The world is a treasure trove of surprises and little-known information that often escapes our awareness. With approximately 200 countries, a vast population of billions of people, diverse flora and fauna species, and countless natural wonders, the world is brimming with fascinating and intriguing facts. For those who have a passion for acquiring knowledge about the world, here is a compilation of the top 10 amazing facts of the world that will leave you amazed.
1. Fastest Gust Of Wind
arrow Island, located in Australia, experienced the impact of a powerful tropical cyclone named Olivia. The intensity of this cyclone was so immense that it holds the record for the fastest gust of wind ever recorded on Earth. At a staggering speed of 353 miles per hour, it surpassed the previous wind record of 231 miles per hour, which was set in New Hampshire back in 1934.
2. Best Place For Rainbows
The beauty of nature and the mesmerizing sight of rainbows are universally cherished. When it comes to witnessing the most breathtaking rainbows, Hawaii stands out as the best place in the world. In 2021, the American Meteorological Society recognized Hawaii as the top destination for experiencing the magnificent phenomenon of rainbows. The combination of various factors, such as the presence of mountains, frequent rainfall, abundant pollen, pollution, and the presence of cresting waves, contributes to the quantity and quality of rainbows in Hawaii.
3. Flowers Are Changing Colours
The occurrence of this phenomenon is not sudden but rather a result of ongoing climate change on Earth. In a study conducted in 2020 by scientists from Clemson University, it was revealed that climate change is responsible for this invisible phenomenon. The depletion of the ozone layer has led to an increase in the level of UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface. As a consequence of increased UV radiation, flowers have experienced heightened UV pigmentation, negatively impacting the quality of their pollen. This, in turn, poses a significant challenge for pollinators like bees.
4. Mapping Ocean Floor By The Song Of Whales
While it may seem strange, male Fin whales utilize deep bellowing songs as a means to attract a female for mating. According to Scientific American, these songs are the loudest among all marine life and can be heard from a distance of up to 1000 km away. Remarkably, these songs can also be employed to create sonar maps of the ocean floor, as they can penetrate depths of up to 2.5 km underwater. By bouncing off various surfaces, these sound waves provide scientists with precise measurements for mapping purposes.
5. Plants That Fossilised In Green Land
Greenland, for the most part, is enveloped by an extensive ice sheet. However, it hasn’t always been this way. According to Britannica, Greenland is believed to be the largest remaining evidence of the Pleistocene glaciation in the Northern Hemisphere. Deep within the ice sheet, approximately 1.4 km towards the core, scientists have made remarkable discoveries of well-preserved biomolecules and fossilized plants. These findings indicate that Greenland was once devoid of ice and instead covered in lush greenery.
6. New Creatures In Deep Sea
While it may sound like a plot from a science-fiction horror movie, the deep sea holds numerous undiscovered and unidentified organisms, particularly near sea volcanoes. A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science of the United States of America revealed the presence of over 90 potential archaeal families and bacteria, along with more than 300 previously unknown genera, near deep-sea volcanoes close to New Zealand. Interestingly, some scientists believe that these deep-sea volcanoes, known as hypothermal, may have played a role in the origin of life.
7. Mount Everest is Getting Bigger
Traditionally, Mount Everest has been considered the youngest mountain range, thought to have reached its peak growth and maturity. Previous measurements in 1856 indicated a height of 29,002 feet above sea level, which decreased to 20,029 feet in 1955. However, recent studies utilizing GPS devices by surveyors from Nepal and China have revealed a surprising result. Mount Everest has actually increased in height, measuring up to 29,031.69 feet above sea level, attributed to the movements of plate tectonics.
8. The Oldest Profession in The World
Dating back approximately 9000 years, dentistry is considered the oldest profession in the world. Researchers have made an intriguing discovery of a drilled tooth in a skull, estimated to be between 7500 to 9000 years old. According to the University of Bologna in Italy, a study on a 14,000-year-old skull revealed evidence of intentional dental work. Rotten teeth within the jaw were carefully scraped out using specialized tools, indicating early dental practices.3
9. Chilli Pepper That Can Kill You
Believe it or not, there exists a chili pepper known as Dragon’s Breathe Chilli Pepper, which is considered weapon-grade due to its extreme heat that can potentially be lethal. Consuming these peppers can lead to a dangerous condition called anaphylactic shock, causing severe burning and closure of the airways. Interestingly, this particular breed of chili pepper was developed by Mike Smith, a hobby grower, in collaboration with scientists from Nottingham University. Their intention was to explore potential medical applications.
10. Twins are no rarer
Gone are the days when having twins was considered a rare occurrence; it has now become more common than ever before. Alexis C. Madrigal of The Atlantic provides data showing a significant increase in the rate of twins. Between 1915 and 1980, the ratio was 1 out of 50 babies being twins, but now it has changed to 1 out of every 30 babies being born as twins. Scientists attribute this trend to two main factors: older women tending to have a higher likelihood of conceiving twins, and the role of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in increasing twin births.
