CULTURAL QA 08202413
Topic-Science. Base Quora QA-Compiled
Q1 Are there any "inventions" that were technically discovered and
not invented?
KR Everything so far found as science (discovery) or
applications of science (invention) were only coioncidences and not
exacyly, a methodical step by step worked out findings. Discovery ios
finding the reason; Invention is to apply and make it fallow to function.
The authentic factors behind the discovery and invention of science are
multi-faceted and often interrelated. Here are some key factors:
1. Curiosity and Inquiry: At the core of scientific discovery is a
fundamental curiosity about the natural world. Scientists are driven by
questions and a desire to understand how things work, which propels them to
explore and investigate.
2. Observation and Experimentation: Science relies heavily on observation
of natural phenomena and experimentation to test hypotheses. The systematic
collection of data and rigorous testing are crucial for verifying results
and advancing knowledge.
3. Critical Thinking and Skepticism: Critical thinking involves analyzing
and evaluating information rigorously. Skepticism ensures that scientific
claims are not accepted without sufficient evidence, fostering a culture of
questioning and refinement.
4. Innovation and Creativity: Many scientific breakthroughs arise from
innovative thinking and creative approaches. Scientists often need to think
outside the box to develop new methods, tools, or theories that can lead to
significant discoveries.
5. Collaboration and Communication: Science is increasingly a
collaborative effort. Working with others, sharing ideas, and communicating
findings are essential for advancing knowledge and solving complex problems.
6. Technological Advancements: The development of new technologies often
opens up new areas of exploration. Instruments and tools such as
microscopes, telescopes, and computers have expanded our ability to observe
and analyze the world.
7. Cultural and Historical Context: The context in which scientific
inquiry takes place can shape the direction of research. Historical events,
cultural attitudes, and societal needs can influence the focus and funding
of scientific endeavors.
8. Persistence and Resilience: Scientific discovery often involves
overcoming obstacles and setbacks. Persistence and resilience are crucial
for addressing challenges and continuing the pursuit of knowledge.
These factors, among others, contribute to the process of scientific
discovery and invention, helping to expand our understanding of the world
and drive progress in various fields.
The left out in the lab got poisoned went to discover the pencilin.
So, better to stay out of such meaningless Q and A. *Top of Form*
The concepts of discovery and invention are often intertwined but
fundamentally distinct. Here’s a breakdown of the differences between them:
Discovery
Definition: Discovery involves finding something that already exists but
was previously unknown. It’s about uncovering facts, principles, or
phenomena that were previously hidden or unrecognized.
Nature: Discoveries are often related to natural phenomena or universal
truths. They reveal what is already present in the natural world or the
universe.
Examples:
Gravity: Isaac Newton’s formulation of the law of universal gravitation was
a discovery of how gravity works, a force that already existed.
Penicillin: Alexander Fleming discovered the antibiotic properties of
penicillin, a substance that was naturally occurring but had not yet been
recognized for its medical potential.
Process: Discovery typically involves observation, experimentation, and
analysis to identify something that already exists. It often builds upon
existing knowledge or understanding.
Invention
Definition: Invention involves creating something new that did not
previously exist. It’s about designing and developing new tools, processes,
or concepts.
Nature: Inventions are human-made and usually involve applying knowledge in
innovative ways to solve specific problems or fulfill particular needs.
Examples:
The Light Bulb: Thomas Edison’s development of the practical electric light
bulb was an invention that created a new way to produce light.
The Internet: The development of the internet was an invention that
established a new system for global communication and information sharing.
Process: Invention typically involves creativity, design, and engineering.
It requires combining existing knowledge and resources in novel ways to
produce something new.
Overlap and Interaction
Discovery Leading to Invention: Discoveries can lead to inventions. For
example, the discovery of electromagnetism led to the invention of electric
motors and various electronic devices.
Invention Leading to Discovery: Inventions can enable new discoveries. For
example, the invention of the microscope allowed scientists to discover and
understand microorganisms.
