WHY are rare animal species disappearing?
Humans do significant damage to the world around them. By developing new territories, they bring predators to the land, harmful to many innocent species. Thus, for example, many marsupials have become extinct. In truth, the marsupial wolf was exterminated by humans themselves.
People are cutting down forests and developing beaches that were wild and favorable to many inhabitants before their arrival. For instance, tapirs are not particularly fond of human companionship, so when humans appear, they go in search of uninhabited areas, which are now becoming fewer and fewer in number.
Poachers who hunt now for the pretty pelts of the ocelot and snow leopard, then for a strong whale whisker, or a huge elephant tusk, then for a rhinoceros horn... There is a belief that rhinoceros horn is a source of strength and beauty.
Humans do significant damage to the world around them. By developing new territories, they bring predators to the land, harmful to many innocent species. Thus, for example, many marsupials have become extinct. In truth, the marsupial wolf was exterminated by humans themselves.
People are cutting down forests and developing beaches that were wild and favorable to many inhabitants before their arrival. For instance, tapirs are not particularly fond of human companionship, so when humans appear, they go in search of uninhabited areas, which are now becoming fewer and fewer in number.
Poachers who hunt now for the pretty pelts of the ocelot and snow leopard, then for a strong whale whisker, or a huge elephant tusk, then for a rhinoceros horn... There is a belief that rhinoceros horn is a source of strength and beauty.
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WHY are some animals born blind?
Cats and dogs give birth to several babies at once that are not fully matured. If nature allowed the babies to mature in their mother's belly, it would become so enormous that the poor mother might die.
Interestingly, rabbits and bunnies, despite their many similarities, are born completely different. Rabbits are not only born blind, but also deaf. They also have no fur on them. Naturally, at first they are completely dependent on their mother.
Things go a little bit overboard with rabbits: the female pregnancy lasts a few weeks longer, but in a couple of days the cubs are not only able to get away from their mother, but also try some solid, "grown up" food.
Cats and dogs give birth to several babies at once that are not fully matured. If nature allowed the babies to mature in their mother's belly, it would become so enormous that the poor mother might die.
Interestingly, rabbits and bunnies, despite their many similarities, are born completely different. Rabbits are not only born blind, but also deaf. They also have no fur on them. Naturally, at first they are completely dependent on their mother.
Things go a little bit overboard with rabbits: the female pregnancy lasts a few weeks longer, but in a couple of days the cubs are not only able to get away from their mother, but also try some solid, "grown up" food.
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WHY does the caterpillar turn into a butterfly?
Once it senses the right moment, the caterpillar attaches itself to a leaf by hanging on a special silk thread. With this very thread it wraps itself to form a strong cocoon.
The life of butterflies is not long: some of them live only a few hours, during which they must find a suitable partner and lay eggs. Many butterflies do not even have a mouth opening, because their transformation from a caterpillar has only one goal: to ensure the life of their offspring.
The moth lays its eggs in a certain place. As a rule, it is the inner side of the leaf. This protects the fragile eggs and also provides food for the newborn caterpillars.
Once it senses the right moment, the caterpillar attaches itself to a leaf by hanging on a special silk thread. With this very thread it wraps itself to form a strong cocoon.
The life of butterflies is not long: some of them live only a few hours, during which they must find a suitable partner and lay eggs. Many butterflies do not even have a mouth opening, because their transformation from a caterpillar has only one goal: to ensure the life of their offspring.
The moth lays its eggs in a certain place. As a rule, it is the inner side of the leaf. This protects the fragile eggs and also provides food for the newborn caterpillars.
WHY do people relish quotes?
We post them on our social media pages, use them as statuses in numerous messengers, and simply repost them. And what we like, we instantly tell our friends and acquaintances. They teach us how to live correctly, show us how to act in this or that situation.
Quotes are good motivators. Some phrase can activate our resources, help to overcome obstacles and achieve the goal. You probably already know about the existence of magnets and bookmarks with quotes, which we are offered in stores. Sometimes it's enough to hang such a thing in sight to find the power to fundamentally change your life.
