Fact 1: Dogs have an incredible sense of smell
Dogs have a sense of smell that is 1,000 times more powerful than that of humans. This explains why they are often used in search and rescue operations and as drug detectors.
Fact 2: The Great Wall of China is not visible from space
Contrary to popular belief, the Great Wall of China cannot be seen from space with the naked eye. It is only visible from low Earth orbit under ideal weather conditions.
Fact 3: The world’s oldest known living tree is over 5,000 years old
Named “Methuselah,” this bristlecone pine tree is located in the White Mountains of California, USA. It is considered the oldest known living organism on Earth.
Fact 4: Honey never spoils
Archaeologists have discovered pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are over 3,000 years old and still perfectly edible. Honey’s long shelf life is due to its low moisture content and acidic pH.
Fact 5: The world’s largest volcano is underwater
Mauna Loa, located in Hawaii, USA, is considered the largest volcano on Earth. However, most of its mass is underwater, with only the summit rising above sea level.
Fact 6: The Eiffel Tower can grow in height
Due to temperature changes, the Eiffel Tower can grow up to 6 inches taller in summer. This expansion occurs as the iron structure expands under the influence of heat.
Fact 7: The human brain is more active at night than during the day
Studies have shown that brain activity increases during sleep and reaches its peak during the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage. This is when dreaming occurs.
Fact 8: Antarctica is the largest desert in the world
Despite its icy landscape, Antarctica is classified as a desert because it receives very little precipitation. It is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent on Earth.
Fact 9: The shortest war in history lasted only 38 to 45 minutes
The shortest recorded war occurred on July 27, 1896, between the British Empire and the Sultanate of Zanzibar. The conflict started when the Sultan refused to step down after the expiration of a treaty. The British forces bombarded and destroyed the Sultan’s palace, ending the war in less than an hour.
Fact 10: Bananas are berries, but strawberries are not
Botanically speaking, bananas are classified as berries because they are derived from a single flower with a fleshy wall. On the other hand, strawberries are not true berries but an aggregate accessory fruit, as they are formed from multiple ovaries.