Kingfisher in the context of "Basic research"

Basic research, also called pure research, fundamental research, basic science, or pure science, is a type of scientific research with the aim of improving scientific theories for better understanding and prediction of natural or other phenomena. In contrast, applied research uses scientific theories to develop technology or techniques, which can be used to intervene and alter natural or other phenomena. Though often driven simply by curiosity, basic research often fuels the technological innovations of applied science. The two aims are often practiced simultaneously in coordinated research and development.

In addition to innovations, basic research serves to provide insights and public support of nature, possibly improving conservation efforts. Technological innovations may influence engineering concepts, such as the beak of a kingfisher influencing the design of a high-speed bullet train.

Birds of prey or predatory birds, also known as raptors, are hypercarnivorous bird species that actively hunt and feed on other vertebrates (mainly mammals, reptiles and smaller birds). In addition to speed and strength, these predators have keen eyesight for detecting prey from a distance or during flight, strong feet with sharp talons for grasping or killing prey, and powerful, curved beaks for tearing off flesh. Although predatory birds primarily hunt live prey, many species (such as fish eagles, vultures and condors) also scavenge and eat carrion.

Although the term "bird of prey" could theoretically be taken to include all birds that actively hunt and eat other animals, ornithologists typically use the narrower definition followed in this page, excluding many piscivorous predators such as storks, cranes, herons, gulls, skuas, penguins, and kingfishers, as well as many primarily insectivorous birds such as nightjars, frogmouths, and some passerines (e.g. shrikes); omnivorous passerine birds such as crows and ravens; and opportunistic predators from predominantly frugivorous or herbivorous ratites such as cassowaries and rheas. Some extinct predatory telluravian birds had talons similar to those of modern birds of prey, including mousebird relatives (Sandcoleidae), and Messelasturidae indicating possible common descent. Some Enantiornithes also had such talons, indicating possible convergent evolution, as enanthiornithines are not considered to be true modern birds.

In Greek mythology, Methone (Ancient Greek: Μεθώνη) was the name shared by four women:

• Methone, one of the Alcyonides, daughters of the giant Alcyoneus. She was the sister of Alkippe, Anthe, Asteria, Drimo, Pallene and Phthonia (Phosthonia or Chthonia). When their father Alcyoneus was slain by Heracles, these girls threw themselves into the sea from Kanastraion, which is the peak of Pellene. They were then transformed into halcyons (kingfishers) by the goddess Amphitrite.
• Methone, the nymph-consort of Pierus, king of Pieria, and by the latter, became the mother of Oeagrus, father of Orpheus. In some accounts rather, she was called the sister of Pierus.
• Methone or Mothone (Μοθώνη), a bastard daughter of King Oeneus of Calydon by a concubine. She was the eponymous heroine who gave her name to Methone in Messenia.
• Methone, wife of King Poeas of Meliboea and mother of Philoctetes. Otherwise, the latter's mother was called Demonassa. This Methone may be the same as the above character.

Alcippe (/ˌælˈsɪpiː/; Ancient Greek: Ἀλκίππη Alkippē) was a name attributed to a number of figures in Greek mythology.

• Alcippe, daughter of the God of war Ares and mortal princess Aglaulus.
• Alcippe, an Amazon who vowed to remain a virgin. She was killed by Heracles during his ninth labor.
• Alcippe, mother of Daedalus by Eupalamus, son of Metion. Her other possible children were Metiadusa and Perdix.
• Alcippe, one of the Alcyonides, daughters of the giant Alcyoneus. She was the sister of Anthe, Asteria, Drimo, Methone, Pallene and Phthonia (Phosthonia or Chthonia). When their father Alcyoneus was slain by Heracles, these girls threw themselves into the sea from Kanastraion, which is the peak of Pellene. They were then transformed into halcyons (kingfishers) by the goddess Amphitrite.
• Alcippe, one of the attendants of Helen.
• Alcippe, a princess of Pisa, Elis as the daughter of King Oenomaus and thus, sister of Hippodamia. She married Evenus of Aetolia, the son of Ares and Sterope, by whom she bore a daughter Marpessa.
• Alcippe, Mysian daughter of Poseidon and sister of Astraeus. She was mistakenly deflowered by her brother who after realizing what he had done, flung himself into the river Adurus which bore his name (Astraeus) after the incident. The river was later on called Caicus, from the son of Hermes and Ocyrrhoe.

The Kerala backwaters are a network of brackish lagoons and canals running parallel to the Arabian Sea along the Malabar coast of Kerala state in south-western India. It also includes interconnected lakes, rivers, and inlets, a labyrinthine system formed by more than 900 km (560 mi) of waterways, and sometimes compared to bayous. The network includes five large lakes linked by canals, both man made and natural, fed by 38 rivers, and extending virtually half the length of the Kerala state. The backwaters were formed by the action of waves and shore currents creating low barrier islands across the mouths of the many rivers flowing down from the Western Ghats range. In the midst of this landscape there are a number of towns and cities, which serve as the start and end points of backwater cruises. There are 34 backwaters in Kerala. Out of it, 27 are located either closer to Arabian Sea or parallel to the sea. The remaining 7 are inland navigation routes.

The backwaters have a unique ecosystem: Freshwater from the rivers meets the seawater from the Arabian Sea. A barrage has been built near Thanneermukkom, so salt water from the sea is prevented from entering the deep inside, keeping the fresh water intact. Such fresh water is extensively used for irrigation purposes. Many unique species of aquatic life including crabs, frogs and mudskippers, water birds such as terns, kingfishers, darters and cormorants, and animals such as otters and turtles live in and along the backwaters. Palm trees, pandanus shrubs, various leafy plants, and bushes grow alongside the backwaters, providing a green hue to the surrounding landscape.