WHY can trees grow on sand?
Few trees grow on clean sand because it quickly loses moisture. The tree needs the proximity of groundwater, or a long root that can reach the aquifers. Another problem is the lack of mineral nutrition, especially nitrogen nutrition.
Trees growing on sand have to make do with scarce nitrogen compounds dropped out of the atmosphere during thunderstorms and bird droppings. Almost all trees on sand grow more slowly than on richer soils and grow smaller.
Few trees grow on clean sand because it quickly loses moisture. The tree needs the proximity of groundwater, or a long root that can reach the aquifers. Another problem is the lack of mineral nutrition, especially nitrogen nutrition.
Trees growing on sand have to make do with scarce nitrogen compounds dropped out of the atmosphere during thunderstorms and bird droppings. Almost all trees on sand grow more slowly than on richer soils and grow smaller.
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WHY are bananas crooked?
The banana is a perennial herb, not at all the palm that it so resembles.
The stem reaches a length of about 8-10 meters in height and is about 35-40 centimeters in diameter. The fruits take an average of two to six months to mature.
Initially they grow downwards, but under the influence of growth hormone the fruits bend upwards and curve under the pressure of their own weight.
By the way, in Cuba bananas are deep-fried, in Indonesia they are served with fish, in Australia bananas are a great side dish to a nutritious steak.
The banana is a perennial herb, not at all the palm that it so resembles.
The stem reaches a length of about 8-10 meters in height and is about 35-40 centimeters in diameter. The fruits take an average of two to six months to mature.
Initially they grow downwards, but under the influence of growth hormone the fruits bend upwards and curve under the pressure of their own weight.
By the way, in Cuba bananas are deep-fried, in Indonesia they are served with fish, in Australia bananas are a great side dish to a nutritious steak.
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WHY do goats graze on trees in Morocco?
Morocco is the only country where goats do not graze on the ground but on trees. The reason is an acute shortage of grass. The goats climb the argania trees that grow there, where they eat the leaves and fruits. The task of shepherds is usually not only to drive the goats from tree to tree and control the herd, but also to collect bones from the argania fruits, which the goats spit out.
They produce valuable argan oil, used in cosmetology and cooking.
Morocco is the only country where goats do not graze on the ground but on trees. The reason is an acute shortage of grass. The goats climb the argania trees that grow there, where they eat the leaves and fruits. The task of shepherds is usually not only to drive the goats from tree to tree and control the herd, but also to collect bones from the argania fruits, which the goats spit out.
They produce valuable argan oil, used in cosmetology and cooking.
WHY don't those working on poppy plantations fall asleep?
Morphine and the other narcotic alkaloids of the opium poppy are virtually volatile under normal conditions. They evaporate only when heated strongly, such as in smoking devices.
So even a full day's work in a poppy plantation cannot produce a dose capable of causing any noticeable narcotic intoxication.
Morphine and the other narcotic alkaloids of the opium poppy are virtually volatile under normal conditions. They evaporate only when heated strongly, such as in smoking devices.
So even a full day's work in a poppy plantation cannot produce a dose capable of causing any noticeable narcotic intoxication.
WHY are modern screens safe?
Electron-beam screens (with the volumetric kinescope box behind) could theoretically damage the eyes, because the electron bombardment of the phosphor layer produces weak X-rays. There were special protections on such screens. But these monitors are practically out of use, and they have never been used in portable devices.
Modern liquid crystal screens do not emit anything but visible light, and the eyes can get tired when working with them, just like when reading a book, for example.
Electron-beam screens (with the volumetric kinescope box behind) could theoretically damage the eyes, because the electron bombardment of the phosphor layer produces weak X-rays. There were special protections on such screens. But these monitors are practically out of use, and they have never been used in portable devices.
Modern liquid crystal screens do not emit anything but visible light, and the eyes can get tired when working with them, just like when reading a book, for example.
