We all, therefore, need the books that will correct the characteristic mistakes of our own period.

FORBES: What Debate? Obama v. Romney Was Incumbent Alpha v. Challenge Alpha

These enabled them to cross-refer their observations on 5 January 2000 to earlier observations and to evaluate a characteristic pattern of illness as it had evolved over a period of several months.

BBC: Straw's statement in full

This aquatic period could explain the evolution of the elephant's most characteristic feature its trunk.

ECONOMIST: The elephant and the mermaid