In summary, discovery is about uncovering what is already out there in the
natural world, while invention is about creating something new through
human ingenuity. Both processes are crucial for scientific progress and
technological advancement.
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*Bottom of Form*
Q2 What are the weirdest experiments performed throughout history?
KR: It leads one to think as only one on this earth; also do not
see , any weidness in these as testing the truth or for th truth is a right
of human beings. A few Brittanicca revealed were pragmatic approaches as
experiment sin other fields:
Yes, there have been numerous pragmatic and influential experiments across
various fields that, like the Rosenhan experiment, have provided
significant insights and led to important changes. Here are some notable
examples from different domains:
Psychology and Social Sciences Stanford Prison Experiment (1971):
Conducted by: Philip Zimbardo and colleagues.
Objective: To investigate the psychological effects of perceived power and
authority.
Method: College students were assigned roles as either guards or prisoners
in a simulated prison environment. The experiment was cut short due to the
extreme and unethical behavior exhibited by participants.
Findings: Demonstrated how situational factors can lead to abusive
behavior, highlighting the impact of power dynamics and the potential for
ordinary people to commit harmful acts.
Milgram Experiment (1961):
Conducted by: Stanley Milgram.
Objective: To study obedience to authority figures.
Method: Participants were asked to administer increasingly severe electric
shocks to a person (who was actually an actor) as part of a supposed
learning experiment. Many participants complied with the authority’s
instructions despite ethical concerns.
Findings: Revealed the extent to which people are willing to follow
authority figures even when it involves causing harm to others.
Medicine and Health
Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs):
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of medical treatments or
interventions.
Method: Patients are randomly assigned to either a treatment group or a
control group to compare outcomes. This design helps control for bias and
confounding variables.
Impact: RCTs are considered the gold standard in clinical research and have
led to evidence-based practices in medicine.
Framingham Heart Study (1948–present):
Objective: To identify risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Method: A longitudinal cohort study involving residents of Framingham,
Massachusetts, tracking their health over time.
Findings: Identified key risk factors such as high blood pressure, high
cholesterol, smoking, and obesity, leading to significant advancements in
heart disease prevention and treatment.
Economics The Ultimatum Game:
Objective: To study human behavior in economic decision-making and fairness.
Method: One participant (the proposer) is given a sum of money to divide
with another participant (the responder). The responder can accept or
reject the offer. If rejected, neither participant receives any money.
Findings: Revealed that people often reject offers they perceive as unfair,
challenging traditional economic models based solely on self-interest.
The Broken Windows Theory:
Objective: To examine the relationship between minor social disorder and
more serious crime.
Method: The theory posits that maintaining urban environments in a
well-ordered condition may prevent further vandalism and escalation into
more serious crime.
Impact: Influenced policing strategies and urban policy, though it has also
been the subject of debate and criticism regarding its efficacy and
implications for social justice.
Education
The "Teaching for Understanding" Project:
Objective: To improve educational practices by focusing on deep
understanding rather than rote memorization.
Method: Implemented in various schools, it emphasizes teaching strategies
that foster critical thinking and real-world application of knowledge.
Impact: Influenced curriculum design and instructional practices, promoting
a more holistic approach to education.
Project Follow Through (1967-1995):
Objective: To determine the most effective methods of teaching
disadvantaged children.
Method: Compared various educational programs across different schools and
communities.
Findings: Demonstrated that direct instruction was highly effective in
improving educational outcomes, influencing educational policy and
practices.
These experiments and studies have made substantial contributions to their
respective fields by challenging existing paradigms, improving practices,
and informing policy. They exemplify the power of pragmatic, empirical
research in shaping our understanding and improving various aspects of
society.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Q3 What are the exciting facts about Satellites?
KR: 1. Communication Satellites
Intelsat Series: A global fleet of satellites providing telecommunication
services. Intelsat I, also known as "Early Bird," was the first
communication satellite, launched in 1965.
Hubble Space Telescope: Launched in 1990, it has provided stunning images
of the universe and has been crucial for various astronomical discoveries.
