Did you know…?
Basilica Sagrada Familia in Barcelona under construction since 1882
Did you know that the Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona has been under construction since 1882? The Sagrada Familia is an iconic basilica in Barcelona, Spain, designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. Construction...
An elephant’s trunk contains no bones
Did you know that an elephant's trunk contains no bones? Instead, the elephant's trunk has nearly 150,000 muscles. These muscles give the trunk its incredible flexibility, strength, and precision. Thanks to these muscle bundles,...
A housefly lives for only 14 days
Did you know that a housefly lives for only 14 days? A housefly typically lives for about 14 days, though this lifespan can vary depending on factors such as temperature, food availability, and environment. Under ideal...
The longest bridge (over water) is the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in the United States
Did you know that the longest bridge (over water) on Earth is the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in the United States? The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is a famous bridge in the United States that spans Lake Pontchartrain in the...
The thickest tree on Earth is “El Árbol del Tule” in Mexico
Did you know that the thickest tree on Earth is probably "El Árbol del Tule" in the town of Santa María del Tule in Mexico? El Árbol del Tule, located in the village of Santa María del Tule in Oaxaca, Mexico, is a remarkable...
It takes a chicken 25 hours to produce an egg
Did you know that it takes a chicken about 25 hours to produce an egg that can be laid? On average, a chicken takes between 24 and 26 hours to produce an egg. The process begins with the development of the yolk in the ovary....
The Yellow River in China owes its name to the color of the sediment
Did you know that the Yellow River in China owes its name to the color of the yellow sediment it carries? The Yellow River, also known as the Huang He, gets its name from the characteristic color of its water, which is caused by...
Crocodiles lived 200 million years ago already
Did you know that crocodiles existed 200 million years ago? Crocodiles are among the oldest animal groups still in existence. Their ancestors appeared around 200 million years ago, during the Mesozoic era, a period that also saw...
An hedgehog has over 5,000 spines
Did you know that a hedgehog has over 5,000 spines? On average, a hedgehog has between 5,000 and 7,000 spines, although this number can vary depending on the species and age of the animal. These spines are essentially hairs that...
Eskimos know more than 100 words for snow
Did you know that the Eskimos likely have more than 100 words for snow? This high number is primarily due to the fact that Eskimos have a separate word for each manifestation of snow. Inuit languages, such as Inuktitut, are...
A word must be in use for 3 years before it can be added to the dictionary
Did you know that a new word must be in use for 3 years before it is added to the dictionary? Words generally need to be in use for some time before being included in a dictionary. The rule that a word must be in use for three...
50,000 liters of water is used to produce a car
Did you know that approximately 50,000 liters of water is needed to produce a car? The amount of water required to produce a car varies significantly depending on the type of car and the production process. On average, however,...
If Barbie were a real person, she would have strange sizes
Did you know that if Barbie were a real person, she would have unrealistic measurements? We're considering the classic Barbie doll, which has a 1:6 scale. For example, Barbie’s neck is remarkably long in proportion to her body....
The Bible is both the most read and the most stolen book
Did you know that the Bible is the most read and the most stolen book? The Bible is both the most read and the most stolen book in the world. This is due to a combination of factors that reinforce its unique position in world...
The world’s oceans contain 1,331 quintillion liters of water
Did you know that all the world's oceans together contain approximately 1.331 quintillion liters of salt water? The seas and oceans on Earth collectively hold an enormous amount of water, estimated at around 1.331 billion cubic...
Only 2.5% of the water (fresh + salt) on Earth is fresh water
Did you know that the total amount of fresh water on Earth makes up only 2.5% of the planet's total water supply (fresh + salt)? This 2.5% amounts to 35,000,000,000,000,000,000 (35 quintillion) liters of fresh water. This water...
Warm water freezes faster than cold water
Did you know that warm water freezes faster than cold water? This is called the Mpemba effect. It is named after the Tanzanian student Erasto Mpemba, who noticed this effect in the 1960s. There are various theories for this...
The brain is mostly made up of water (80%)
Did you know that the brain is mostly made up of water? The brain is composed of 80% water, with the remaining 20% consisting of fats and proteins. This high water content is essential for proper brain function, as water plays a...
The largest containership on earth is the MSC Irina
Did you know that the largest containership on earth is the MSC Irina? The ship is nearly 400 meters long, 62 meters wide, and about 20 stories tall. It can carry 240,000 tons in up to 24,346 containers. The MSC Irina is part of...
The term “bug” (error) in software comes from insect
Did you know that the term "bug" (error) in software comes from insect (or bug)? The origin of the term "bug" dates back to 1947, when a physical insect (a moth) was found in a computer, a Mark II calculator at Harvard...
The largest dinosaur ever found is the Argentinosaurus
Did you know that the largest dinosaur ever found is the Argentinosaurus? The largest dinosaurs that ever lived belong to the group of sauropods, which are known for their enormous size and long necks. The largest known...
According to some estimates, Rembrandt took three years to paint The Night Watch.
Did you know that Rembrandt likely took years to paint The Night Watch? Rembrandt began the painting in 1639, and it was completed in 1642, after being commissioned by the militia company of Captain Frans Banning Cocq. Estimates...
In Great Britain, people walk on the right, while driving is on the left
Did you know that in Great Britain, people walk on the right despite driving on the left? Cars drive on the left side of the roads, but in shopping streets and on the metro, people walk on the right. The left-side driving dates...
Snakes once had legs
Did you know that snakes once had legs? The ancestors of snakes had limbs or legs, but through evolution and adaptation to their environment, these limbs were gradually reduced and eventually disappeared. Fossils have been found...
During a French kiss, 250 different types of bacteria are exchanged
Did you know that during a French kiss, 250 different types of bacteria are exchanged? The oral cavity is a complex environment rich in microorganisms, and the tongue is a major source of these bacteria. The exchange of bacteria...
The strongest earthquake ever occurred in 1960 in Chile
Did you know that the strongest earthquake ever was likely an earthquake in 1960 in Chile? The strongest earthquake ever recorded is the Valdivia earthquake in Chile, which occurred on May 22, 1960. This earthquake had a...
The human skeleton continues to grow until the age of 35.
