, during which time the camera took over 500 photos. Also, the dribble will be lowered so that its movement is more frequent.

After over twenty tries that day, a 26-foot Giant squid attacked the lure and snagged its tentacle. In this way, the defender will not be able to get to the ball without getting past the dribbler. The line also held a camera and a flash. It is therefore important for a player to be able to dribble confidently with both hands. The images were created on their third trip to a known Sperm whale hunting grounds 600 miles south of Tokyo, where they had dropped a 3,000 foot line baited with squid and shrimp. When dribbling past an opponent, the dribbler should dribble with the hand furthest from the player. They used a five-ton fishing boat and only two crew members. When a player dribbles, he or she pushes the ball down towards the ground, rather than patting it, because this ensures greater control.

Their teams had worked together for nearly two years to make the accomplishment. Dribbling is the act of bouncing the ball continuously. On September 30, 2004, Tsunemi Kubodera (National Science Museum of Japan) and Kyoichi Mori (Ogasawara Whale Watching Association) succeeded in taking history's first images of a giant squid. For this reason, large arc-shaped passes are almost always avoided and cross-court passes, called skip passes, are only used in certain situations. Approximately 65 specimens, one-fifth of all the giant squid ever found, have been found in the waters off Newfoundland; the last in December 2004. The most important aspect of a good pass is that it is difficult for the defense to intercept. Larval Architeuthis closely resemble larvae of Nototodarus and Moroteuthis, with distinctive characteristics being the shape of the mantle attachment by the head, the tentacle suckers, and the beaks. A pass is not necessarily between two players a distance from each other; sometimes a clever cut by a teammate can mean that a pass is to a directly adjacent teammate who is in motion, where either player's hands remain on the ball for the duration of the pass.

The search for a live Architeuthis specimen includes attempts to find live young, including larvae. This pass is also a fairly direct pass and can cover more distance than a chest pass. By and large, however, squid strandings remain a mystery. The ball is passed from behind the passer's head, coming over it and aiming for around the chin of the receiver. A period of 90 years between mass strandings has been proposed by Frederick Aldrich, an Architeuthis specialist, who used this value to correctly predict a relatively small stranding that occurred between 1964 and 1966. The overhead pass is used to pass the ball over a defender. Many scientists who have studied squid mass strandings believe that they are cyclical and predictable, but the length of time between strandings is not yet known. Thus, in crowded moments, or to pass the ball around a defender, this pass is often used.

It is not known exactly why giant squid become stranded on shore, but it is possible that a periodic though temporary alteration of the distribution of the deep, cold water where the squid live might be the cause. It does take longer to complete than the chest pass, but it is more difficult for the opposing team to intercept (kicking the ball deliberately is a violation). Although strandings continue to occur sporadically throughout the world, the high frequency of strandings at Newfoundland and New Zealand in late nineteenth century have not yet been repeated. In this way, it is completed in the smallest amount of time possible for this pass. Large numbers of strandings also occurred in New Zealand during the late nineteenth century. Like the chest pass, it is passed from the passer's chest to the receiver's chest, and it is passed as directly as possible, for example, there should be no downward motion of the ball between the bounce and the time the receiver catches it. In 1873 a squid "attacked" a minister and a young boy in a dory in Bell Island, Newfoundland. In this pass, the ball bounces about two-thirds of the way from the passer.

For example, a specimen washed ashore in Glover's Harbour, Newfoundland on November 2, 1878 was 6.1m (20 ft) long (mantle length), and one of its tentacles measured 10.7m (35 ft) long and it was estimated as weighing 2.2 tonnes. Another type of pass is the bounce pass. Between 1870 and 1880, large numbers of strandings occurred on the shores of Newfoundland. This has the advantage that it takes the least time to complete, as the passer tries to pass as directly straight as possible. A portion of a giant squid was secured by the French gunboat Alecton in 1861 leading to wider recognition of the species/genus in the scientific community. The ball is passed directly from the passer's chest to the receiver's chest. He first used the term "Architeuthis" in a paper in 1857. One of the most basic passes is the chest pass.

Japetus Steenstrup produced a number of papers on giant squid in the 1850s. Most passes are accompanied by a step forward to increase power and are followed through with the hands to ensure accuracy. Much of what is known about these animals come from estimates based on these, and from undigested beaks found in sperm whale stomachs. A pass is a method of moving the ball between players. The age of giant squids can be estimated by "growth rings" in the statocyst's "statolyth" much like counting tree rings. Realizing a shooting opportunity and using it is as important as basic technique; top players at the professional level rarely miss when given an unguarded look at the basket. Like all cephalopods they use special organs called statocysts to sense their orientation and motion in the water. The best shooters have good coordination, balance, courage and are well practiced.

