What are maglev trains? Maglev trains were first introduced in Japan. Unlike other trains which run on tracks, these trains run just above them. This is because both the train’s bottom and the tracks are magnetized. The magnets repel each other so the train hovers...
What is oceanography? Oceanography is the study of the ocean and all that is connected to it. It helps us to understand how the ocean was formed and the changes it has undergone. This includes the study of the tides, storms, temperature and salt content,...
Which animal abandons its babies very early? Unlike human beings, most animals don’t look after their young for a long period. In the case of elephant seals, the mother feeds the pups on rich milk for three weeks and then abandons them. The pups 0...
What is a pangolin? Pangolins are mammals which have an unusual appearance. Instead of fur their bodies are covered with large, keratin scales. The name comes from the Malay word, ‘pengguling’ which means ‘something that rolls up’. The animal’s favourite food is ants. But it...
How many kinds of energy are available? The energy that is released when chemical reactions take place is called chemical energy. It is stored in substances like food and fuels. Kinetic energy is the energy of movement. Potential energy is the energy possessed by an...
Why do floods occur? Floods have occurred from time immemorial. Floods are caused when rivers overflow their banks. Usually this happens after a spell of heavy rainfall. This leads to a great amount of water in the river resulting in the river waters rising and...
Which is the coldest place on earth? The coldest place on earth is the South Pole. The average temperature in the Antarctic region is around -50 degrees Centigrade or -58 degrees Fahrenheit. But temperatures 40 degrees Centigrade lower have been recorded on occasions.
What does Venus’ surface look like? Many space probes have explored Venus. Huge plains cover most of the planet’s surface. It has two big highland regions which can be considered as continents. One is located in the north and is called the Ishtar terra. The...
Why do baby turtles have a tooth on their nose? Though turtles are found in the sea they come ashore to lay eggs. The eggs are laid in a hole they dig in the sand. The hole is covered with more sand to keep the...
Which babies are born in a freezer? Polar bears are found in cold environments like the arctic region. When autumn comes, the mother bear digs a den under the snow. She delivers her cubs in the den in the middle of winter. The mother and...