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WHY does an airplane seem to be moving so slowly as it flies?
The reason is that it is high above the ground. The flight altitude of a civilian airliner is about 10 kilometers. It takes about that much time for the view behind the window to change noticeably. At a normal speed of 700-900 km / h (200-250 m / s) for this requires almost a minute.
A car moves on the highway 10 times slower, but the distance to the trees does not exceed ten meters, and the picture behind the side window is updated on average twice a second. Therefore it seems that the plane "drags" in comparison with the car.
However, the illusion disappears as soon as the plane descends, although when landing its speed is about three times less than at altitude.
The reason is that it is high above the ground. The flight altitude of a civilian airliner is about 10 kilometers. It takes about that much time for the view behind the window to change noticeably. At a normal speed of 700-900 km / h (200-250 m / s) for this requires almost a minute.
A car moves on the highway 10 times slower, but the distance to the trees does not exceed ten meters, and the picture behind the side window is updated on average twice a second. Therefore it seems that the plane "drags" in comparison with the car.
However, the illusion disappears as soon as the plane descends, although when landing its speed is about three times less than at altitude.
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WHY can't trees grow indefinitely?
Thus, even the very thick trunk of the strongest tree, once it gets to a height of a couple of hundred meters, either it cannot support its own weight, or it will fall under a gust of wind. If the trunk were not a column, but a cone with a very wide base, the tree would be able to grow up to 500 meters.
As for trees, they use the so-called turgor pump to transport nutrients, which uses osmotic pressure and water molecules that "bind" to each other by surface tension, or cohesion. However, soon after 130 meters of ascent, the turgor pump will stand up.
Besides, the efficiency of photosynthesis decreases in a tall tree: such a giant cannot have a sprawling crown commensurate with its size.
Thus, even the very thick trunk of the strongest tree, once it gets to a height of a couple of hundred meters, either it cannot support its own weight, or it will fall under a gust of wind. If the trunk were not a column, but a cone with a very wide base, the tree would be able to grow up to 500 meters.
As for trees, they use the so-called turgor pump to transport nutrients, which uses osmotic pressure and water molecules that "bind" to each other by surface tension, or cohesion. However, soon after 130 meters of ascent, the turgor pump will stand up.
Besides, the efficiency of photosynthesis decreases in a tall tree: such a giant cannot have a sprawling crown commensurate with its size.
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WHY do the carvings of a 12th century Spanish cathedral depict an astronaut in a spacesuit?
On the carvings of the New Cathedral of Salamanca, built in the 16th-18th centuries, you can find the figure of an astronaut in a spacesuit.
Nothing mystical here: according to a local tradition, every time buildings are restored, elements reflecting modernity are added. One of the craftsmen chose the astronaut during the next restoration in 1992.
Vandals have since damaged the hand and face of the figure, making it look as if it has survived the centuries.
On the carvings of the New Cathedral of Salamanca, built in the 16th-18th centuries, you can find the figure of an astronaut in a spacesuit.
Nothing mystical here: according to a local tradition, every time buildings are restored, elements reflecting modernity are added. One of the craftsmen chose the astronaut during the next restoration in 1992.
Vandals have since damaged the hand and face of the figure, making it look as if it has survived the centuries.
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WHY do people pay for movie minutes in Germany?
Cinema tickets in Germany are expensive, they can cost around €10. That's why it's a good deal for film lovers to buy a monthly pass for €23.
Yet you have to pay for extra minutes of film: a subscription includes films of 120 minutes, and time over this limit is paid separately. There is even a special term for this phenomenon: Überlängenzuschlag.
Cinema tickets in Germany are expensive, they can cost around €10. That's why it's a good deal for film lovers to buy a monthly pass for €23.
Yet you have to pay for extra minutes of film: a subscription includes films of 120 minutes, and time over this limit is paid separately. There is even a special term for this phenomenon: Überlängenzuschlag.