We post them on our social media pages, use them as statuses in numerous messengers, and simply repost them. And what we like, we instantly tell our friends and acquaintances. They teach us how to live correctly, show us how to act in this or that situation.
Quotes are good motivators. Some phrase can activate our resources, help to overcome obstacles and achieve the goal. You probably already know about the existence of magnets and bookmarks with quotes, which we are offered in stores. Sometimes it's enough to hang such a thing in sight to find the power to fundamentally change your life.
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WHY does hair get electrified?
Most of the time, hair gets electrified due to friction on surfaces, such as when wearing a sweater with a tight collar or a snug-fitting turtleneck sweater.
However, we have to deal with this problem more frequently during the colder seasons than in the summer, for instance. There are several reasons for this: the dryness of the hair itself, dry indoor air.
Other causes are sudden temperature changes indoors and outdoors, and synthetic fabrics, which due to their composition promote the formation of static electricity at all times of year.
Most of the time, hair gets electrified due to friction on surfaces, such as when wearing a sweater with a tight collar or a snug-fitting turtleneck sweater.
However, we have to deal with this problem more frequently during the colder seasons than in the summer, for instance. There are several reasons for this: the dryness of the hair itself, dry indoor air.
Other causes are sudden temperature changes indoors and outdoors, and synthetic fabrics, which due to their composition promote the formation of static electricity at all times of year.
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WHY does a person in a high jump not move horizontally, as the planet rotates?
The planet moves while the jumper is standing, then the jumper relocates in space with the speed of rotation of the Earth relative to the observer from the orbit and with zero speed relative to the observer standing nearby.
When a person jumps, the body rushes up relative to the ground, but the motion vector of the body in space due to inertia remains almost the same, just shifts a certain distance due to the applied force of the jumper.
The planet moves while the jumper is standing, then the jumper relocates in space with the speed of rotation of the Earth relative to the observer from the orbit and with zero speed relative to the observer standing nearby.
When a person jumps, the body rushes up relative to the ground, but the motion vector of the body in space due to inertia remains almost the same, just shifts a certain distance due to the applied force of the jumper.
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WHY do paper cups not get wet?
Paper cups, thanks to the special structure of the paper they are made of, isolate the temperature of the drink much better. This way, a cold drink will take longer to heat up, and a hot one will cool down more slowly.
They are covered on the inside with a microscopic layer of polyethylene or other safe, waterproof plastic. That's why every modern paper cup is partly plastic. This layer of polyethylene is so thin that it will not contaminate the environment as common plastic cups do, so there is no need to worry about the preservation of nature.
Paper cups, thanks to the special structure of the paper they are made of, isolate the temperature of the drink much better. This way, a cold drink will take longer to heat up, and a hot one will cool down more slowly.
They are covered on the inside with a microscopic layer of polyethylene or other safe, waterproof plastic. That's why every modern paper cup is partly plastic. This layer of polyethylene is so thin that it will not contaminate the environment as common plastic cups do, so there is no need to worry about the preservation of nature.
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WHY is the number pi called that?
The number pi expresses the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter and is approximately 3.14. It was first denoted by the Greek letter π by the Englishman William Jones in his "Synopsis Palmarorium Matheseos", printed in 1706. He was guided by the fact that the word περιμετρέο, "measuring around," begins with it.
The great mathematician Leonhard Euler (1707-1783), who used it frequently, made this designation widespread. How and when the number itself was discovered is unknown. The fact that the ratio of the length of a circle to its diameter is a constant has been known since time immemorial.
The number pi expresses the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter and is approximately 3.14. It was first denoted by the Greek letter π by the Englishman William Jones in his "Synopsis Palmarorium Matheseos", printed in 1706. He was guided by the fact that the word περιμετρέο, "measuring around," begins with it.
The great mathematician Leonhard Euler (1707-1783), who used it frequently, made this designation widespread. How and when the number itself was discovered is unknown. The fact that the ratio of the length of a circle to its diameter is a constant has been known since time immemorial.
