WTF • Fun • Fact    ( /dʌb(ə)lˌju/  /ti/   /ef/ • /fʌn/ • /fækt/ )

     1. noun  A random, interesting, and overall fun fact that makes you scratch your head and think what the...

WTF Fun Fact 13552 – Blue Whale’s Heartbeat

A blue whale’s heartbeat can be detected from an astonishing distance of two miles away!

The Mighty Pulse of the Blue Whale

The blue whale, known as Balaenoptera musculus, reigns as the largest creature on our planet. Its size surpasses even the mightiest dinosaurs. One of its awe-inspiring attributes? Under the right conditions, you can detect a blue whale’s heartbeat from an incredible distance of two miles away.

The Heart: Size and Scale

First, consider the immense size of the blue whale’s heart. It weighs around 400 pounds (181 kilograms) and is about as large as a small car. This massive organ pumps blood through a creature that can be up to 100 feet long and weigh as much as 200 tons. Each beat sends gallons of blood throughout its enormous body, delivering oxygen to muscles and vital organs.

Mechanics of Each Beat

The rate of the blue whale’s heartbeat also intrigues researchers. When a blue whale surfaces, its heart beats eight to ten times per minute. Yet, during a deep dive, this rate can plummet to a mere two beats per minute. This drop in heartbeat allows the whale to conserve oxygen and stay underwater for durations that can reach 90 minutes.

Each heartbeat exerts tremendous force. As the heart contracts, it generates strong pressure waves. Given the power and size behind each beat, these waves can travel for miles.

Tools of Detection: Hydrophones

Researchers use hydrophones, underwater microphones, to tap into the ocean’s soundscape. These devices pick up a range of sounds, from the melodies of humpback whales to the conversations of dolphins and the distant rumblings of underwater earthquakes. Amid these myriad sounds, the rhythmic thud of the blue whale’s heartbeat offers valuable information.

Water conditions, including temperature, salinity, and depth, affect how sound travels underwater. However, the unique rhythm of the blue whale’s heartbeat stands out, even in this busy sonic environment.

Heartbeat and Conservation

Studying the blue whale’s heartbeat has implications for conservation. Tracking the heart rate can give insights into the health of the species. Human activities, such as shipping or underwater drilling, can stress whales and alter their heart rates. By listening to the ocean’s pulse, scientists can determine the effects of human-caused noise on these marine giants and adjust conservation strategies accordingly.

Additionally, by understanding the blue whale’s heart, we can explore the limits of size in the animal kingdom. This knowledge might explain the maximum potential size of living organisms and provide insights into the evolution of marine giants.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “5 things you never knew about a whale’s heart” — Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum

WTF Fun Fact 13551 – Sights from the Willis Tower

The Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, is one of the most iconic skyscrapers in the United States. Dominating Chicago’s skyline since its completion in 1973, this 110-story structure stands as a testament to modern architectural and engineering marvels.

As the second-tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, it naturally offers some of the most breathtaking views imaginable. But few realize that, on a clear day, visitors to its Skydeck can see into not just one or two states, but four: Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

A Glimpse into Four States from the Willis Tower

When you’re standing 1,353 feet (412 meters) above the ground on the Willis Tower’s Skydeck, the expansive view unfolds before you. To the northeast, the shimmering waters of Lake Michigan stretch out, leading your gaze toward Michigan’s sandy shores. To the north, Wisconsin’s rolling landscapes become discernible. Turning southeast, Indiana’s terrains come into view. Of course, beneath you sprawls the bustling city of Chicago, representing Illinois.

It’s a vista that offers a sense of the vastness of America’s Midwest. Each direction provides a different perspective and a unique slice of the American landscape.

The Magic of Clear Days

To get the most out of your visit, timing and weather conditions play pivotal roles. On overcast or foggy days, visibility reduces drastically, and seeing into neighboring states might become challenging. But on clear days, when the sky is virtually free of clouds and haze, the chances of spotting all four states dramatically increase.