Did you know that the human skeleton continues to grow until the age of 35? The term "growing" is a bit of an exaggeration. The growth of the skeleton, especially in terms of length, usually stops at the end of puberty, around...
There are more than 30,000 Earth-grazers (asteroids that can collide with Earth) known
Did you know that as of 2024, there are over 30,000 known so-called Earth-grazers (NEOs or Near Earth Objects)? Earth-grazers are asteroids whose orbits intersect with that of Earth. In the future, these Earth-grazers could...
An elephant cannot jump
Did you know that an elephant is physically unable to jump? Elephants are one of the few mammals that cannot jump. This is due to their enormous body weight and the way their legs are built. Unlike animals like kangaroos or...
Human hair grows 15 cm per year
Did you know that human hair grows about 15 cm per year? Human hair grows on average about 15 centimeters per year or 0.4 to 0.5 mm per day. This is an average and can vary depending on various factors such as genetics, age,...
Cold water is heavier than warm water
Did you know that cold water is heavier than warm water? (the same amounts, for example, one liter) The density of water increases as the temperature decreases. Water molecules move more slowly as the temperature drops, causing...
The tides (high and low water) are largely caused by the Moon
Did you know that the tides, or ebb and flow, are caused by the Moon? The Moon's gravitational pull is so strong that it causes the water in the seas and oceans to be pulled up by several meters. This is called high tide, which...
The statement that Van Gogh only sold one painting during his lifetime is not correct
Did you know that it’s not true that the painter Vincent van Gogh only sold one painting during his lifetime? The idea that Vincent van Gogh only sold one painting during his lifetime is a frequently repeated but partially...
An Electric Eel generates enough energy to start 50 cars
Did you know that an electric eel, during a discharge, generates enough energy to start 50 cars? An Electric Eel (Electrophorus electricus) is a fish that resembles an eel and is primarily found in the freshwater environments of...
The heart of a mouse beats more than 600 times per minute
Did you know that the heart of a mouse beats more than 600 times per minute? So, the heart of a mouse beats 10 times per second. In comparison, a human's heart beats 60 to 80 times per minute. All mammals have roughly a billion...
A little over an hour of solar energy is enough to meet the world’s annual energy needs
Did you know that the Earth receives enough energy from the Sun in less than an hour (45 minutes) to supply the entire world population with energy for a year? The total annual energy demand of the entire world population is...
The Maya did not predict the end of the world in 2012
Did you know that the Maya did not predict the end of the world in 2012? The Maya spoke of a kind of upheaval or great change in society around the year 2012, but not about the end of the world through natural disasters, wars,...
If the Earth stops spinning, parts of the oceans will dry up
Did you know that if the Earth were to stop spinning (if that were even possible), there would be several unusual (and dangerous) consequences? The Earth rotates at nearly 1800 km/h at the equator. This rotation maintains a...
In prehistoric times, there were gigantic ferns
Did you know that in prehistoric times there were gigantic ferns, reaching heights of up to 18 meters? During the Carboniferous period (over 300 million years ago), the warm climate provided ideal conditions for ferns to grow...
The Easter Bunny is partly fictional; Easter eggs are an old Christian tradition
Did you know that the Easter Bunny is probably partly a fictional figure, and that Easter eggs are an old Christian tradition? Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who was crucified on Good Friday (the Friday...
The royal family of Saudi Arabia has more than 15,000 members
Did you know that the royal family of Saudi Arabia is estimated to have more than 15,000 members? The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was founded in 1932 by Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud, after conquering the regions of Al-Hasa,...
The Sun is almost 110 times larger than the Earth
Did you know that the diameter of the Sun is almost 110 times greater than the diameter of the Earth? The diameter of the Sun is nearly 1.4 million km (1,400,000 km). The diameter of the Earth is almost 13,000 km. The Earth is...
Our heart pumps more than 8,000 liters of blood per day
Did you know that your heart pumps between 8,000 and 9,000 liters of blood per day? The human heart plays a crucial role in circulation by pumping approximately 7,000 to 8,000 liters of blood daily. This occurs through a...
Sunlight takes just over 8 minutes to travel from the Sun to the Earth
Did you know that a ray of sunlight takes over 8 minutes to travel from the Sun to Earth? The Earth is on average 150 million (150,000,000) km away from the Sun. A ray of sunlight (or light, in general) travels at the speed of...
Roman soldiers were not paid with salt
Did you know that the Romans didn't pay their soldiers with salt at all? The claim that Roman soldiers were paid with salt is an urban legend. Although salt was indeed a valuable commodity in ancient times, used for preserving...
The Horseshoe Crab has blue blood
Did you know that a horseshoe crab has blue blood? A horseshoe crab is an arthropod (arthropods have their skeleton on the outside rather than internally like humans) and belongs to the group known as "swordtails." The horseshoe...
At the Arctic Circle, the sun does not set for one day each year
Did you know that at the Arctic Circle, the sun does not set for one day each year? There are two Polar Circles: one in the Southern Hemisphere, where it partially crosses the coastline of Antarctica, and one in the Northern...
The hedgehog lived already during the time of the dinosaurs
Did you know that the hedgehog lived already during the time of the dinosaurs? The hedgehog was one of the species that survived the (presumed) meteorite impact that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs and is still alive...
The Eiffel Tower is about 15 cm shorter in winter than in summer
Did you know that the Eiffel Tower is about 15 cm shorter in the winter than in the summer? Steel expands slightly when it gets warmer. In winter, at -10°C, the Eiffel Tower contracts and is about 15 cm shorter than in summer,...
During the mating season, a lion can mate up to dozens of times a day
Did you know that during the mating season, a lioness can mate as many as dozens of times a day? During the mating season, which usually lasts for a few weeks, a lioness may mate frequently, possibly dozens of times a day,...
The tongue of a giraffe can be almost half a meter long
Did you know that a giraffe's tongue can be almost half a meter long? The average length of a giraffe's tongue is 45 cm. The giraffe primarily uses its tongue to pull and eat leaves and twigs from trees. The tongue is very tough...
Mount Everest grows an average of 4 mm per year.