Iridium Satellites: A constellation of 66 satellites providing global
mobile phone coverage.
2. Weather Satellites
GOES Series (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites): Used by
the United States to monitor weather conditions in real-time. GOES-16 and
GOES-17 are part of this series.
METEOSAT Series: A series of weather satellites operated by the European
Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT).
3. Navigation Satellites
GPS Satellites: Part of the Global Positioning System operated by the
United States. The system consists of 31 satellites providing global
navigation and timing information.
Galileo: The European Union's global navigation satellite system, designed
to provide high-precision positioning services.
GLONASS: Russia’s global navigation satellite system, similar to GPS.
4. Earth Observation Satellites
Landsat Series: A series of satellites providing high-resolution imagery of
Earth's surface for monitoring land use and environmental changes. Landsat
8 is one of the latest in the series.
Sentinel Satellites: Part of the Copernicus program, operated by the
European Space Agency (ESA), designed for Earth observation and
environmental monitoring.
5. Scientific Satellites
Chandra X-ray Observatory: Launched in 1999, it observes X-rays from
high-energy regions of the universe.
James Webb Space Telescope (JWST): Scheduled for launch in 2021, it is
designed to study the universe in infrared and aims to build on the
discoveries made by Hubble.
6. Military Satellites
DSP (Defense Support Program) Satellites: Used by the United States for
early-warning missile detection.
Navstar Satellites: Part of the GPS system, with both military and civilian
applications.
7. Space Science and Exploration Satellites
Voyager 1 and Voyager 2: Launched in 1977, these spacecrafts have traveled
beyond the solar system and provide valuable data about interstellar space.
Juno: Launched in 2011, Juno is studying Jupiter's atmosphere, magnetic
field, and gravitational field.
8. Miscellaneous Satellites
Sputnik 1: The first artificial Earth satellite, launched by the Soviet
Union in 1957, marking the start of the space age.
Starlink Satellites: A constellation of satellites being deployed by SpaceX
to provide global broadband internet coverage.
Satellite Constellations
OneWeb: A constellation of satellites aimed at providing global internet
coverage.
Amazon’s Project Kuiper: Planned satellite constellation for global
broadband internet ser As of mid-2024, here’s a summary of the number of
satellites around Earth, including active and defunct ones, as well as
information on the latest satellites:
Number of Satellites Total Satellites:
Approximately 8,000: This number includes both active and inactive
satellites. The exact number is constantly changing as new satellites are
launched and old ones are decommissioned or collide.
Active Satellites: Around 4,700 to 5,000: These satellites are currently
operational and performing their designated functions, such as
communication, weather monitoring, Earth observation, and navigation.
Defunct Satellites: About 3,000: These are satellites that are no longer
operational. They may remain in orbit as space debris or have re-entered
Earth's atmosphere and burned up.
Space Debris and Collision Risks Space Debris: The issue of space debris
is significant, as defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments
from collisions contribute to the risk of collisions in space. Active
efforts are in place to track and manage space debris to mitigate collision
risks.
Latest Satellite
James Webb Space Telescope (JWST):
Launch Date: December 25, 2021.
Mission: Designed to explore the universe in infrared, JWST aims to study
the formation of stars and galaxies, and investigate the atmospheres of
exoplanets.
Latest Operational Satellite (as of August 2024):
Sentinel-1C:
Launch Date: April 7, 2023.
Mission: Part of the Copernicus program, Sentinel-1C is an Earth
observation satellite equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) to
monitor land and sea surface changes.
Recent Developments
Starlink Satellites:
SpaceX’s Starlink constellation continues to expand, with numerous
satellites being launched to provide global broadband internet coverage.
SpaceX frequently deploys new batches of these satellites.
OneWeb Satellites:
OneWeb has been actively launching satellites to build its own
constellation for global internet coverage.
The space environment is dynamic, with ongoing satellite launches,
advancements in space technology, and efforts to address the challenges of
space debris. vice.