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WHY are hedgehogs depicted with apples?
The touching myth of the hedgehog hoarding apples and mushrooms for its babies was created by Pliny the Elder. According to him, the hedgehog is able to "deliberately" cling to grape berries, or, in some cases, to apples.
In reality, the hedgehog is not physically capable of riding on its back while piercing fruit with its needles. Moreover, most hedgehogs have no interest in apples. When you meet a hedgehog, treat him not with milk and fruit, but with earthworms, bird eggs, and canned dog meat.
Still, young hedgehogs do not mind peeking into the garden and eating grapes and overripe plums. A couple of rotten fruits may well fall on their backs and get caught in the needles.
The touching myth of the hedgehog hoarding apples and mushrooms for its babies was created by Pliny the Elder. According to him, the hedgehog is able to "deliberately" cling to grape berries, or, in some cases, to apples.
In reality, the hedgehog is not physically capable of riding on its back while piercing fruit with its needles. Moreover, most hedgehogs have no interest in apples. When you meet a hedgehog, treat him not with milk and fruit, but with earthworms, bird eggs, and canned dog meat.
Still, young hedgehogs do not mind peeking into the garden and eating grapes and overripe plums. A couple of rotten fruits may well fall on their backs and get caught in the needles.
WHY do skaters pull tights on skates?
First, it visually lengthens the legs. Yeah, still, there is a place for aesthetics here. So it's not a myth.
Secondly, the tights hide the damage on the skates. Shoes are the skater's workhorses, so they get badly scratched and battered over the season. To hide the shabby look, some people touch them up, and others pull tights over them.
Many skaters wear socks, sometimes even terry socks, to create some sort of comfort inside the shoe. The tights inside the shoe will slip, and if you put them on top, they can cover those very socks.
First, it visually lengthens the legs. Yeah, still, there is a place for aesthetics here. So it's not a myth.
Secondly, the tights hide the damage on the skates. Shoes are the skater's workhorses, so they get badly scratched and battered over the season. To hide the shabby look, some people touch them up, and others pull tights over them.
Many skaters wear socks, sometimes even terry socks, to create some sort of comfort inside the shoe. The tights inside the shoe will slip, and if you put them on top, they can cover those very socks.
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WHY do roosters wear a comb on their heads?
The comb not only shows the attractiveness of the male to the female, but also its state of health. Scientists have found that in healthy roosters the comb is large and has a bright color. In sick birds the comb is smaller and paler.
Perhaps the same property is characteristic of other birds. If this is true, then the decorations on the body of animals are not just for beauty, but show the state of health of the male.
The comb not only shows the attractiveness of the male to the female, but also its state of health. Scientists have found that in healthy roosters the comb is large and has a bright color. In sick birds the comb is smaller and paler.
Perhaps the same property is characteristic of other birds. If this is true, then the decorations on the body of animals are not just for beauty, but show the state of health of the male.
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WHY do dishwashing sponges vary in color?
The abrasive part is always a tougher material that is used to remove limescale or burnt product residue.
The glued layer has different colors, indicating the properties of the abrasive.
Green
It is assigned to the toughest materials. Therefore, the green color says that this sponge will help to cope with any dirt. But you should be more careful to clean dishes with it with enamel, so as not to damage it.
Red
The red color scotchbrite is less stiff. It freely removes dirt and dried-on food residue, but is still inferior in "strength" to green. Your dishes are not in danger of scratches and marks from intensive friction.
Yellow
This color is almost like a neutral color. That's why it was chosen as the lightest abrasive color, which has a neutral effect on the surface to be cleaned. It can be safely used for washing glasses and glassware.
The abrasive part is always a tougher material that is used to remove limescale or burnt product residue.
The glued layer has different colors, indicating the properties of the abrasive.
Green
It is assigned to the toughest materials. Therefore, the green color says that this sponge will help to cope with any dirt. But you should be more careful to clean dishes with it with enamel, so as not to damage it.