Did you know that Mount Everest grows an average of 4 mm per year? This growth is the result of tectonic forces active in the region. Mount Everest is located in the Himalayas, a mountain range on the border of China, Nepal,...
There are more bacteria in a mouth than there are people on Earth
Did you know that there are more bacteria in your mouth than there are people on Earth? Between 20 and 100 billion bacteria live in the mouth, depending on various factors such as hygiene, diet, and health. The number of...
A Koala sleeps 18 to 22 hours a day
Did you know that a Koala sleeps 18 to 22 hours a day? A Koala is only active for 2 to 6 hours a day, and during these hours, they mainly eat and reproduce. The eucalyptus leaves they consume contain very few nutrients and also...
Some grasshoppers hear through their hind legs
Did you know that some grasshoppers detect sound through their hind legs? In some species of grasshoppers, a hearing organ (also known as tympanal organs) is located on the tibiae of the forelegs. These organs are part of the...
Friday the 13th is not an unlucky day in every country
Did you know that Friday the 13th is not considered an unlucky day in every country? Friday the 13th is mainly seen as an unlucky day in several Western countries, such as Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the United States,...
There are more than 200 moons in the Solar System
Did you know that there are more than 200 moons and candidate moons in the Solar System? The Earth has only 1 moon. The planet Jupiter, however, has 90 moons. When a large object orbiting a planet is discovered, a procedure is...
A snail can sleep for 3 years without eating
Did you know that a snail can sleep for up to 3 years in a row without eating? As a survival mechanism, a snail undergoes a kind of hibernation called estivation to protect itself from unfavorable conditions like drought and...
Birds chew with their stomach
Did you know that birds actually chew with their stomach? Birds have a beak, which of course doesn't contain any teeth or molars. Therefore, a bird swallows food whole. Birds have two stomachs for the digestion process. In the...
Coral is an animal life form
Did you know that coral is animal life? Coral is an animal life form. Although it might resemble plants or even rocks, coral is composed of thousands of tiny organisms called polyps. These polyps belong to the phylum Cnidaria,...
The Bible does not say that Adam and Eve ate an apple
Did you know that the Bible does not mention Adam and Eve eating an apple in Paradise? In stained glass, paintings, and other images depicting the scene of the forbidden fruit from the Bible, an apple is almost always shown....
A person weighing 75 kg on Earth weighs just under 13 kg on the Moon
Did you know that a person weighing 75 kg on Earth weighs just under 13 kg on the Moon? On Earth, a person weighing 75 kg would weigh only about 13 kg on the Moon. This difference is due to the Moon's much weaker gravity...
During the oil crisis in 1973 and 1974, there was no oil shortage
Did you know that during the oil crisis of 1973 and 1974, there was no actual oil shortage? In 1973, the Netherlands, along with countries like the United States, was an ally of Israel during the Yom Kippur War between Israel...
Daylight Saving Time was first introduced during World War I
Did you know that Daylight Saving Time was first introduced by the German government during World War I? Germany introduced Daylight Saving Time in 1916, during World War I, primarily to reduce the use of coal, which was...
Carrots used to be purple instead of orange
Did you know that carrots were originally purple? The carrot originates from Asia, and the original color of carrots was purple. In the 17th century, the purple carrot was crossed with yellow carrots, resulting in the orange...
The sex of a crocodile is determined by the temperature of the egg
Did you know that the sex of a crocodile is determined by the temperature of the egg it hatches from? In crocodiles, the sex of the offspring is determined by the temperature of the eggs during the incubation period, a...
A turtle can feel through its shell
Did you know that a turtle can feel through its shell? A turtle can feel through its shell! The shell of a turtle is not just a hard, sensationless exterior. The shell is actually a part of the turtle's skeleton and is made up...
The Polar Night can last half a year
Did You Know That the Polar Night Can Last Half a Year? The polar night is the period during which the sun does not rise for 24 hours. This phenomenon of total darkness occurs only within the Polar Circles. The closer one is to...
An average person uses 3,500 words to express themselves
Did you know that the average person uses 3,500 words to express themselves in daily life? For everyday conversations, an average of 3,500 words is sufficient. If we also consider words that we don’t use daily or frequently,...
Chickens with brown earlobes lay brown eggs
Wist je dat een kip met bruine oorlellen, bruine eieren legt? Kippen met bruine oorlellen leggen vaak bruine eieren. De kleur van de oorlellen van een kip is een goede indicator van de kleur van de eieren die ze legt. Over het...
A light bulb is hotter than lava
Did you know that the filament in a light bulb reaches temperatures of 2,000 to 3,000 degrees Celsius? This is hotter than lava, which (above ground) has a maximum temperature of 1,200 degrees Celsius. The filament in a light...
The Dutch language consists of 400,000 to 600,000 words
Did you know that the Dutch language consists of 400,000 to 600,000 words? This is far more than the number of words in the Dikke Van Dale dictionary, which contains about 220,000. However, dictionaries (even the Dikke Van Dale)...
The black box in an airplane is not black
Did you know that the black box of an airplane is orange, contrary to what the name suggests? The term "black box" of an airplane does not refer to the color of the device. The black box, which actually consists of two different...
The mystery of the Bermuda Triangle
Did you know that the Bermuda Triangle is an imaginary triangle in the Caribbean with many mysterious stories associated with it? The Bermuda Triangle is an imaginary triangle between Miami (Florida), the Bermuda Islands, and...
The first economic bubble ever was the tulip bubble in the Netherlands
Did you know that the Netherlands was the first to experience an economic bubble, the tulip bubble? In the 17th century (the Golden Age), the Netherlands was the world's center of trade, agriculture, and industry. No other...
According to the Bible, the Earth is 6,000 years old
Did you know that if the Bible is taken very literally, the creation occurred about 6,000 years ago? Irish Archbishop James Ussher made a calculation based on the genealogies in the Bible. His conclusion was that the Earth was...
Eating a Pufferfish can be deadly
Did you know that eating a Pufferfish can be deadly? The Pufferfish (known as Fugu in Japanese) is extremely toxic. Despite its high toxicity, the Pufferfish is a very popular and expensive dish in Japan. Because the fish is so...
