Some Very Random Facts - 2 Trivia Quiz

Answer: up to 30,000

Dragonflies and bees have the largest eyes in the insect world. These amazing organs allow these insects a nearly 360° radius of vision without moving their heads. Each lens gives them superior motion detection, colour discrimination (seeing UV light), and polarized light, making them expert aerial hunters that perceive the world in slow-motion.

In addition, each lens points in a slightly different direction, giving them an amazing visual advantage.

Answer: penguin eggs

They were hoping to gather emperor penguin eggs from Cape Crozier, believing that the embryos would provide an evolutionary missing link between birds and reptiles, thus proving Darwin 's evolutionary theory. The men found a total of five eggs, however two broke on the way back. The remaining eggs can be seen at the Natural History Museum in London.

Answer: 1421

The Chinese Treasure Fleets were massive armadas in the 15th century led by
Admiral Zheng He. These fleets projected Ming Dynasty power, established diplomatic relationships and controlled maritime trade. In addition they displayed China's wealth and technological superiority across Asia and Africa. Mainstream historians agree that these fleets explored Southeast Asia, India, the Persian Gulf, and East Africa, however they did not reach the Americas or Australia.

Answer: 11.50 metres

Mawsynram lies in the Meghalaya region - which means 'Land of the Clouds'. While the statistics vary, 11.50 metres (37 feet) is an average of the figures available, however there is no disputing the fact that Mawsynram is the wettest place on earth. Interestingly most of Mawsynram's rain falls during the rainy season between June and October.

Answer: hoodoos

Hoodoos, irregularly eroded rock columns with a harder capstone protecting softer rock underneath, are common in Bryce Canyon in the US state of Utah. These tall, thin rock spires are formed by millions of years of water, ice, and wind erosion. The minerals in the rock produce beautiful shades of pink, red, orange and white that are especially vibrant during sunrise and sunset.

Answer: swearing

Poll was an African grey parrot who was originally bought for Jackson's wife, Rachel. After Rachel's death, Poll became Jackson's companion, and learned some rather colourful language from Jackson himself. At the funeral, it is alleged that Poll became so excited, she began swearing loudly and for so long, that it upset the mourners and she had to be carried out.

Answer: It's All Over Now

Arguably the biggest rock act of all times, the Stones have been around since 1963. Surprisingly they had only eight UK number ones - the last one with 'Honky Tonk Woman' almost exactly five years to the day after their first. In the States they first topped the Billboard Singles Charts in July 1965 with '(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction'.

Answer: walk

Adult dragonflies cannot walk. Their legs are specialized for catching prey midair, climbing, and perching. Being insects, they have six legs which are angled forward closer to the head. This makes walking virtually impossible. This configuration is ideal for forming a basket shape for grabbing and holding prey while flying.

As aerial predators, they are very efficient with an approximately 97% success rate. Dragonflies are most definitely aerial rather than ground animals.

Answer: 286

That's almost six years and more than any other player. Other impressive Sampras statistics include: 762 career wins, 14 Grand Slam Titles, 64 career singles titles and six times ATP Player of the Year. Some considered his demeanour about the court to be rather dull, and compared to the likes of John McEnroe it was, but his game was very effective.

Answer: 1300

Edward I introduced the Silver Standard throughout his realm in 1300. After that, every piece of silver in Britain had to be tested to show that it contained at least 92.5% pure silver. The first hallmark was simply a leopard's head stamp to certify that the piece met the Standard. Shortly afterwards, makers marks were added, and in 1378 the town mark was added, identifying where the piece was assayed. Finally, in 1478, the date letter was added, completing the set of four marks on each piece of British silver since.

This hallmarking system is considered the oldest bit of consumer protection in the world.