Sir, I never beat around the bush unnecessarily; Iwas about to pass; but
your unintelligent sarcastic comments, invited me; and I had given the
whole picture lest you shall not write as weird.
Q4 What is an interesting fact of history that most people don't
know?
KR: I find half hearted discussion. Absoute truth of gret wall of
china as I read out of: {Mr G brings it for the 3rd time}
The Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic and enduring symbols of
China's historical and architectural prowess. Here’s a detailed history of
its construction, significance, and evolution:
1. Early Beginnings (7th Century BCE – 221 BCE) Pre-Qin Walls: The earliest
walls built for defense in China date back to the 7th century BCE during
the Warring States period. These early fortifications were built by various
states to protect their territories from invasions. They were constructed
of rammed earth, wood, and other materials.
Qin Dynasty (221 BCE – 206 BCE):
Unification: When Emperor Qin Shi Huang unified China in 221 BCE, he
extended and connected several existing walls and fortifications to create
a more unified defensive system against northern nomadic tribes, notably
the Xiongnu.
Construction: The construction during the Qin Dynasty used materials such
as tamped earth, wood, and stone. The walls were built primarily from the
northern Chinese plains to the Gobi Desert. The Qin walls were not as
monumental as those seen later, but they laid the groundwork for future
construction.
2. Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE)
Expansion: The Han Dynasty extended the Wall further into the northwest
regions to protect the Silk Road trade routes. During this period, the Wall
was fortified with watchtowers and garrison stations to strengthen its
defensive capabilities.
Materials: Han construction utilized materials such as tamped earth, stone,
and bricks in certain areas.
3. Northern Wei and Sui Dynasties (386 CE – 618 CE) Fortifications: During
these periods, the Wall was further extended and fortified. The Northern
Wei Dynasty, in particular, made significant contributions to its
development, reinforcing existing sections and building new ones.
4. Ming Dynasty (1368 CE – 1644 CE) Major Reconstruction: The Ming
Dynasty is often associated with the most recognizable sections of the
Great Wall. Following the fall of the Yuan Dynasty and the threat from the
Mongols, the Ming rulers undertook extensive reconstruction and
reinforcement of the Wall.
Construction Materials: During the Ming Dynasty, bricks and stones were
used extensively, leading to the sturdy and well-preserved walls seen
today. The Wall was fortified with watchtowers, fortresses, and beacon
towers.
Notable Sections: The sections near Beijing, such as Badaling and Mutianyu,
were constructed or renovated during this period, and they are some of the
best-preserved parts of the Wall.
5. Qing Dynasty and Beyond (1644 CE – 1912 CE) Decline: During the Qing
Dynasty, which succeeded the Ming Dynasty, the Wall lost its strategic
importance due to the consolidation of power in Beijing and the
establishment of a unified Chinese empire under the Qing. The Wall fell
into disrepair as it was no longer needed for defense.
6. 20th Century to Present Cultural Heritage: In the 20th century, the
Great Wall became an important symbol of Chinese heritage. The Wall's
significance was recognized globally, and it was designated a UNESCO World
Heritage Site in 1987.
Preservation Efforts: Efforts have been made to preserve and restore
sections of the Great Wall, especially those that are most visited and
historically significant. However, parts of the Wall continue to face
threats from natural erosion and human activity.
Architectural Features Construction Materials: Over different
dynasties, various materials were used, including tamped earth, wood,
stone, and brick.
Design: The Wall features a variety of designs, including watchtowers,
beacon towers, and fortresses, depending on the region and era of
construction.
Significance
Historical Role: The Great Wall served as a formidable defense against
invasions and raids, controlling migration and trade along the Silk Road.
Cultural Symbol: Today, the Wall is a powerful symbol of Chinese strength,
perseverance, and ingenuity. It attracts millions of visitors annually and
remains a subject of fascination and admiration worldwide.