The country with the fewest inhabitants is Vatican City
Did you know that the country with the smallest population is Vatican City? Vatican City is an independent city-state, enclaved within Rome, Italy, and has 824 residents. It covers just 44 hectares (110 acres). Despite its small...
The origin of the QWERTY keyboard layout
Did you know that the QWERTY keyboard layout was chosen to ensure that typists did not type too quickly? When typewriters were still widely used, the letter arms would get tangled up if typed too quickly. The QWERTY layout was...
Banknotes are not made of paper
Did you know that banknotes are not made of paper? Banknotes are made from a combination of cotton and linen, which makes them more durable and less prone to tearing. There are several reasons why banknotes are not made of...
Lowest temperature ever recorded on Earth
Did you know that the lowest temperature ever recorded on Earth is -89.2 degrees Celsius? This temperature was measured on July 21, 1983, at a Russian weather station called Vostok in Antarctica. The lowest temperature ever...
The highest wave ever recorded
Did you know that the highest wave ever recorded was 25.6 meters (84 feet)? It was a so-called "rogue wave" or "monster wave," which was measured on March 17, 2004, by the Norwegian drilling ship Draupner. This wave is known as...
The highest mountain on Earth is Mount Everest
Did you know that the highest mountain on Earth is Mount Everest in the Himalayas? Mount Everest stands at a height of 8,850 meters and is located on the border between China and Nepal. It is part of the Himalayas, which lie at...
Every hour, 1 billion cells are replaced in the human body
Did you know that around 1 billion cells in your body are replaced every hour? The cells that are replaced are either old or dead and are therefore replaced by new cells. These include a wide variety of cells, from hair to skin...
The wettest place on earth is Meghalaya in India
Did you know that the wettest place on earth is the state of Meghalaya in India? Meghalaya receives an average of 12,700 mm of rain per year. The weather in Meghalaya can be described as extreme. It rains heavily for six...
The highest wind speed (wind force) ever recorded on Earth
Did you know that the highest wind speed ever recorded is 371 km per hour? This speed was measured on April 12, 1934, at Mount Washington, in New Hampshire, USA. The wind force (Beaufort scale) corresponding to this wind speed...
The Blue Whale is the largest animal to have lived
Did you know that the largest animal ever to have lived is the blue whale? The blue whale can reach a length of up to 35 meters and weigh up to 175 tons. This animal can be found in all the oceans around the world. It has also...
The Dead Sea contains no plant or animal life
Did you know that the Dead Sea contains no plant or animal life? The Dead Sea lies in the border area between Israel and Jordan. The salt content in the Dead Sea is so high that no plants or animals can live in or around the...
The tallest building in the world is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai
Did you know that the tallest building on Earth is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai? The Burj Khalifa opened at the beginning of 2010, after 6 years of construction, and stands 828 meters tall—almost twice as high as the Empire State...
Some Japanese, Chinese, and Koreans may not tolerate alcohol well.
Did you know that some Japanese, Chinese and Korean individuals may not tolerate alcohol well? Some people of Chinese or Japanese descent may be sensitive to certain effects of alcohol, such as facial flushing, commonly referred...
Snail have more teeth than Sharks
Did you know snails have more teeth than sharks? Snails are herbivores (plant eaters) and mainly eat leaves. Sharks are hunters and therefore carnivores. They mainly feed on fish, seals, and the like. Sharks are known to have a...
The Heart of a Blue Whale is as big as a small car
Did you know that the Heart of a Blue Whale is as big as a small car? The hart of a Blue Whale weighs between 400 kg (880 lb) and 600 kg (1320 lb), and the aorta can reach a diameter of almost 25 cm. The Blue Whale has more...
The oldest tree on Earth is a Pinus longaeva
Did you know that the oldest tree on earth is 4,885 years old? It's called Methuselah and is located in the White Mountains in Inyo County, California, USA. It is a Pinus longaeva (Bristlecone Pine). Another tree often regarded...
Lightning produces ozone
Did you know that lightning produces ozone? But a forest fire also creates ozone. Ozone is mainly known from the ozone layer. This is a layer in the Earth's atmosphere that, as the name suggests, contains a lot of ozone. The...
Country with most inhabitants is India
Did you know that the country with the most inhabitants is India? India has approximately 1.409 billion (1,410,000,000) inhabitants, which is nearly 18% of the world's population. China follows closely behind with over 1.407...
Cockroach can live for weeks without a head
Did you know that a cockroach can survive for almost 2 weeks without its head? In a cockroach, not all bodily functions are controlled from the brain in the head, as is the case with vertebrates like humans. A cockroach has a...
A starfish’s arm can regrow if it loses one
Did you know that if a starfish loses an arm, it can grow a new one? Starfish (or sea stars) belong to echinoderms and are known for their ability to regenerate. If a starfish loses one of its arms due to a predator attack, an...
Al duizenden Exoplaneten ontdekt
Did you know that over 5000 exoplanets have already been discovered? Exoplanets are planets outside our solar system. These exoplanets cannot be seen "normally" with a telescope but are discovered using special techniques. For...
Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the Saudi Arabian city of Mecca.
Did you know that non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the Saudi Arabian Muslim pilgrimage city of Mecca? Mecca is a holy city for the Muslim faith, and it is not the capital of Saudi Arabia, but a very important city in the...
Enormous clouds of alcohol in the universe
Did you know that enormous clouds of alcohol have been discovered in the universe? Even in our own Milky Way, these alcohol clouds have been found. These clouds are sometimes more than 1000 times larger than the distance from...
Toasting by clinking glasses began with knights in the Middle Ages
Did you know that clinking glasses during toasts likely originated in the Middle Ages with knights? Knights fought many wars but also made peace. When making peace, they often drank beer. However, the knights didn’t trust each...
The Milky Way is visible to the naked eye
Did you know that, during a clear night, you can see our galaxy, the Milky Way, with the naked eye? The Milky Way is a spiral with several arms. Our Solar System is located in one of the arms (the Orion arm) on the outer edge of...
Most spiders have 8 eyes
Some spiders, such as cross spiders that are very common in the Netherlands, have poor eyesight. They primarily use their webs to monitor their surroundings. The majority of spiders have 4 pairs, and therefore, eight eyes. Each...