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WHY should children not get addicted to coffee?
Before the age of five, it is not advisable to give coffee to a child. An immature nervous system can react to caffeine by becoming overexcited.
After the age of five, many children have already tried coffee. Nevertheless, coffee even in this mild form is not recommended, as children's nervous system is still not ready for this drink.
At the age of 12-13 teenagers are eager to look especially mature. And coffee for them as another attribute of adulthood. Hormonal change, serious stress on the nervous system — at this age it is better to refrain from coffee.
Before the age of five, it is not advisable to give coffee to a child. An immature nervous system can react to caffeine by becoming overexcited.
After the age of five, many children have already tried coffee. Nevertheless, coffee even in this mild form is not recommended, as children's nervous system is still not ready for this drink.
At the age of 12-13 teenagers are eager to look especially mature. And coffee for them as another attribute of adulthood. Hormonal change, serious stress on the nervous system — at this age it is better to refrain from coffee.
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WHY did Picasso stoke the stove with his paintings?
In 1900, Picasso moves from Spain to Paris, where he spends time learning about the work of the Impressionists. During this period, his life was fraught with many hardships. The artist was so poor that at times he was forced to heat the stove with his own paintings instead of firewood.
The prospect of freezing from the cold seems to have been much worse for the artist than the sacrifice of his art. However, the prey was not in vain, since it is thanks to the difficult circumstances of life in the works of the painter there is a famous "blue period". The palette of these paintings are characterized by blue shades. In the paintings of this period are clearly represented the images of poverty, sadness and melancholy, the themes of old age and death.
The painter depicted the beggar, the blind, alcoholics and prostitutes, trying to show the world human suffering.
In 1900, Picasso moves from Spain to Paris, where he spends time learning about the work of the Impressionists. During this period, his life was fraught with many hardships. The artist was so poor that at times he was forced to heat the stove with his own paintings instead of firewood.
The prospect of freezing from the cold seems to have been much worse for the artist than the sacrifice of his art. However, the prey was not in vain, since it is thanks to the difficult circumstances of life in the works of the painter there is a famous "blue period". The palette of these paintings are characterized by blue shades. In the paintings of this period are clearly represented the images of poverty, sadness and melancholy, the themes of old age and death.
The painter depicted the beggar, the blind, alcoholics and prostitutes, trying to show the world human suffering.
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WHY did the Americans in Vietnam wear poker cards on their helmets?
During the Vietnam War a legend even circulated among American soldiers that "Charlie" (as the Vietnamese Communists were called) was extremely superstitious and greatly feared playing cards, believing that the ace of spades was a symbol of death.
In fact, there was no such thing on the part of the Vietnamese soldiers. On the contrary, the guerrillas were greatly surprised when the Americans tried to scatter the Aces of Spades over the area as a psychological weapon.
The U.S. command did not resist the grassroots initiative of its subordinates. Moreover, realizing that such mascots boosted morale (which had not been at a high level since the middle of the campaign, to put it mildly), the command began to purchase and even print thematic cards of the soldiers itself. Including downright obscene ones with swear words and slutty women.
During the Vietnam War a legend even circulated among American soldiers that "Charlie" (as the Vietnamese Communists were called) was extremely superstitious and greatly feared playing cards, believing that the ace of spades was a symbol of death.
In fact, there was no such thing on the part of the Vietnamese soldiers. On the contrary, the guerrillas were greatly surprised when the Americans tried to scatter the Aces of Spades over the area as a psychological weapon.
The U.S. command did not resist the grassroots initiative of its subordinates. Moreover, realizing that such mascots boosted morale (which had not been at a high level since the middle of the campaign, to put it mildly), the command began to purchase and even print thematic cards of the soldiers itself. Including downright obscene ones with swear words and slutty women.
WHY do store prices end in .99?
Ending the price at .99 is based on the theory we are used to reading from left to right, with the first digit sticking more into our brain than the next.
