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Animals Life on Earth

Why Elephants are not Smarter than Humans, Despite Having Bigger Brains? [Explained]

African Elephant herd
An elephant herd, led by a Magnificent 'Tusker' bull at a waterhole in the Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa. Source: Deposit Photos

Despite their larger brains, elephants and whales, while exhibiting significant intelligence, do not reach the cognitive levels of humans, whose brains are comparatively smaller. This paradoxical scenario underscores the complexity of measuring intelligence solely by brain size. In this exploration, we delve into why the larger brains of these majestic animals do not necessarily confer superior intelligence. There are nuanced factors beyond mere size – including brain structure, neuron density, and functional specialization – that contribute to the remarkable cognitive abilities seen in humans. This article aims to unravel the mysteries behind brain size and intelligence, offering insights into how diverse species have evolved distinct cognitive capabilities.

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Life on Earth Animals Planet Earth

What would the Earth be like if humans had never existed? [15 significant differences]

Earth without humans, wildlife
Without humans, the lands of Earth would resemble Serengeti, which hosts the largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world. This helps secure it as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa and one of the ten natural travel wonders of the world. The Serengeti is also renowned for its large lion population and is one of the best places to observe prides in their natural environment. The region contains the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and several game reserves. Approximately 70 large mammal and 500 bird species are found there. This high diversity is a function of diverse habitats, including riverine forests, swamps, kopjes, grasslands, and woodlands. Blue wildebeests, gazelles, zebras, and buffalos are some of the commonly found large mammals in the region.

Around 4 million years ago, the ancestors of humans and chimpanzees diverged, genetic evidence suggests. What, if the last common ancestor of chimpanzees and humans would suddenly die before giving birth to any babies? What would the Earth be like if humans had never existed?

Researchers from Aarhus University in Denmark demonstrated that the Earth without humans would resemble Serengeti, a geographical region in Africa that hosts the largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world.

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Animals Life on Earth

Top 15 Animals with Misleading Names

Animals with misleading names: Guinea pig
Animals with misleading names: Despite its name, the guinea pig is not a pig and is not from Guinea. It is a rodent from the Andes in South America. Image source: Deposit Photos

Animals can sometimes have misleading names and carry titles that either exaggerate their features, misrepresent their behavior or habitat, or simply confuse them with entirely different species. Here are the top 15 animals known for their misleading names:

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This Day in Science, Technology, Astronomy, and Space Exploration History Space Exploration

Anna Lee Fisher became the first mother in space on November 8, 1984

Anna Lee Fisher became the first mother in space on November 8, 1984
Anna Lee Fisher became the first mother in space on November 8, 1984

On November 8, 1984, American astronaut Anna Lee Fisher became the first mother in space aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery as a mission specialist of NASA’s STS-51-A mission. It was her only spaceflight.

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Planet Earth Animals Astronomy Evolution Life on Earth Prehistoric Solar System

Top 10 Misconceptions about Earth

The Blue Marble: Apollo 17 Earth image
In December 1972, Apollo 17 spacecraft took a photo of Earth from space, at a distance of about 45,000 kilometers (28,000 miles). This image, with the official NASA designation AS17-148-22727, became known as "The Blue Marble", one of the most iconic photos of Earth from space. In fact, it was not the first clear image of Earth taken from space - similar photos had already been taken as early as 1967. But, the 1970s were the scene of a big surge in environmental activism. For example, on April 22, 1970, the first "Earth Day" was organized by Gaylord Nelson, former senator of Wisconsin, and Denis Hayes, a Harvard graduate student. Millions of people gather in the United States for the event. So, in today's terms, image AS17-148-22727 went "viral" and became a symbol of the environmental movement, as a depiction of Earth's frailty, vulnerability, and isolation amid the vast expanse of space. According to NASA archivist Mike Gentry, it is among the most widely distributed images in human history.

Our home planet is a complex and wondrous place, brimming with mysteries and surprises. Yet, in the vast expanse of knowledge we hold about Earth, some misconceptions have taken root. These widely held but incorrect beliefs often stem from outdated textbooks, misunderstood science, or the oversimplification of complex concepts for ease of learning. They range from ideas about the shape of the Earth and the causes of the seasons to beliefs about the composition of the atmosphere and the workings of Earth’s ecosystems.

Dispelling these misconceptions is not just about correcting facts; it’s about deepening our understanding of the world around us and fostering a more informed appreciation of our place within it. Here are the top ten misconceptions about Earth.