Basilica Sagrada Familia in Barcelona under construction since 1882
Did you know that the Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona has been under construction since 1882? The Sagrada Familia is an iconic basilica in Barcelona, Spain, designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. Construction...
An elephant’s trunk contains no bones
Did you know that an elephant's trunk contains no bones? Instead, the elephant's trunk has nearly 150,000 muscles. These muscles give the trunk its incredible flexibility, strength, and precision. Thanks to these muscle bundles,...
A housefly lives for only 14 days
Did you know that a housefly lives for only 14 days? A housefly typically lives for about 14 days, though this lifespan can vary depending on factors such as temperature, food availability, and environment. Under ideal...
The longest bridge (over water) is the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in the United States
Did you know that the longest bridge (over water) on Earth is the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in the United States? The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is a famous bridge in the United States that spans Lake Pontchartrain in the...
The thickest tree on Earth is “El Árbol del Tule” in Mexico
Did you know that the thickest tree on Earth is probably "El Árbol del Tule" in the town of Santa María del Tule in Mexico? El Árbol del Tule, located in the village of Santa María del Tule in Oaxaca, Mexico, is a remarkable...
It takes a chicken 25 hours to produce an egg
Did you know that it takes a chicken about 25 hours to produce an egg that can be laid? On average, a chicken takes between 24 and 26 hours to produce an egg. The process begins with the development of the yolk in the ovary....
The Yellow River in China owes its name to the color of the sediment
Did you know that the Yellow River in China owes its name to the color of the yellow sediment it carries? The Yellow River, also known as the Huang He, gets its name from the characteristic color of its water, which is caused by...
Crocodiles lived 200 million years ago already
Did you know that crocodiles existed 200 million years ago? Crocodiles are among the oldest animal groups still in existence. Their ancestors appeared around 200 million years ago, during the Mesozoic era, a period that also saw...
An hedgehog has over 5,000 spines
Did you know that a hedgehog has over 5,000 spines? On average, a hedgehog has between 5,000 and 7,000 spines, although this number can vary depending on the species and age of the animal. These spines are essentially hairs that...
Eskimos know more than 100 words for snow
Did you know that the Eskimos likely have more than 100 words for snow? This high number is primarily due to the fact that Eskimos have a separate word for each manifestation of snow. Inuit languages, such as Inuktitut, are...
A word must be in use for 3 years before it can be added to the dictionary
Did you know that a new word must be in use for 3 years before it is added to the dictionary? Words generally need to be in use for some time before being included in a dictionary. The rule that a word must be in use for three...
50,000 liters of water is used to produce a car
Did you know that approximately 50,000 liters of water is needed to produce a car? The amount of water required to produce a car varies significantly depending on the type of car and the production process. On average, however,...
If Barbie were a real person, she would have strange sizes
Did you know that if Barbie were a real person, she would have unrealistic measurements? We're considering the classic Barbie doll, which has a 1:6 scale. For example, Barbie’s neck is remarkably long in proportion to her body....
The Bible is both the most read and the most stolen book
Did you know that the Bible is the most read and the most stolen book? The Bible is both the most read and the most stolen book in the world. This is due to a combination of factors that reinforce its unique position in world...
The world’s oceans contain 1,331 quintillion liters of water
Did you know that all the world's oceans together contain approximately 1.331 quintillion liters of salt water? The seas and oceans on Earth collectively hold an enormous amount of water, estimated at around 1.331 billion cubic...
Only 2.5% of the water (fresh + salt) on Earth is fresh water
Did you know that the total amount of fresh water on Earth makes up only 2.5% of the planet's total water supply (fresh + salt)? This 2.5% amounts to 35,000,000,000,000,000,000 (35 quintillion) liters of fresh water. This water...
Warm water freezes faster than cold water
Did you know that warm water freezes faster than cold water? This is called the Mpemba effect. It is named after the Tanzanian student Erasto Mpemba, who noticed this effect in the 1960s. There are various theories for this...
The brain is mostly made up of water (80%)
Did you know that the brain is mostly made up of water? The brain is composed of 80% water, with the remaining 20% consisting of fats and proteins. This high water content is essential for proper brain function, as water plays a...
The largest containership on earth is the MSC Irina
Did you know that the largest containership on earth is the MSC Irina? The ship is nearly 400 meters long, 62 meters wide, and about 20 stories tall. It can carry 240,000 tons in up to 24,346 containers. The MSC Irina is part of...
The term “bug” (error) in software comes from insect
Did you know that the term "bug" (error) in software comes from insect (or bug)? The origin of the term "bug" dates back to 1947, when a physical insect (a moth) was found in a computer, a Mark II calculator at Harvard...
The largest dinosaur ever found is the Argentinosaurus
Did you know that the largest dinosaur ever found is the Argentinosaurus? The largest dinosaurs that ever lived belong to the group of sauropods, which are known for their enormous size and long necks. The largest known...
According to some estimates, Rembrandt took three years to paint The Night Watch.
Did you know that Rembrandt likely took years to paint The Night Watch? Rembrandt began the painting in 1639, and it was completed in 1642, after being commissioned by the militia company of Captain Frans Banning Cocq. Estimates...
In Great Britain, people walk on the right, while driving is on the left
Did you know that in Great Britain, people walk on the right despite driving on the left? Cars drive on the left side of the roads, but in shopping streets and on the metro, people walk on the right. The left-side driving dates...
Snakes once had legs
Did you know that snakes once had legs? The ancestors of snakes had limbs or legs, but through evolution and adaptation to their environment, these limbs were gradually reduced and eventually disappeared. Fossils have been found...
During a French kiss, 250 different types of bacteria are exchanged
Did you know that during a French kiss, 250 different types of bacteria are exchanged? The oral cavity is a complex environment rich in microorganisms, and the tongue is a major source of these bacteria. The exchange of bacteria...
The strongest earthquake ever occurred in 1960 in Chile
Did you know that the strongest earthquake ever was likely an earthquake in 1960 in Chile? The strongest earthquake ever recorded is the Valdivia earthquake in Chile, which occurred on May 22, 1960. This earthquake had a...
The human skeleton continues to grow until the age of 35.