The Great Wall of China represents a monumental feat of ancient engineering
and a rich historical legacy. Its construction spanned over 2,000 years and
reflects the evolving needs and resources of the Chinese empires that built
and maintained it.
1. "The Great Wall of China: From History to Myth" by Arthur Waldron (long
ago)
Overview: This book provides a thorough historical account of the Great
Wall, challenging many myths and misconceptions. Arthur Waldron, a
well-known historian, offers a detailed examination of the Wall's
historical development, its strategic importance, and its role in Chinese
history.
Key Features: Extensive research and analysis of historical documents,
exploration of the Wall’s myths versus realities.
2. "The Great Wall of China: A Visual History" by Nancy L. Green (Bought
and read and gifted to daughter in June 2024)
Overview: This book is visually oriented, offering a rich collection of
photographs, maps, and illustrations alongside historical text. It provides
a visual journey through the Wall’s construction and preservation.
Key Features: Extensive visual content, ideal for readers interested in the
Wall's architectural and visual aspects.
3. "The Great Wall: China Against the World, 1000 BC – AD 2000" by Julia
Lovell(from USA library read)
Overview: Julia Lovell's book covers the Great Wall's evolution over more
than two millennia, from its early beginnings to its role in modern times.
It explores the Wall's significance in Chinese and global contexts.
Key Features: Comprehensive historical coverage, analysis of the Wall’s
impact on global perceptions.
4 . "The Great Wall of China: The Hidden History" by David Haward Bain (
bought and after reading given to grandson)
Overview: Bain’s book offers an in-depth exploration of lesser-known
aspects of the Great Wall's history and its construction. It examines both
well-known and obscure details about the Wall’s development.
Key Features: Detailed historical analysis, exploration of lesser-known
facts.
These books provide a range of perspectives on the Great Wall of China,
from historical and cultural analyses to visual and technological
approaches. Each offers a different lens through which to understand this
monumental structure and its significance in both Chinese and world history.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
K Rajaram IRS 13824
On Tue, 13 Aug 2024 at 09:02, Gopala Krishnan <[email protected]> wrote:
> CULTURAL QA 08-2024-13
>
> Topic-Science. Base Quora QA-Compiled
>
> Q1 Are there any "inventions" that were technically discovered and
> not invented?
>
> A1 Jim Mowreader, Printing Expert (1994–present) May 8
>
> In 1938 DuPont chemist Roy Plunkett was trying to invent a new refrigerant
> using a gas called tetrafluoroethylene.
>
> One Friday night he decided he was going to get started bright and early
> on Monday working on this refrigerant and drew an iron cylinder full of the
> gas from the chemical stockroom, then put it in his lab for work Monday.
>
> Come Monday he put the cylinder on a scale and began his work.
> Unfortunately for his work the gas quit flowing from the cylinder long
> before the scale said the cylinder was empty. He got curious and cut the
> cylinder open, only to find a waxy material inside. What no one knew
> before then was that iron is the catalyst that turns this gas into a very
> slick plastic. They call this plastic Teflon.
>
> In 1856 chemistry student William Perkin was given the task of
> synthesizing quinine - a malaria treatment - from aniline. One of his
> batches created a black sludge at the bottom of the beaker. When he tried
> to clean the beaker with alcohol, the black solid turned purple and this
> purple substance was an excellent fabric dye.
>
> Q2 What are the weirdest experiments performed throughout history?
>
> A2 Ian O'Grady, Studied TV and Film Production11mo
>
> How do you sanely tell a doctor you’re not insane? This was an answer
> psychologist David Rosenhan wanted to find out. He set out to conduct a
> test to determine the validity of psychiatric diagnoses.
>
> The test involved him and other participants to be committed to various
> psychiatric institutions around America. They had feigned mental illness by
> pretending to be hallucinating to be accepted, but once they were committed
> they had to act like their normal selves for the duration of their stay in
> the hospital.
