Colophon

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The animals on the cover of Java and XML, Third Edition, are lions (Panthera leo). These great cats differ from other solitary felines in that they form family groups, called prides. Prides consist of as many as 30 to 40 lions, most of whom are females and their offspring. The life span of a lion is approximately 10 to 14 years (quite a bit more if in captivity). Full grown males can grow up to 10 feet in length; the only cat larger is the tiger. The lion's eye is particularly sensitive to movement, and it can detect the movement of its prey from a great distance. Special receptor cells in the cat's eye give it exceptional night vision.