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Animals Life on Earth

10 Largest Crocodiles Ever Recorded

Lolong was the largest crocodile in the world ever measured properly: from snout to tail, this fascinating beast was 6.17 meters (20 feet 3 inches) in length.
Lolong was the largest crocodile in the world ever measured properly: from snout to tail, this fascinating beast was 6.17 meters (20 feet 3 inches) in length.

Crocodiles rank among the largest and most formidable predators on Earth, capable of overpowering prey several times their size. These ancient, awe-inspiring, but also feared creatures have captivated human fascination for centuries, giving rise to both genuine curiosity and countless ‘big fish’ stories about their size. Many of the ‘giant’ crocodile photos you see on the internet are either taken using techniques like forced perspective or are simply photoshopped. So, how big can they get? What is the largest crocodile in the world? Here are the top ten largest crocodiles ever recorded.

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Solar System Astronomy This Day in Science, Technology, Astronomy, and Space Exploration History

The Largest Comet Bernardinelli-Bernstein was Discovered on October 20, 2014

Largest comet ever known: Comet Bernardinelli-Bernstein
On October 20, 2014, astronomers Pedro Bernardinelli and Gary Bernstein discovered the largest comet ever known using archival images from the Dark Energy Survey. Comet Bernardinelli-Bernstein's estimated diameter is approximately 80 miles (128 km) across, making it larger than the state of Rhode Island.

On October 20, 2014, astronomers Pedro Bernardinelli and Gary Bernstein discovered the largest comet ever known using archival images from the Dark Energy Survey [see notes 1]. Comet Bernardinelli-Bernstein’s estimated diameter is approximately 85 miles (136.7 km) across, making it larger than the state of Rhode Island. According to NASA, its nucleus is about 50 times larger than that found at the heart of most known comets. [Source] Its mass is estimated to be a staggering 500 trillion tons – about 100,000 times greater than the mass of a typical comet found much closer to the Sun.

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Moon Landing Computer Science Software Space Exploration Technology

Apollo Guidance Computer [1965 TV Program]

Apollo Guidance Computer: Ramon Alonso (right) with John Fitch.
John Fitch speaks with Ramon Alonso (right), the Assistant Director of the Instrumentation Laboratory, about the Apollo guidance and navigation system's operations.

This 1965 MIT Science Reporter television program serves as a remarkable time capsule, capturing a pivotal moment in the history of space exploration and computer technology. Presented by MIT in association with WGBH-TV Boston and produced for NASA, the program provides an in-depth look at the Apollo guidance computer and navigation equipment, a technological marvel weighing less than 60 pounds (27 kg) but tasked with guiding astronauts to the Moon and back.

Hosted by MIT reporter John Fitch, the program features key scientists and engineers including Eldon Hall, Ramon Alonzo, and Albert Hopkins from the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory, as well as Jack Poundstone from Raytheon’s Space Division. Together, they delve into the intricate complexities and monumental challenges of the project, from spacecraft trajectory control to computer construction and onboard telescope operation.

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Life on Earth

6 Reasons Why Life is Based on Carbon Instead of Silicon

Elk in Forest
Elk in Forest. Source: Deposit Photos

Every living thing on Earth, from giant trees and whales to tiny bacteria, has one surprising thing in common: they all rely on carbon. It’s a bit of a mystery when you think about it. Carbon isn’t the most common element around; that title goes to oxygen. It’s not the most stable, like helium, and it’s far less abundant than other elements, like nitrogen which fills most of our atmosphere. But still, carbon is everywhere in us, making up a fifth of our bodies. So, why did life choose carbon, especially when there were other elements in greater supply? Let’s dive into the story behind why nature might have picked carbon as its building block of choice.

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Animals Life on Earth

Why are whales unlikely to get cancer? [Peto’s Paradox explained]

Humpback whale jumping out of water
Humpback whale jumping out of water. Image source: Deposit Photos

Peto’s Paradox is a captivating conundrum in the realm of evolutionary biology and cancer research, prompting scientists to ponder a perplexing question: Why don’t large-bodied or long-lived animals, like whales and elephants, with their multitude of cells and extended lifetimes, exhibit a proportionally higher incidence of cancer compared to smaller species?

Named after the epidemiologist Richard Peto (see source 2 at the bottom of this post), this paradox challenges conventional understanding, suggesting that creatures like whales or elephants, despite having many more cells that could potentially turn cancerous over longer lifespans, don’t necessarily suffer from cancer more frequently than humans do. Unraveling the mystery behind this phenomenon could offer profound insights into cancer resistance and inform future therapeutic strategies.

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