Local weather forecasts can be your friend in planning the perfect time for a visit. Typically, days following a cold front, characterized by low humidity and clear skies, offer the best views. Early mornings and late afternoons, when the sun casts long shadows and bathes the landscape in a golden hue, can be particularly enchanting times to experience the Skydeck.

Why the View Matters

Apart from being a unique selling point for the tower, the ability to view four states from one vantage point offers a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of the American Midwest. The sight underscores the geographical proximity and shared history of these states.

Historically, the region has been a hub for industry, agriculture, and trade, with Chicago often serving as a pivotal center for all these activities. The panoramic view reminds visitors of the ties that bind these states together, from the economic corridors to the shared waterways and cultural exchanges.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE WILLIS TOWER?” — SkyDeck

WTF Fun Fact 13550 – Grocery Store Apples

It turns out the “fresh” apple you buy at the store might not be as fresh as you think – grocery store apples can be a year old, and you’d never know it.

How Apples Stay Fresh for Months

We often assume the fresh produce we buy from the grocery store was harvested just days or weeks prior to our purchase. However, someone might have picked your apple over a year ago.

So how do stores manage to provide these fresh-looking and crisp-tasting apples throughout the year?

Controlled Atmosphere Storage

Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage is an innovation that has revolutionized the way we store apples and other produce. By regulating the temperature, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and humidity levels within storage units, apples’ ripening process slows significantly. The low temperature is particularly crucial, often set just above freezing. Additionally, reducing the oxygen levels from the 21% found in the air we breathe to a mere 1-2% and increasing carbon dioxide levels keeps the apples in a state of dormancy.

This storage method doesn’t just slow down the ripening process but can also help in preserving the apple’s flavor, color, texture, and vital nutrients. In essence, CA storage puts the apples to “sleep.” That way, we can store them for extended periods without significant deterioration.

The Journey of Grocery Stores Apples

Let’s follow the journey of an apple. It gets harvested during the apple-picking season, which typically runs from late summer to early fall. After a brief initial inspection and cleaning, instead of heading straight to the grocery shelves, many of these apples make their way into CA storage facilities. They might remain there for several months or even over a year, depending on the demand and variety of the apple.

When the market needs replenishment outside of the apple season, food purveyors get out their stored apples, wash them, and sometimes wax them to enhance their shine. After they undergo quality checks, companies pack and ship to grocery stores nationwide.

A common question arises: do these “aged” apples differ nutritionally from their fresher counterparts? The good news is that the CA storage process retains most of the apples’ nutrients. While there might be slight decreases in some vitamin levels, such as vitamin C, over extended periods, the overall nutritional profile remains largely intact.

Embracing the Benefits of Preserved Grocery Store Apples

Understanding the age of grocery store apples isn’t meant to deter individuals from purchasing them. In fact, CA storage has many benefits. It reduces food waste by allowing us to store apples longer, ensuring they don’t spoil before reaching consumers. It also ensures apples remain available year-round, not just during the harvest season.

However, for those who prioritize consuming fruits at their freshest, this information might influence purchasing decisions. Buying apples during their natural harvesting season or directly from local farmers’ markets can often guarantee a more recent harvest. Moreover, it’s always a good practice to ask store representatives about the sourcing and storage practices for their produce.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “That apple you just bought might be a year old – but does it matter?” — TODAY

WTF Fun Fact 13549 – Australia is Wider than the Moon

It’s hard to get a handle on just how big some land masses are – but while we know the land down under was big, we were still surprised to find out that Australia is wider than the moon! Of course, they’re not the same shape, so that makes a difference in terms of their size.

Australia is Wider than the Moon – With a Caveat

When discussing Australia’s vastness, people often mention its sweeping deserts, extensive coastline, and large metropolises. But a fact that frequently catches many off guard is that, in terms of width, Australia is wider than the moon.