Red
The red color scotchbrite is less stiff. It freely removes dirt and dried-on food residue, but is still inferior in "strength" to green. Your dishes are not in danger of scratches and marks from intensive friction.
Yellow
This color is almost like a neutral color. That's why it was chosen as the lightest abrasive color, which has a neutral effect on the surface to be cleaned. It can be safely used for washing glasses and glassware.
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WHY don't bats get sick?
It's all about their immune system, in this respect bats are, one might say, unique. Their organism is a powerful machine for fighting the most dangerous viruses, although the immunity works just enough to keep the mouse from getting sick, but the virus itself in their organism never dies, rather adapts, mutating into more infectious forms. And so it turns out that a naive mouse lives and has no idea that inside it, as if in an incubator, there is an embittered virus, just waiting for an opportunity to take revenge.
As an example, 55 different viruses have been detected in the body of one large individual. And if one person gets sick, then everyone gets sick. After all, bats infect each other instantly, and all because such a popular nowadays phenomenon as "social distance" is unknown to them.
It's all about their immune system, in this respect bats are, one might say, unique. Their organism is a powerful machine for fighting the most dangerous viruses, although the immunity works just enough to keep the mouse from getting sick, but the virus itself in their organism never dies, rather adapts, mutating into more infectious forms. And so it turns out that a naive mouse lives and has no idea that inside it, as if in an incubator, there is an embittered virus, just waiting for an opportunity to take revenge.
As an example, 55 different viruses have been detected in the body of one large individual. And if one person gets sick, then everyone gets sick. After all, bats infect each other instantly, and all because such a popular nowadays phenomenon as "social distance" is unknown to them.
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WHY are there fewer cat breeds than dog ones?
Dogs were domesticated earlier, at least 15,000 years ago and spread all over the world, which was the prerequisite for local breeds. They were used for a variety of purposes, bred special breeds of hunting, shepherding, guarding...
Cats became domestic in the full sense much later, about 3.5 thousand years ago (the famous Egyptian cats were temple animals like monkeys in modern India), and were used for a single role: to exterminate domestic rodents.
Cat breeding was much less strict: people, of course, selected kittens they liked, but hardly engaged in purposeful crossbreeding.
Dogs were domesticated earlier, at least 15,000 years ago and spread all over the world, which was the prerequisite for local breeds. They were used for a variety of purposes, bred special breeds of hunting, shepherding, guarding...
Cats became domestic in the full sense much later, about 3.5 thousand years ago (the famous Egyptian cats were temple animals like monkeys in modern India), and were used for a single role: to exterminate domestic rodents.
Cat breeding was much less strict: people, of course, selected kittens they liked, but hardly engaged in purposeful crossbreeding.
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WHY do the hands of the clock run from left to right?
This tradition dates back to ancient Egypt, where the sundial was invented five thousand years ago. As the sun in the sky turns from east to west, the shadow of the pin in the center of the dial moves in a circle from left to right.
When mechanical clocks appeared in the Middle Ages, first tower clocks, craftsmen retained the "sundial principle". The first tower chimes had only one hour hand, which also moved from left to right. This has been the case with all clocks ever since.
This tradition dates back to ancient Egypt, where the sundial was invented five thousand years ago. As the sun in the sky turns from east to west, the shadow of the pin in the center of the dial moves in a circle from left to right.
When mechanical clocks appeared in the Middle Ages, first tower clocks, craftsmen retained the "sundial principle". The first tower chimes had only one hour hand, which also moved from left to right. This has been the case with all clocks ever since.
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WHY are electric car manufacturers being forced to artificially increase the noise level?
Today's electric and hybrid cars are virtually silent. This, according to a number of researchers, poses a safety risk for pedestrians, who are used to the hum of the car's engine, and especially for the blind.
Japan and the European Union have already passed laws requiring the manufacturers of such cars to install artificial noise systems.
