Question 1: The production of what crop initially fueled the rise of the British colony Jamestown in North America?
Question 2: What is the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth?
The highest temperature ever recorded on Earth was 56.7°C (134.1°F) in Furnace Creek Ranch, Death Valley, California, USA, on 10 July 1913.
Question 3: How many petals does a typical sunflower have?
It's a common misconception that sunflowers have a specific number of petals. Actually, they usually have somewhere between 21 and 34 petals, but the number varies widely. The pattern of seeds within the flower, however, usually follows the Fibonacci sequence.
Question 4: The Pound sterling, often simply known as the Pound, is the official currency of which country?
The pound sterling, symbolized by £, is the official currency of the United Kingdom. The term sterling comes from the fact that 240 silver penny coins, or sterlings, made up one pound in the Middle Ages.
Question 5: When was the first iPhone released?
The first iPhone was released by Apple Inc. on June 29, 2007, revolutionizing the mobile phone industry with its innovative design and features.
Question 6: Why is green the color traditionally associated with Wimbledon tennis championship?
Wimbledon is uniquely played on grass courts, unlike the other three Grand Slam tournaments – the Australian Open, the French Open and the US Open, which use hard or clay courts. Hence, green has become associated with this prestigious event.
Question 7: In what part of a plant are chloroplasts predominantly found?
Chloroplasts are predominantly found in the cells of a plant's leaves. They are responsible for photosynthesis, the process that uses sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into glucose for the plant's energy.
Question 8: Where is the original "Mona Lisa" currently housed?
The "Mona Lisa", painted by Leonardo da Vinci in the early 16th century, is one of the most famous pieces of art in the world. It currently resides in the Louvre Museum in Paris, France.
Question 9: What specific term describes animals that are active during twilight, i.e. dawn and dusk?
Crepuscular animals are most active during the twilight hours, including species like rabbits, and some bats and moths. This activity pattern differentiates them from nocturnal (active at night) and diurnal (active during the day) animals. The term 'circadian' describes the 24-hour internal clock that regulates the sleeping and feeding patterns of all animals, including humans.
Question 10: Why is terracing often used in agriculture?
Terracing, or building steps into the sides of hills, is a farming practice used mainly in mountainous landscapes to prevent soil erosion and runoff, making it possible to cultivate steep slopes. It is a common sight in regions like Southeast Asia and the Andes in South America.
Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America, started flourishing economically with the successful cultivation and export of tobacco. The crop became a key factor in the colony's survival and growth.