Did you know that the human skeleton continues to grow until the age of 35? The term "growing" is a bit of an exaggeration. The growth of the skeleton, especially in terms of length, usually stops at the end of puberty, around...
There are more than 30,000 Earth-grazers (asteroids that can collide with Earth) known
Did you know that as of 2024, there are over 30,000 known so-called Earth-grazers (NEOs or Near Earth Objects)? Earth-grazers are asteroids whose orbits intersect with that of Earth. In the future, these Earth-grazers could...
An elephant cannot jump
Did you know that an elephant is physically unable to jump? Elephants are one of the few mammals that cannot jump. This is due to their enormous body weight and the way their legs are built. Unlike animals like kangaroos or...
Human hair grows 15 cm per year
Did you know that human hair grows about 15 cm per year? Human hair grows on average about 15 centimeters per year or 0.4 to 0.5 mm per day. This is an average and can vary depending on various factors such as genetics, age,...
Cold water is heavier than warm water
Did you know that cold water is heavier than warm water? (the same amounts, for example, one liter) The density of water increases as the temperature decreases. Water molecules move more slowly as the temperature drops, causing...
The tides (high and low water) are largely caused by the Moon
Did you know that the tides, or ebb and flow, are caused by the Moon? The Moon's gravitational pull is so strong that it causes the water in the seas and oceans to be pulled up by several meters. This is called high tide, which...
The statement that Van Gogh only sold one painting during his lifetime is not correct
Did you know that it’s not true that the painter Vincent van Gogh only sold one painting during his lifetime? The idea that Vincent van Gogh only sold one painting during his lifetime is a frequently repeated but partially...
An Electric Eel generates enough energy to start 50 cars
Did you know that an electric eel, during a discharge, generates enough energy to start 50 cars? An Electric Eel (Electrophorus electricus) is a fish that resembles an eel and is primarily found in the freshwater environments of...
The heart of a mouse beats more than 600 times per minute
Did you know that the heart of a mouse beats more than 600 times per minute? So, the heart of a mouse beats 10 times per second. In comparison, a human's heart beats 60 to 80 times per minute. All mammals have roughly a billion...
A little over an hour of solar energy is enough to meet the world’s annual energy needs
Did you know that the Earth receives enough energy from the Sun in less than an hour (45 minutes) to supply the entire world population with energy for a year? The total annual energy demand of the entire world population is...
The Maya did not predict the end of the world in 2012
Did you know that the Maya did not predict the end of the world in 2012? The Maya spoke of a kind of upheaval or great change in society around the year 2012, but not about the end of the world through natural disasters, wars,...
If the Earth stops spinning, parts of the oceans will dry up
Did you know that if the Earth were to stop spinning (if that were even possible), there would be several unusual (and dangerous) consequences? The Earth rotates at nearly 1800 km/h at the equator. This rotation maintains a...
In prehistoric times, there were gigantic ferns
Did you know that in prehistoric times there were gigantic ferns, reaching heights of up to 18 meters? During the Carboniferous period (over 300 million years ago), the warm climate provided ideal conditions for ferns to grow...
The Easter Bunny is partly fictional; Easter eggs are an old Christian tradition
Did you know that the Easter Bunny is probably partly a fictional figure, and that Easter eggs are an old Christian tradition? Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who was crucified on Good Friday (the Friday...
The royal family of Saudi Arabia has more than 15,000 members
Did you know that the royal family of Saudi Arabia is estimated to have more than 15,000 members? The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was founded in 1932 by Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud, after conquering the regions of Al-Hasa,...
The Sun is almost 110 times larger than the Earth
Did you know that the diameter of the Sun is almost 110 times greater than the diameter of the Earth? The diameter of the Sun is nearly 1.4 million km (1,400,000 km). The diameter of the Earth is almost 13,000 km. The Earth is...
Our heart pumps more than 8,000 liters of blood per day
Did you know that your heart pumps between 8,000 and 9,000 liters of blood per day? The human heart plays a crucial role in circulation by pumping approximately 7,000 to 8,000 liters of blood daily. This occurs through a...
Sunlight takes just over 8 minutes to travel from the Sun to the Earth
Did you know that a ray of sunlight takes over 8 minutes to travel from the Sun to Earth? The Earth is on average 150 million (150,000,000) km away from the Sun. A ray of sunlight (or light, in general) travels at the speed of...
Roman soldiers were not paid with salt
Did you know that the Romans didn't pay their soldiers with salt at all? The claim that Roman soldiers were paid with salt is an urban legend. Although salt was indeed a valuable commodity in ancient times, used for preserving...
The Horseshoe Crab has blue blood
Did you know that a horseshoe crab has blue blood? A horseshoe crab is an arthropod (arthropods have their skeleton on the outside rather than internally like humans) and belongs to the group known as "swordtails." The horseshoe...
At the Arctic Circle, the sun does not set for one day each year
Did you know that at the Arctic Circle, the sun does not set for one day each year? There are two Polar Circles: one in the Southern Hemisphere, where it partially crosses the coastline of Antarctica, and one in the Northern...
The hedgehog lived already during the time of the dinosaurs
Did you know that the hedgehog lived already during the time of the dinosaurs? The hedgehog was one of the species that survived the (presumed) meteorite impact that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs and is still alive...
The Eiffel Tower is about 15 cm shorter in winter than in summer
Did you know that the Eiffel Tower is about 15 cm shorter in the winter than in the summer? Steel expands slightly when it gets warmer. In winter, at -10°C, the Eiffel Tower contracts and is about 15 cm shorter than in summer,...
During the mating season, a lion can mate up to dozens of times a day
Did you know that during the mating season, a lioness can mate as many as dozens of times a day? During the mating season, which usually lasts for a few weeks, a lioness may mate frequently, possibly dozens of times a day,...
The tongue of a giraffe can be almost half a meter long
Did you know that a giraffe's tongue can be almost half a meter long? The average length of a giraffe's tongue is 45 cm. The giraffe primarily uses its tongue to pull and eat leaves and twigs from trees. The tongue is very tough...
Mount Everest grows an average of 4 mm per year.