In the USA, the compulsory installation of such systems with automatic activation of noise when driving at speeds up to 30 km/h has been introduced in 2021.
Today's electric and hybrid cars are virtually silent. This, according to a number of researchers, poses a safety risk for pedestrians, who are used to the hum of the car's engine, and especially for the blind.
Japan and the European Union have already passed laws requiring the manufacturers of such cars to install artificial noise systems.
In the USA, the compulsory installation of such systems with automatic activation of noise when driving at speeds up to 30 km/h has been introduced in 2021.
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WHY do plants signal each other underground?
Plants can "communicate" with each other via chemical signals, but their ability to transmit signals is not limited to airborne communication.
Warnings from one plant to another, such as pest infestation, can be transmitted through mycorrhiza, symbiotic fungi whose structures braid the roots of plants and allow them to get much more nutrients and water from the soil.
When an uninfested plant receives an alert, it begins to secrete repellents against specific pests or other substances in advance that attract the enemies of those pests.
Plants can "communicate" with each other via chemical signals, but their ability to transmit signals is not limited to airborne communication.
Warnings from one plant to another, such as pest infestation, can be transmitted through mycorrhiza, symbiotic fungi whose structures braid the roots of plants and allow them to get much more nutrients and water from the soil.
When an uninfested plant receives an alert, it begins to secrete repellents against specific pests or other substances in advance that attract the enemies of those pests.
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WHY do we frequently pour water into a cup and spill it on the table?
You can thank the Coanda effect for that: when we pour liquid from a vessel, it tends to follow the curve of its edge. If the liquid flow is strong, the jet comes off the edge and everything passes without incident. But if the flow is too weak, the tea will run along the side of the teapot and end up on the tablecloth.
So you should pour liquids confidently, not just a little bit at a time.
You can thank the Coanda effect for that: when we pour liquid from a vessel, it tends to follow the curve of its edge. If the liquid flow is strong, the jet comes off the edge and everything passes without incident. But if the flow is too weak, the tea will run along the side of the teapot and end up on the tablecloth.
So you should pour liquids confidently, not just a little bit at a time.
WHY are extrovert and introvert perfect life partners?
Extroverts tend to be active, sociable. They easily establish contact with others. Also able to inspire and inspire optimism.
And introverts are calm, deep thinkers. Reflect for a long time decisions, analyze all options. They are able to avoid problems. Therefore, the calm introvert keeps from making rash decisions, and temperament extrovert rouse the other half.
Precisely owing to the fact that they have different strengths, they complement each other perfectly.
Extroverts tend to be active, sociable. They easily establish contact with others. Also able to inspire and inspire optimism.
And introverts are calm, deep thinkers. Reflect for a long time decisions, analyze all options. They are able to avoid problems. Therefore, the calm introvert keeps from making rash decisions, and temperament extrovert rouse the other half.
Precisely owing to the fact that they have different strengths, they complement each other perfectly.
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WHY are people called barbarians?
The word barbaros, in Greek, means a meaningless and completely untranslatable set of sounds. The ancient Greeks called barbarians those who did not know their language. Originally, the term "barbarian" did not have any negative meaning. Only much later, in the fifth century BC, during the Greco-Persian Wars, did the Greeks become aware of the spiritual inferiority of their non-speakers, and the term took on a different meaning.
The Romans considered barbaric those peoples who did not live "according to the rules," that is, who did not observe the laws of the empire.
The word barbaros, in Greek, means a meaningless and completely untranslatable set of sounds. The ancient Greeks called barbarians those who did not know their language. Originally, the term "barbarian" did not have any negative meaning. Only much later, in the fifth century BC, during the Greco-Persian Wars, did the Greeks become aware of the spiritual inferiority of their non-speakers, and the term took on a different meaning.
The Romans considered barbaric those peoples who did not live "according to the rules," that is, who did not observe the laws of the empire.
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