Facts You Probably don’t Need
- Octopuses have three hearts. Two hearts pump blood to the gills, while the third pumps it to the rest of the body.
- Sloths can hold their breath longer than dolphins. They can stay underwater for up to 40 minutes, while dolphins need to surface every eight to ten minutes.
- Wombat poop is cube shaped. Scientists believe that this unique shape helps wombats mark their territory effectively because it will not roll away.
- As of 2024, the pet population in Japan has surpassed the number of children in the country.
- Though mythical, the unicorn has been a symbol of Scotland since the 12th century, apparently first appearing on King William I’s coat of arms.
- The Anglo-Zanzibar War between the UK and Zanzibar in 1896 is said to be the shortest recorded war. Experts say it lasted only 38 minutes.
- In the 18th century, pineapples were a symbol of wealth and status. So much so that wealthy individuals would rent them to display at parties.
Facts by Sean McVeigh, factologist.