>
> Throughout their time in these hospitals, none of the doctors or staff
> suspected them to be a pseudo patients. They took notes during these stays,
> and one nurse labelled the note-taking as obsessive behaviour related to
> mental illness, but in reality, they were taking notes on the nurse’s
> conduct. The only people who suspected and believed them to be imposters
> were other patients.
>
> The object of the experiment was to get released on your own, but a lawyer
> was on hand in case it became clear the hospital wasn’t going to let you go
> on short notice. To get out a lot of the participants had to admit to
> having a mental illness and take antipsychotic medication.
>
> During their time at these hospitals, the pseudo-patients recorded how
> they felt overwhelming dehumanization and an invasion of privacy by doctors
> and staff. They noted how doctors would discuss them in great detail with
> another doctor as if they weren't even in the room. They were also subject
> to verbal and physical assaults by other patients which would be ignored if
> brought to staff’s attention.
>
> In one hospital Rosenhan spent three months trying to get out, even after
> he told family members he would be out in three days.
>
> When details of the experiment was published it was wildly criticised. A
> psychologist at another hospital was quite intrigued by his experiment and
> asked Rosenhan to send him a group of Pseudo-patients along with regular
> patients, and bet Rosenhan that his staff would be able to tell the
> difference.
>
> Out of the 100 patients Rosenhan sent to the hospital staff there were
> able to identify 41 pseudo-patients. The problem was Rosenhan only sent
> regular patients to the hospital.
>
> Q3 What are the exciting facts about Satellites?
>
> A3 Aagam Zaveri, Lives in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Updated 3y
>
> 1. NASA has 2 satellites chasing each other around the Earth tracking the
> distance between them to measure gravitational anomalies. Their nicknames
> are Tom & Jerry.
>
> 2. Satellites are programmed to avoid meteorites so they don’t get
> destroyed. Of over 8,000 satellites orbiting the Earth, only one has ever
> been destroyed by a meteorite.
>
> 3. In 2007, China tested a missile and shot down one of their own
> satellites, accidentally creating 2,087 pieces of space debris on crazy
> orbits, all of which are now required to be tracked to avoid space
> collisions.
>
>
>
> 4. The first American spy satellites literally dropped their film from
> space in a “film bucket” that was then scooped up in mid air by a plane
>
> 5. There is a satellite orbiting Earth that is predicted to re-enter the
> atmosphere in 8.4 million years, carrying a message addressed to the
> beings/humans and civilization of the future.
>
> 6. A man received an emergency satellite locator beacon as a present,
> didn’t read the instructions and ended up triggering 9 false alarms Search
> and Rescue deployments over the course of 12 weeks.
>
> 7. In 1996, NASA generated electricity with a satellite on a 13-mile long
> wire, released from Space Shuttle. The wire was clearly visible from Earth
> and was one of the biggest human-made objects in space.
>
> 8. Former USSR Lt. Col. Stanislav Petrov prevented a nuclear holocaust and
> potentially WWIII by going with his “gut feeling” and believing that the
> USSR’s early-warning satellite signal was faulty when it reported that the
> US had launched 5 ballistic missiles at them.
>
> 9. There is a large area over Brazil where the Earth’s magnetic field has
> weakened, it is so large that NASA powers down its satellites when passing
> over.
>
> 10. In 1985, the USAF shot down a satellite with a missile launched from
> an F-15.
>
> 11. The act of Kinetic Bombardment (firing large metal rods from a
> satellite into the Earth’s surface at terminal velocity as a weapon)
> remains legal & for the Source (Kinetic bombardment - Wikipedia)
>
> 12. A Canadian inventor tried to create a “supergun” which could fire
> satellites into orbit from a 512 foot-long barrel embedded inside a hill.
> When western funding failed, he turned to military application of his ideas
> for Saddam Hussein, but then he was assassinated in Brussels.
>
> 13. Nazi Germany had a research program (Wunderwaffe) that included a
> stealth bomber, night vision, a 1,500-ton super tank, submarine aircraft
> carrier, an x-ray gun, and a satellite with a concave mirror to “make an
> ocean boil or burn a city.” & for knowing more about it you can refer
> (Wunderwaffe - Wikipedia)
>
> 14. All 24 GPS satellites are equipped with atomic clocks capable of
> getting the time stamp to a location to the 100 billionths of a second.
