Did you know that we can’t breathe and swallow at the same time, but dolphins and whales can? Or that the Canary Islands are named after dogs, not birds? These are just a few of the ten facts about the world you didn’t know in this article. The world is full of surprising and astounding things that we may not be aware of. From the largest snowflake ever recorded to the fact that Jupiter has 67 moons, these facts not only make us go wow but also help us appreciate our planet even more. Understanding and appreciating these facts can open up new dimensions to our understanding of the world.
10 Facts About the World You Didn’t Know
As a human being, we spend most of our lives learning and discovering new things. The world is full of many surprising and astounding things that we are not aware of. These things don’t just make you go wow, but they also make us appreciate our planet even more. Here are ten facts about the world you didn’t know about:
1. The word “Goodbye” means “God be with you”
The term “Goodbye” has become an everyday term that we use to say farewell to someone or to end a conversation. But did you ever wonder what it meant before? The word “Goodbye” originates from the phrase “God be with you,” which was used in medieval times to bless someone on their way. Over time, it was shortened to “God be with you,” “God be w’you,” “God’bw’ye,” “Good-b’wy,” and finally “Goodbye.”
2. Humans are the only mammals who can’t breathe and swallow at the same time
Humans have unique characteristics that set us apart from other animals. One of these characteristics is that we can’t breathe and swallow at the same time. When we swallow, our airways close to prevent food or liquid from entering our lungs. However, some animals like dolphins and whales can breathe and swallow at the same time because they have a different anatomy of their airway.
3. The Canary Islands are Named After Dogs, Not Birds
The Canary Islands located in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of West Africa are known for their stunning beaches, delicious food, and ancient culture. However, the Islands are named after dogs, not birds. The name “Canary” comes from the Latin word “Canariae Insulae,” meaning “The Island of Dogs.” The name was given to the islands by Roman sailors who noticed that the local people used dogs to catch wild birds to eat.
4. The largest snowflake ever recorded was 15 inches wide and 8 inches thick
Many of us have seen snowflakes, but have you ever come across a snowflake that’s as large as a pizza? The largest snowflake recorded was in Fort Keogh, Montana, in 1887. The snowflake measured 15 inches wide and was 8 inches thick. It is difficult to believe that something so delicate can be so enormous.
5. A small child could swim through the veins of a blue whale
When we think of whales, we imagine big and colossal creatures that are hard to fathom. Blue whales, the largest mammal on the planet and one of the most massive animals of all time, can grow up to 100 feet (30 meters) long and weigh as much as 200 tons. The size of their veins is equally impressive. A small child could swim through their arteries due to their massive size.
6. The heart of a blue whale is the size of a small car
The Blue Whale’s incredible size goes beyond its veins, its heart is also enormous. The heart of a Blue Whale is the size of an average car, weighing up to 1,000 pounds (450 kg) and is about the size of a small car. It beats only five to six times per minute, which is conducive to its massive size, but a heart rate at this pace would likely prove fatal to humans.
7. The highest temperature ever recorded on Earth is 134 degrees Fahrenheit (57 degrees Celsius)
We know that the Earth’s temperature varies from region to region, but what’s the highest temperature ever recorded? According to the World Meteorological Organization, the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth is 134 degrees Fahrenheit (57 degrees Celsius) in Furnace Creek Ranch, Death Valley, California, on July 10, 1913. The temperature was so high that the weather instruments melted.
8. The shortest war in history lasted 38 minutes
The world has witnessed many wars throughout history, but one war that didn’t last long was the Anglo-Zanzibar War. The war between the United Kingdom and the Zanzibar Sultanate in 1896 lasted only 38 minutes. The Sultanate surrendered after their palace was bombed by the British Navy.
9. The world’s largest producer of tires is LEGO
When we think of LEGO, we think of creative building blocks, but did you know LEGO is the world’s largest producer of tires? Every year, LEGO produces over 318 million tires, mostly for its toy cars and trucks. These tiny LEGO tires are pretty durable and can fit with any of LEGO’s vehicular designs.
10. Jupiter has 67 moons
Jupiter, one of the largest planets in our solar system, is known for its Great Red Spot, massive size, and, most importantly, its moons. Jupiter has 67 moons currently known, making it the planet with the most cataloged moons in the solar system. The moon with the most interest is the Europa, one of Jupiter’s four Galilean moons, because of its subsurface ocean, which may harbor extraterrestrial life.
Conclusion
The world is full of hidden gems and surprises that make it even more fascinating each day. These facts may be small but hold significant meanings that we often overlook in our daily lives. Understanding these facts opens up new dimensions to our appreciation of the world and makes us more knowledgeable and understanding.