Facts You Didn't Know
From Giraffes to Balalaikas: Fascinating Facts
From heartbeats to giraffes, here are seven fun facts you probably never learned in school
- Debbie Reichman
- פורסם י"ב סיון התשפ"א
(Photo: shutterstock) #VALUE!
Did you know how many times your heart beats?
The human heart weighs only about 350 grams, but it works nonstop. It beats at least 100,000 times every single day. If a person lives to age 75, their heart will have beaten more than 2.5 billion times! That’s enough to fill a swimming pool in less than three days.
Did you know why sea levels are rising?
One of the biggest effects of global warming is the melting of polar ice. As the ice melts into the oceans, sea levels go up. From the start of the 1900s until 2016, sea levels have risen by around 20 centimeters.
Did you know what a balalaika is?
A balalaika is a musical instrument from Russia and Ukraine. It has a unique triangle-shaped body and usually has three strings. Some versions have six strings, and it comes in different sizes. It’s also popular in parts of Central Asia.
Did you know there’s a flower called “lady’s slipper”?
“Lady’s Slipper” is a beautiful flower from the orchid family. It originally grew in Northern Europe and Asia. One of its types used to be common across Europe, but today it’s rare and protected so it won’t disappear.
Did you know the tallest animal in the world?
It’s the giraffe! Giraffes can grow up to 6 meters tall. Their long necks help them reach the highest tree branches for food in the African savanna.
Did you know Australia has a rabbit-proof fence?
Rabbits were brought to Australia from Europe in the 1800s. Since Australia didn’t have natural predators for them, the rabbit population grew too fast and harmed crops. To control the problem, a long fence was built to keep rabbits from moving across the country. This fence stretches 3,253 kilometers!
Did you know what stilt houses are?
Stilt houses are homes built on tall posts, often made of bamboo or wood. They help protect people from floods or high tides. You can find stilt house villages in Southeast Asia, Papua New Guinea, West Africa, and along rivers like the Amazon. In some cities built on water, like Venice, Italy, stilt houses are still used.
