Why are some rocks shaped bizarrely? The odd shapes of rocks are due to weathering —the process by which wind and water wear away the rocks. When rocks crack, water freezes in the cracks. The cracks widen when the freezing water expands. Gravity also pulls...
What is aestivation? We have heard of hibernation when some animals go to sleep during the winter to conserve energy and avoid exposure to the cold weather. Aestivation is the opposite of this. During the hot summer months, desert creatures sleep underground to escape the...
How tall is the Leaning Tower of Pisa? The Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy was built completely of marble. At the top, the tower is 5 m out of the perpendicular. If we throw down a stone from the top of the tower, it...
Why do brides wear a veil? In the old days, it was customary to keep the bride hidden from the groom until the wedding day. This was the case in Egypt. During the wedding ceremony, the bride’s face would be uncovered. Arabs, Hindus, and other...
What is a boycott? To boycott someone or something is to refuse to trade or associate with a country, company or an individual. It is derived from the name of Captain Charles Cunningham Boycott, a 19th century land agent. He was boycotted by Irish tenant...
What causes warts? Warts are caused by a virus. We get the virus if we are in contact with those who have it. Warts are raised areas of the skin which may be rough or pitted on the surface. It can spread to other parts...
Why do cats and dogs have fleas? Fleas are parasitic creatures and they live by sucking the blood of a host animal. There, are many species of fleas. Its long hind legs help it to jump long distances. It can jump 20 cm into the...
How does the fly see things? One of the amazing things about the fly is its way of seeing things. It has two big brown balls for eyes on either side of its head. Each eye is made of thousands of lenses. Each lens captures...
Why do woodpeckers peck on trees? Woodpeckers live on grubs and insects that inhabit the crevices of a tree. The bird drills a hole in the tree and eats them. It is doing a favour to the tree for the grubs and insects are often...
Who were the Minoans? European civilization began around 4,500 years ago on the island of Crete. The Minoans took their name from a renowned king called Minos. They were traders who ruled the Aegean Sea. The civilization came to a close in 1450 BC.