Did you know that Mount Everest grows an average of 4 mm per year? This growth is the result of tectonic forces active in the region. Mount Everest is located in the Himalayas, a mountain range on the border of China, Nepal,...
There are more bacteria in a mouth than there are people on Earth
Did you know that there are more bacteria in your mouth than there are people on Earth? Between 20 and 100 billion bacteria live in the mouth, depending on various factors such as hygiene, diet, and health. The number of...
A Koala sleeps 18 to 22 hours a day
Did you know that a Koala sleeps 18 to 22 hours a day? A Koala is only active for 2 to 6 hours a day, and during these hours, they mainly eat and reproduce. The eucalyptus leaves they consume contain very few nutrients and also...
Some grasshoppers hear through their hind legs
Did you know that some grasshoppers detect sound through their hind legs? In some species of grasshoppers, a hearing organ (also known as tympanal organs) is located on the tibiae of the forelegs. These organs are part of the...
Friday the 13th is not an unlucky day in every country
Did you know that Friday the 13th is not considered an unlucky day in every country? Friday the 13th is mainly seen as an unlucky day in several Western countries, such as Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the United States,...
There are more than 200 moons in the Solar System
Did you know that there are more than 200 moons and candidate moons in the Solar System? The Earth has only 1 moon. The planet Jupiter, however, has 90 moons. When a large object orbiting a planet is discovered, a procedure is...
A snail can sleep for 3 years without eating
Did you know that a snail can sleep for up to 3 years in a row without eating? As a survival mechanism, a snail undergoes a kind of hibernation called estivation to protect itself from unfavorable conditions like drought and...
Birds chew with their stomach
Did you know that birds actually chew with their stomach? Birds have a beak, which of course doesn't contain any teeth or molars. Therefore, a bird swallows food whole. Birds have two stomachs for the digestion process. In the...
Coral is an animal life form
Did you know that coral is animal life? Coral is an animal life form. Although it might resemble plants or even rocks, coral is composed of thousands of tiny organisms called polyps. These polyps belong to the phylum Cnidaria,...
The Bible does not say that Adam and Eve ate an apple
Did you know that the Bible does not mention Adam and Eve eating an apple in Paradise? In stained glass, paintings, and other images depicting the scene of the forbidden fruit from the Bible, an apple is almost always shown....
A person weighing 75 kg on Earth weighs just under 13 kg on the Moon
Did you know that a person weighing 75 kg on Earth weighs just under 13 kg on the Moon? On Earth, a person weighing 75 kg would weigh only about 13 kg on the Moon. This difference is due to the Moon's much weaker gravity...
During the oil crisis in 1973 and 1974, there was no oil shortage
Did you know that during the oil crisis of 1973 and 1974, there was no actual oil shortage? In 1973, the Netherlands, along with countries like the United States, was an ally of Israel during the Yom Kippur War between Israel...
Daylight Saving Time was first introduced during World War I
Did you know that Daylight Saving Time was first introduced by the German government during World War I? Germany introduced Daylight Saving Time in 1916, during World War I, primarily to reduce the use of coal, which was...
Carrots used to be purple instead of orange
Did you know that carrots were originally purple? The carrot originates from Asia, and the original color of carrots was purple. In the 17th century, the purple carrot was crossed with yellow carrots, resulting in the orange...
The sex of a crocodile is determined by the temperature of the egg
Did you know that the sex of a crocodile is determined by the temperature of the egg it hatches from? In crocodiles, the sex of the offspring is determined by the temperature of the eggs during the incubation period, a...
A turtle can feel through its shell
Did you know that a turtle can feel through its shell? A turtle can feel through its shell! The shell of a turtle is not just a hard, sensationless exterior. The shell is actually a part of the turtle's skeleton and is made up...
The Polar Night can last half a year
Did You Know That the Polar Night Can Last Half a Year? The polar night is the period during which the sun does not rise for 24 hours. This phenomenon of total darkness occurs only within the Polar Circles. The closer one is to...
An average person uses 3,500 words to express themselves
Did you know that the average person uses 3,500 words to express themselves in daily life? For everyday conversations, an average of 3,500 words is sufficient. If we also consider words that we don’t use daily or frequently,...
Chickens with brown earlobes lay brown eggs
Wist je dat een kip met bruine oorlellen, bruine eieren legt? Kippen met bruine oorlellen leggen vaak bruine eieren. De kleur van de oorlellen van een kip is een goede indicator van de kleur van de eieren die ze legt. Over het...
A light bulb is hotter than lava
Did you know that the filament in a light bulb reaches temperatures of 2,000 to 3,000 degrees Celsius? This is hotter than lava, which (above ground) has a maximum temperature of 1,200 degrees Celsius. The filament in a light...
The Dutch language consists of 400,000 to 600,000 words
Did you know that the Dutch language consists of 400,000 to 600,000 words? This is far more than the number of words in the Dikke Van Dale dictionary, which contains about 220,000. However, dictionaries (even the Dikke Van Dale)...
The black box in an airplane is not black
Did you know that the black box of an airplane is orange, contrary to what the name suggests? The term "black box" of an airplane does not refer to the color of the device. The black box, which actually consists of two different...
The mystery of the Bermuda Triangle
Did you know that the Bermuda Triangle is an imaginary triangle in the Caribbean with many mysterious stories associated with it? The Bermuda Triangle is an imaginary triangle between Miami (Florida), the Bermuda Islands, and...
The first economic bubble ever was the tulip bubble in the Netherlands
Did you know that the Netherlands was the first to experience an economic bubble, the tulip bubble? In the 17th century (the Golden Age), the Netherlands was the world's center of trade, agriculture, and industry. No other...
According to the Bible, the Earth is 6,000 years old
Did you know that if the Bible is taken very literally, the creation occurred about 6,000 years ago? Irish Archbishop James Ussher made a calculation based on the genealogies in the Bible. His conclusion was that the Earth was...
Eating a Pufferfish can be deadly
Did you know that eating a Pufferfish can be deadly? The Pufferfish (known as Fugu in Japanese) is extremely toxic. Despite its high toxicity, the Pufferfish is a very popular and expensive dish in Japan. Because the fish is so...
