What You Didn’t Know About Birds, Grapes, and More

Columbus Didn't Know He Found America
When Christopher Columbus sailed west, he was trying to find a quicker way to India. So when he landed in what we now call America, he thought he had reached India! It was Amerigo Vespucci who later realized this was actually a new continent and that's why it was named after him.

Some Fish Can Fly—Sort Of!
There are about 65 kinds of fish that can jump out of the water and glide through the air for long distances. Their “wings” are really just their fins!

Parrots Aren’t the Only Birds That Talk
While parrots are famous for copying speech, birds like crows, mynas, and magpies can also mimic sounds and voices. They use a special voice box called the syrinx, found at the base of their throat, to copy what they hear.

Termites Are Completely Blind
Termites may look like ants and love to eat wood, but they’re totally blind. They build giant nests, sometimes up to 40 feet tall and find their way using only their sense of smell and taste.

How Can Grapes Grow Without Seeds?
It seems strange, but seedless grapes really can grow! If a branch with seedless grapes appears, you can plant the branch instead of seeds. That branch will grow into a new vine that also makes seedless grapes.

Your Pupil Changes Size to Protect Your Eyes
The pupil is the black part in the center of your eye. In bright light, it gets smaller to block too much light. In darkness, it gets bigger to let more light in so you can see better.

Swans Are Silent Birds
Swans are known for their beautiful white feathers and graceful necks but they don’t make any sound! Unlike most birds, swans are completely mute.