>
> Edit 2:
>
> Do y'all know what's the distance of the farthermost satellite from
> Earth?
>
> It's 141 astronomical units (sun-earth distance) & guess the name… it's
> non other than Voyager 1 (141 astronomical units ~ to 13.2 billion miles or
> 21.2 billion kilometers).
>
> It was launched on 5th September 1977 & there's an interesting fact about
> how is power generated in Voyager 1.
>
> As in traditional satellites, the power is generated by solar panels ,the
> same is not possible with Voyager 1 as it's journey being far away from sun
> ,it won't be able to generate enough power for itself.
>
> So here's how power is generated in Voyager 1:
>
> It has three radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) mounted on a
> boom. Each MHW-RTG contains 24 pressed plutonium-238 oxide spheres. The
> RTGs generates about 470 W of electric power at the time of launch, with
> the remainder being dissipated as waste heat. The power output of the RTGs
> declines over time (due to the 87.7-year half-life of the fuel and
> degradation of the thermocouples), but the craft's RTGs will continue to
> support some of its operations until 2025.
>
> My note- FRIENDS, I have not verified the above statements. I feel, they
> are correct.
>
> However Mr Rajaram in his response will surely check the truth of all the
> statements and add all additional information, I am sure.
>
> Q4 What is an interesting fact of history that most people don't
> know?
>
> A4 Michelle - MAD PIRATE QUEEN,Amateur history buff. Jul 13
>
> There’s more than one Great Wall of China.
>
> I know, I know. When you think of the Great Wall, you think of this single
> wall that stretches the breadth of China with watch tower after watch tower
> off into the distance…
>
> To be fair, some parts of it look like that but it’s not a single unbroken
> line:
>
> There are walls all over the place.
>
> As the borders moved backwards and forwards different walls were built at
> different times in different places - the first bits of wall were built as
> early as the 7th Century BCE and the last stretches from 1368–1644 CE by
> the Ming Dynasty.
>
> Regardless of when it was built, it's still amazing and well worth the
> trip to see although I will mention that bits have moved, it’s as steep as
> hell and the steps are tricky:
>
> Q5 If you could choose one extinct species to come back to life,
> which one would it be and why?
>
> A5 Jean-Marie Valheur, knows a thing or two Feb 12
>
> I’m a romantic, sentimental person… the Great Auk. See the Great Auk was
> this grand flightless bird. They were mercilessly hunted to extinction.
>
> And when they were already close to the point of dying out, in the early
> 19th century, people went even MORE crazy to obtain specimens — not to
> save them, but to place them in a museum.
>
> The Great Auk kept going into more and more remote areas, however, to find
> refuge. These large, penguin-like creatures are said to have “walked like
> a man”. At some point, virtually all Great Auks were killed off… so they
> went to this tiny little island near Iceland, called Eldey.
>
> It was an uninhabited island, just one huge rock. No one lived there but
> the Great Auk. And still, humans would not stop hounding the poor things…
> They were believed extinct when on June 3, 1844, some men encountered two
> of the birds on Eldey. They were the last Great Auks ever. Two adult,
> hatching an egg. And this is the beautiful — and tragic — thing… the fact
> that they were hatching an egg. It was male, a female, and an egg. The
> species could have survived if left alone. At the very least, they stood
> a fighting chance.
>
> Icelandic hunter Sigurður Ísleifsson was interviewed years later. He
> described killing the last of Great Auk: “Took him by the neck and he
> flapped his wings. He made no cry. I strangled him.” His mate Ketill
> Ketilsson crushed the last remaining egg under his boot. Thus, killing the
> species forever. The brutality of seeing the very moment a species went
> extinct described in vivid detail, shocked me. And desperately makes me
> want to give the Great Auk the second chance they so richly deserve.
>
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