That's why a person is more likely to buy a product that costs 4.99 than 5, since subconsciously they know that 4 is less than 5, even though there's only a one-cent difference.
Ending the price at .99 is based on the theory we are used to reading from left to right, with the first digit sticking more into our brain than the next.
That's why a person is more likely to buy a product that costs 4.99 than 5, since subconsciously they know that 4 is less than 5, even though there's only a one-cent difference.
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WHY do sloths tend to hang upside down?
In such a position, they relax. While doing so, it does not grasp a branch, but rather holds onto it passively, using powerful, curved claws. Sloths spend most of their lives in trees.
Resting and sleeping in other animals, in these conditions, requires either a nesting device or anatomical adaptations that prevent them from unclenching their paws and snapping off in their sleep. A sloth, on the other hand, clinging to a branch, remains in a completely relaxed state without the risk of falling.
Besides, in this position it is less vulnerable to attacks of its main enemy - the monkey-eagle.
In such a position, they relax. While doing so, it does not grasp a branch, but rather holds onto it passively, using powerful, curved claws. Sloths spend most of their lives in trees.
Resting and sleeping in other animals, in these conditions, requires either a nesting device or anatomical adaptations that prevent them from unclenching their paws and snapping off in their sleep. A sloth, on the other hand, clinging to a branch, remains in a completely relaxed state without the risk of falling.
Besides, in this position it is less vulnerable to attacks of its main enemy - the monkey-eagle.
WHY don't high voltage wires get insulated?
It is expensive and impractical. Making reliable high-voltage insulation is hard. When exposed to heat, moisture will create faults in it, leading to electrical breakdowns. And dry air is a good insulator.
The main condition is that the wires should be far enough apart from each other.
It is expensive and impractical. Making reliable high-voltage insulation is hard. When exposed to heat, moisture will create faults in it, leading to electrical breakdowns. And dry air is a good insulator.
The main condition is that the wires should be far enough apart from each other.
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WHY is the explosion of a grenade in water hazier than on land?
In the air, a person is struck by flying grenade fragments. Under water, they quickly decelerate and water pressure serves as the main striking factor. The water set in motion by the explosion presses on the human body. Upon reaching the organs containing air, the pressure sharply squeezes and unclenches them, tearing the tissues.
Death threatens the person at a distance of 6-7 meters from the explosion, and the obstacles are almost beyond saving.
In the air, a person is struck by flying grenade fragments. Under water, they quickly decelerate and water pressure serves as the main striking factor. The water set in motion by the explosion presses on the human body. Upon reaching the organs containing air, the pressure sharply squeezes and unclenches them, tearing the tissues.
Death threatens the person at a distance of 6-7 meters from the explosion, and the obstacles are almost beyond saving.
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WHY do lint appear?
Lint is the loose fibers or balls of fabric that form on the surface of the material. The reason for their appearance is friction on the surface of the fabric or abrasion from rougher surfaces. Coils on clothing are considered unaesthetic.
The most frequent reason for the formation of lint on clothing is due to improper care of the clothing. Daily wear, washing and drying at inappropriate temperatures have an adverse effect on the fabric, resulting in the formation of lint.
Items made of polyamide (nylon), capron, lavsan (polyester and polyamide fibers) are particularly prone to the formation of lint. Among synthetic fabrics, acrylic is less prone to lint.
Lint is the loose fibers or balls of fabric that form on the surface of the material. The reason for their appearance is friction on the surface of the fabric or abrasion from rougher surfaces. Coils on clothing are considered unaesthetic.
The most frequent reason for the formation of lint on clothing is due to improper care of the clothing. Daily wear, washing and drying at inappropriate temperatures have an adverse effect on the fabric, resulting in the formation of lint.
Items made of polyamide (nylon), capron, lavsan (polyester and polyamide fibers) are particularly prone to the formation of lint. Among synthetic fabrics, acrylic is less prone to lint.
WHY do trees need bark?
The bark protects the tree throughout its life.