This makes the giant squid unfit for human consumption, although sperm whales seem to be attracted by (or are at least tolerant of) its taste. This provides much greater power and range, and it also allows the player to elevate over the defender. One of the more unusual aspects of giant squid (as well as some other species of large squid) is their reliance upon the low density of ammonia in relation to seawater to maintain neutral buoyancy in their natural environment, as they lack the gas-filled swim bladder that fish use for this function; instead, they use ammonia (in the form of ammonium chloride) in the fluid of their flesh throughout their bodies. The jump shot is taken while in mid-air, near the top of the jump. Because sperm whales are skilled at locating giant squid, scientists have attempted to conduct in-depth observations of sperm whales in order to study squid. The set shot is taken from a standing position, with neither foot leaving the floor, typically used for free throws. The only other known predator of the adult giant squid is the Pacific sleeper shark, found off Antarctica, but it is not yet known whether these sharks actively hunt the squid, or are simply scavengers of squid carcasses. The two most common shots are the set shot and the jump shot.

The size of these suction cups can vary from 2 to 5 cm in diameter (one to two inches), and it is not uncommon to find their circular scars on the head area of sperm whales that have fed — or attempted to feed — upon giant squid. Most players shoot directly into the basket, but in certain situations the shooter may use the backboard to redirect the ball into the basket. Giant squid possess the largest eyes of any living creature ever, over 30 cm (one foot) in diameter, and their arms are equipped with hundreds of suction cups in total; each is mounted on an individual "stalk" and equipped around its circumference with a ring of sharp teeth to aid the creature in capturing its prey by firmly attaching itself to it both by suction and perforation. The ideal trajectory of the shot is somewhat arguable, but generally coaches will profess proper arch. The reproductive cycle of the giant squid is still a great mystery, but what has been learned so far is both bizarre and fascinating; male giant squid are equipped with a prehensile spermataphore-depositing tube, or Hectocotylus, of over 90 cm (three feet) in length, which extends from inside the animal's mantle and apparently is used to inject sperm-containing packets into the female squid's arms — how exactly the sperm then is transferred to the egg mass is a matter of much debate, but the recent recovery in Tasmania of a female specimen having a small subsidiary tendril attached to the base of each of its eight arms could be a vital clue in the solution of this enigma. Players often try to put a steady backspin on the ball to deaden its impact with the rim. Post-larval juveniles have been discovered in surface waters off New Zealand, and there are plans to capture more such juveniles and maintain them in an aquarium in an attempt to learn more about the creature's biology and habits. Generally, the non-shooting arm is only used to guide the shot, not to power it.

The weights of recovered specimens have been measured in hundreds, rather than thousands, of kilograms. The ball is shot by extending the shooting arm to become straight; the ball rolls off the finger tips while the wrist completes a full downward flex motion. Despite their great length, giant squid are not particularly heavy when compared to their chief predator, the Sperm Whale, because the majority of their length is taken up by their eight arms and two tentacles. The player holds the ball to rest in the dominant hand's fingertips (the shooting arm) slightly above the head, with the other hand on the side of the ball. . While methods can vary with players and situations, the most common technique can be outlined here. The photos were released a year later. Shooting is the act of attempting to score points by throwing the ball through the basket.

On September 30, 2004, researchers from the National Science Museum of Japan and the Ogasawara Whale Watching Association took the first images of live giant squid in their natural habitat. Defensive and offensive structures, and positions, are more emphasised in higher levels in basketball; it is these that a coach normally requests a time-out to discuss. There were reported claims of specimens of up to 20 m (66 ft), but none had been scientifically documented. On court, the point guard is generally responsible for indicating which play will occur. The mantle length, though, is only about 2 m (7 ft) in length (more for females, less for males), and the length of the squid excluding its tentacles is about 5 m (16 ft). Teams almost always have several offensive plays planned to ensure their movement is not predictable. They are deep-ocean dwelling squid that can grow to a tremendous size: recent estimates put the maximum size at 10 m (34 ft) for males and 13 m (44 ft) for females from caudal fin to the tip of the two long tentacles (second only to the Colossal Squid at an estimated 14 m, one of the largest living organisms). Screens and cuts are very important in offensive plays; these allow the quick passes and teamwork which can lead to a successful basket.

Giant squids, once believed to be mythical creatures, are squid of the Architeuthidae family, represented by as many as eight species of the genus Architeuthis. The two plays are combined in the pick and roll, in which a player sets a pick and then "rolls" away from the pick towards the basket. Architeuthis stockii. A legal attempt by an offensive player to stop an opponent marking a teammate, by standing in the defender's way such that the teammate cuts next to him, is a screen or pick. Architeuthis sanctipauli, "Southern Giant Squid". A quick movement by an offensive player without the ball to gain an advantageous position is a cut. Architeuthis physeteris. Offensive plays are more varied, normally involving planned passes and movement by players without the ball.

Architeuthis martensi. Variations of these two main structures are used. Architeuthis kirkii. In man-to-man defense, each defensive player guards and follows a specific opponent and tries to prevent him from taking action. Architeuthis japonica. Zone defense involves players in defensive positions, guarding whichever opponent is in their zone. Architeuthis hartingii. Two main defense concepts are used: zone defense and man-to-man defense.

