From See-Through Frogs to Poison Gardens: Surprising Facts

Ever heard of a transparent frog?
The glass frog has see-through skin and you can actually see its organs through its belly! These frogs live in the Amazon and Orinoco river areas, southeastern Brazil, and northern Argentina. Some types also live in Central America, from western Mexico to Panama, and from Bolivia to Venezuela's Andes mountains.

Have you visited a topiary garden?
A topiary garden is a place where plants are trimmed and shaped into all kinds of designs. These creative shapes are made with the help of wire frames that support the plants. You can find topiary gardens around the world. In one park in Belgium, there are about 250 plant sculptures and some more than 130 years old!

Did you know about the bleeding tooth fungus?
It may sound like something from a storybook, but it’s real! This strange-looking fungus grows mostly in forests in Europe and North America. It’s not poisonous, but it tastes so bitter that no one wants to eat it. The fungus has a white surface that "bleeds" thick red liquid, which is how it got its name.

What color did royalty wear in the past?
Long ago, different colors showed your social status. In ancient China, only royal family members could wear yellow. In the Roman Empire, only the ruling class wore deep purple or blue-purple.

Ever heard of the Poison Garden?
In the gardens of Alnwick Castle in England, there’s a special garden full of toxic plants, more than 100 of them! The garden was created by the Duchess of Northumberland, Jane Percy. Because some of the plants can be dangerous, the garden is locked and only opened for guided tours.

What chemical can lift your mood?
Serotonin is a brain chemical that helps with how we feel, our appetite, and even pain. It's released when we eat sweet foods, and some medications for depression work by affecting serotonin levels.

Have you met the stone-carrying snail?
This unusual snail protects itself by sticking stones and other solid items to its body. It uses a special glue-like substance to attach them and blend into its surroundings.