The top coarse layer of bark protects the tree from drying out or freezing and keeps pests out, so it is essential to the tree. The bark is formed with a layer called cambium, located between the wood and the bark.
Throughout a tree's life, a thin layer of cambium forms new ones of bark and wood (bark on the outside, wood on the inside). Thanks to this coordinated work of the cambium, the tree grows upward and outward. The inner layer of bark is responsible for the movement of nutrients from the crown down to the flowers, fruits and roots.
Damage to the bark can kill a healthy tree as it then loses its protection from pests, cold and heat.
The bark protects the tree throughout its life.
The top coarse layer of bark protects the tree from drying out or freezing and keeps pests out, so it is essential to the tree. The bark is formed with a layer called cambium, located between the wood and the bark.
Throughout a tree's life, a thin layer of cambium forms new ones of bark and wood (bark on the outside, wood on the inside). Thanks to this coordinated work of the cambium, the tree grows upward and outward. The inner layer of bark is responsible for the movement of nutrients from the crown down to the flowers, fruits and roots.
Damage to the bark can kill a healthy tree as it then loses its protection from pests, cold and heat.
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WHY does the skin renew itself but the tattoos stay?
The top layer of skin, the epidermis, is refreshed every couple of weeks. Its lower layers divide to form keratinocytes, which then peel off and new ones grow underneath.
The dye that has penetrated the epidermis exfoliates along with the dying cells. However, below lies the dermis layer, which gets renewed extremely slowly. In addition, the space between its cells is filled with a network of collagen fibers — durable and chemically almost inert.
The pigment particles in the dermis stay there forever.
The top layer of skin, the epidermis, is refreshed every couple of weeks. Its lower layers divide to form keratinocytes, which then peel off and new ones grow underneath.
The dye that has penetrated the epidermis exfoliates along with the dying cells. However, below lies the dermis layer, which gets renewed extremely slowly. In addition, the space between its cells is filled with a network of collagen fibers — durable and chemically almost inert.
The pigment particles in the dermis stay there forever.
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WHY can electronic clocks lag?
The "heart" of an electronic clock is a frequency oscillator with a crystal quartz plate fluctuating in it. It is adjusted so that the clock runs exactly at room temperature (about 25 °C).
As the temperature deviates from this point, the oscillation frequency decreases and the watch lags (up to a few minutes per year). The more expensive models use a temperature-compensated quartz, with which the error does not exceed a few seconds per year.
The "heart" of an electronic clock is a frequency oscillator with a crystal quartz plate fluctuating in it. It is adjusted so that the clock runs exactly at room temperature (about 25 °C).
As the temperature deviates from this point, the oscillation frequency decreases and the watch lags (up to a few minutes per year). The more expensive models use a temperature-compensated quartz, with which the error does not exceed a few seconds per year.
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WHY is the intestines called the second brain?
The intestines and the brain exchange signals through the vagus nerve, running down the neck to the thoracic and abdominal cavity. Giulia Enders, bestselling author of "The Charming Gut. How the Most Powerful Authority Controls Us," compares the vagus nerve to the telephone wire linking the intestines to the individual centers of the brain.
The brain directs all the organs of the body, and many via the vagus nerve, but only the intestines have autonomy: if the nerve is cut, "disconnecting" the brain from the intestines, the latter will keep working.
It possesses its own nervous system, which scientists call the "second brain". It consists of a huge number of neurons and auxiliary cells, produces several dozens of neurotransmitters.
The intestines and the brain exchange signals through the vagus nerve, running down the neck to the thoracic and abdominal cavity. Giulia Enders, bestselling author of "The Charming Gut. How the Most Powerful Authority Controls Us," compares the vagus nerve to the telephone wire linking the intestines to the individual centers of the brain.
The brain directs all the organs of the body, and many via the vagus nerve, but only the intestines have autonomy: if the nerve is cut, "disconnecting" the brain from the intestines, the latter will keep working.
It possesses its own nervous system, which scientists call the "second brain". It consists of a huge number of neurons and auxiliary cells, produces several dozens of neurotransmitters.
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