Architeuthis dux, "Atlantic Giant Squid". On some occasions, teams will choose to use a three guard offense, replacing one of the forwards or the center with a third guard. A song by the heavy metal group "Tourniquet" titled "Architeuthis" is about the mysteries of the giant squid. Since the 1980s, more specific positions have evolved, namely point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward and center. In the film "The Squid and the Whale". During the first five decades of basketball's evolution, two guards, two forwards, and one center were used. The Doctor Who episode The Power of Kroll (1978) features a carnivorous monster resembling a giant squid (the largest monster ever seen in the series) which lives at the bottom of a swampy lake, and is worshipped by the natives (despite the fact that it sometimes eats them). Although the rules do not specify any positions whatsoever, they have evolved as part of basketball.

In the Futurama episode The Deep South, Fry and Umbriel cheer at a fight between a sperm whale and a giant squid. A player who commits five fouls, including technical fouls, in one game (six in some professional leagues, including the NBA) is not allowed to participate for the rest of the game, and is described as having "fouled out". The House on the Rock in Spring Green, Wisconsin has an enormous sculpture of a giant squid and sperm whale battling. If a team surpasses a preset limit of team fouls in a given period (quarter or half) – four for international and NBA games – the opposing team is awarded one or two free throws on all subsequent fouls for that period, depending on the league. In the Sega Dreamcast game Skies of Arcadia, the main character fights (in a ship battle) a giant squid named Obispo. Blatant fouls with excessive contact or that are not an attempt to play the ball are called unsportsmanlike fouls (or flagrant fouls in the NBA) and incur a harsher penalty; in some rare cases a disqualifying foul will require the player to leave the playing area. In Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2, mind-controlled Giant Squids are one of the most powerful naval units in the Soviet arsenal. The penalty involves free throws and varies between leagues; repeated incidents can result in disqualification.

Lovecraft is known to have squid like creatures in his Cthulhu mythos. A player or coach who shows poor sportsmanship, for instance, by arguing with a referee or by fighting with another player, can be charged with a technical foul. H.P. Contact in basketball is unavoidable, and the calling of a foul can vary between games, leagues and even between referees. Chapter 59 ("Squid") of Moby-Dick details the Pequod's encounter with a giant (or perhaps colossal) squid. This makes fouls sometimes controversial calls. River Moth, which flows through author Jeff VanderMeer's fictional city Ambergris, is inhabited by a giant squid. There is some discretion with the referee when calling a foul — they consider if there was unfair advantage gained, for example, a player gained possession unfairly.

Although Tolkien's description is vague, the creature is frequently depicted as a giant squid or kraken with varying (often exaggerated) numbers of tentacles, and appeared as such in the 2001 film. One point is awarded for making a free throw, which is attempted from a line 4.5 metres (15 feet) from the basket. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, the Fellowship come up against the Watcher in the Water, a monster that lurks in the waters of the Sirannon, beneath the western walls of Moria. Players who are fouled either receive the ball to pass inbounds again, or receive one or more free throws if they are fouled in the act of shooting, depending on whether the shot was successful. In J.R.R. These are most commonly committed by defensive players; however, they can be committed by offensive players as well. A giant squid acts as a minor character in Charles Sheffield's novel The Web Between the Worlds. An attempt to unfairly disadvantage an opponent through personal contact is illegal and is called a foul.

A giant squid fighting a sperm whale is shown on the album cover of They Might Be Giants' Apollo 18. If a teammate of the shooter or dribbler goaltends, the basket is cancelled and the team loses possession. However Benchley's description of the Beast (with clawlike teeth in the center of its suckers) more accurately describes the Colossal Squid. No player may interfere with the basket or ball on its downward flight to the basket, or while it is on the ring (or, in the NBA, while it is directly above the basket), a violation known as goaltending. If a defensive player goaltends, the attempted shot is considered to have been successful. Jaws' author Peter Benchley's novel Beast features a giant squid terrorizing Bermuda. These rules are designed to reward good defense. A giant squid is a key player in Michael Crichton's novel Sphere, as well as in the film version. There are limits imposed on the time taken before progressing the ball past halfway (8 seconds in international and NBA), before attempting a shot (24 seconds), holding the ball while closely guarded (5 seconds), and remaining in the restricted area (3 seconds).

A giant squid also dwells in the lake at Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series of books. A violation of these rules results in loss of possession, or, if committed by the defense, a reset of the shot clock. No. The ball may not be kicked nor struck with the fist. James Bond fights a giant squid in Ian Fleming's book, Dr. A team, once having established ball control in the front half of the court, may not return the ball to the backcourt. Captain Nemo's submarine, the Nautilus, fights a giant squid in Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.. A player's hand must remain on top of the ball while dribbling, failure to do so is known as carrying the ball.