The country with the fewest inhabitants is Vatican City
Did you know that the country with the smallest population is Vatican City? Vatican City is an independent city-state, enclaved within Rome, Italy, and has 824 residents. It covers just 44 hectares (110 acres). Despite its small...
The origin of the QWERTY keyboard layout
Did you know that the QWERTY keyboard layout was chosen to ensure that typists did not type too quickly? When typewriters were still widely used, the letter arms would get tangled up if typed too quickly. The QWERTY layout was...
Banknotes are not made of paper
Did you know that banknotes are not made of paper? Banknotes are made from a combination of cotton and linen, which makes them more durable and less prone to tearing. There are several reasons why banknotes are not made of...
Lowest temperature ever recorded on Earth
Did you know that the lowest temperature ever recorded on Earth is -89.2 degrees Celsius? This temperature was measured on July 21, 1983, at a Russian weather station called Vostok in Antarctica. The lowest temperature ever...
The highest wave ever recorded
Did you know that the highest wave ever recorded was 25.6 meters (84 feet)? It was a so-called "rogue wave" or "monster wave," which was measured on March 17, 2004, by the Norwegian drilling ship Draupner. This wave is known as...
The highest mountain on Earth is Mount Everest
Did you know that the highest mountain on Earth is Mount Everest in the Himalayas? Mount Everest stands at a height of 8,850 meters and is located on the border between China and Nepal. It is part of the Himalayas, which lie at...
Every hour, 1 billion cells are replaced in the human body
Did you know that around 1 billion cells in your body are replaced every hour? The cells that are replaced are either old or dead and are therefore replaced by new cells. These include a wide variety of cells, from hair to skin...
The wettest place on earth is Meghalaya in India
Did you know that the wettest place on earth is the state of Meghalaya in India? Meghalaya receives an average of 12,700 mm of rain per year. The weather in Meghalaya can be described as extreme. It rains heavily for six...
The highest wind speed (wind force) ever recorded on Earth
Did you know that the highest wind speed ever recorded is 371 km per hour? This speed was measured on April 12, 1934, at Mount Washington, in New Hampshire, USA. The wind force (Beaufort scale) corresponding to this wind speed...
The Blue Whale is the largest animal to have lived
Did you know that the largest animal ever to have lived is the blue whale? The blue whale can reach a length of up to 35 meters and weigh up to 175 tons. This animal can be found in all the oceans around the world. It has also...
The Dead Sea contains no plant or animal life
Did you know that the Dead Sea contains no plant or animal life? The Dead Sea lies in the border area between Israel and Jordan. The salt content in the Dead Sea is so high that no plants or animals can live in or around the...
The tallest building in the world is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai
Did you know that the tallest building on Earth is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai? The Burj Khalifa opened at the beginning of 2010, after 6 years of construction, and stands 828 meters tall—almost twice as high as the Empire State...
Some Japanese, Chinese, and Koreans may not tolerate alcohol well.
Did you know that some Japanese, Chinese and Korean individuals may not tolerate alcohol well? Some people of Chinese or Japanese descent may be sensitive to certain effects of alcohol, such as facial flushing, commonly referred...
Snail have more teeth than Sharks
Did you know snails have more teeth than sharks? Snails are herbivores (plant eaters) and mainly eat leaves. Sharks are hunters and therefore carnivores. They mainly feed on fish, seals, and the like. Sharks are known to have a...
The Heart of a Blue Whale is as big as a small car
Did you know that the Heart of a Blue Whale is as big as a small car? The hart of a Blue Whale weighs between 400 kg (880 lb) and 600 kg (1320 lb), and the aorta can reach a diameter of almost 25 cm. The Blue Whale has more...
The oldest tree on Earth is a Pinus longaeva
Did you know that the oldest tree on earth is 4,885 years old? It's called Methuselah and is located in the White Mountains in Inyo County, California, USA. It is a Pinus longaeva (Bristlecone Pine). Another tree often regarded...
Lightning produces ozone
Did you know that lightning produces ozone? But a forest fire also creates ozone. Ozone is mainly known from the ozone layer. This is a layer in the Earth's atmosphere that, as the name suggests, contains a lot of ozone. The...
Country with most inhabitants is India
Did you know that the country with the most inhabitants is India? India has approximately 1.409 billion (1,410,000,000) inhabitants, which is nearly 18% of the world's population. China follows closely behind with over 1.407...
Cockroach can live for weeks without a head
Did you know that a cockroach can survive for almost 2 weeks without its head? In a cockroach, not all bodily functions are controlled from the brain in the head, as is the case with vertebrates like humans. A cockroach has a...
A starfish’s arm can regrow if it loses one
Did you know that if a starfish loses an arm, it can grow a new one? Starfish (or sea stars) belong to echinoderms and are known for their ability to regenerate. If a starfish loses one of its arms due to a predator attack, an...
Al duizenden Exoplaneten ontdekt
Did you know that over 5000 exoplanets have already been discovered? Exoplanets are planets outside our solar system. These exoplanets cannot be seen "normally" with a telescope but are discovered using special techniques. For...
Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the Saudi Arabian city of Mecca.
Did you know that non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the Saudi Arabian Muslim pilgrimage city of Mecca? Mecca is a holy city for the Muslim faith, and it is not the capital of Saudi Arabia, but a very important city in the...
Enormous clouds of alcohol in the universe
Did you know that enormous clouds of alcohol have been discovered in the universe? Even in our own Milky Way, these alcohol clouds have been found. These clouds are sometimes more than 1000 times larger than the distance from...
Toasting by clinking glasses began with knights in the Middle Ages
Did you know that clinking glasses during toasts likely originated in the Middle Ages with knights? Knights fought many wars but also made peace. When making peace, they often drank beer. However, the knights didn’t trust each...
The Milky Way is visible to the naked eye
Did you know that, during a clear night, you can see our galaxy, the Milky Way, with the naked eye? The Milky Way is a spiral with several arms. Our Solar System is located in one of the arms (the Orion arm) on the outer edge of...
Most spiders have 8 eyes
Some spiders, such as cross spiders that are very common in the Netherlands, have poor eyesight. They primarily use their webs to monitor their surroundings. The majority of spiders have 4 pairs, and therefore, eight eyes. Each...