The moon’s diameter measures about 3,474 kilometers. It might seem massive when you gaze up on a clear night, especially considering it’s over 384,400 kilometers away from Earth. But in terms of sheer size, it’s modest compared to some of the celestial bodies in our vast universe.

Australia’s Impressive Span

Stretching from its westernmost point of Steep Point in Western Australia to its easternmost tip at Cape Byron in New South Wales, Australia boasts a width of approximately 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles). This makes Australia over 500 kilometers wider than the moon. It’s an astonishing fact, given that the moon appears so dominant in our night sky.

Drawing from NASA’s data, the moon’s equatorial diameter measures at 3,476 km (2,159 miles). But this comparison demands further nuance.

The moon’s form is spherical, making it a three-dimensional entity. Australia, while vast, exists more like a two-dimensional plane on the surface of the Earth. This distinction is crucial. While Australia’s width might surpass that of the moon, the moon’s total surface area, encompassing 37.94 million square kilometers (14.65 million square miles), vastly exceeds Australia’s land area.

Perception vs. Reality

One might wonder, if Australia is wider than the moon, why does the moon appear so large in our sky? The answer lies in perception. The moon orbits Earth at a relatively close distance, making it appear larger to us. Additionally, phenomena like the “moon illusion,” where the moon appears larger near the horizon than when higher in the sky, can further skew our perceptions.

On the other hand, it’s challenging for our minds to grasp the true expanse of Australia. Most people experience countries piece by piece, city by city, or via maps that sometimes distort scale due to their projection. Thus, the full breadth of Australia’s landscape is not always immediately evident.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Is Australia Wider than the Earth’s Moon?” — Snopes

WTF Fun Fact 13548 – All Clownfish Are Born Male

All clownfish are born male. But they can change their sex.

The Basics of Clownfish Biology

Clownfish are reef-dwelling fish, easily recognizable by their striking orange color punctuated with white bands. They live among sea anemones, forming a symbiotic relationship that provides protection for the fish and food for the anemone. But their physical appearance and habitat preferences aren’t the only intriguing aspects of clownfish. Their reproductive system is a study in adaptability and role reversal.

In the animal kingdom, there are creatures that can change their sex under specific conditions. Clownfish are protandrous hermaphrodites, meaning they are born male and have the potential to turn female later in life. In any given clownfish group or “school,” there’s a strict hierarchy. At the top sits the dominant female, the largest of the group. Below her is the dominant male, the second-largest. The rest of the group consists of smaller, non-reproductive males.

Clownfish Are Born Male But Not All Stay Male

When the dominant female dies or is removed from the group, an astonishing transformation occurs. The dominant male undergoes a sex change, turning into a female to fill the vacant role. Following this, the next in line from the non-reproductive males will grow larger, becoming the new dominant male. This ensures that the group remains reproductive.

This dynamic transformation isn’t just about filling a role. It’s a strategic evolutionary adaptation. In the ocean, where challenges abound, ensuring a breeding pair is always available maximizes the chances of offspring survival. The hierarchy and subsequent role shifts allow clownfish groups to maintain a breeding pair without needing to seek mates from outside their established territory.

The Science Behind Why All Clownfish Are Born Male

The process by which clownfish change their gender is a complex one, driven by hormones and external environmental factors. When the dominant female is no longer present, the absence of her hormones, which inhibited the sex change in the dominant male, triggers a shift. The dominant male’s testes transform into ovaries, and he becomes a she. This process can take a few days to weeks. Once the transformation is complete, the newly formed female can reproduce with the new dominant male.

Implications for Conservation and Aquariums

Understanding the clownfish’s unique reproductive strategy is crucial for conservation and those who keep them in aquariums. Overharvesting clownfish for home aquariums can disrupt their complex social structures, making it essential for collectors and hobbyists to be aware of their needs.

When kept in aquariums, clownfish can still display their natural gender transition behaviors. If a female clownfish in a home tank dies, it’s not unusual for the largest male to transition to take her place, provided the environment mimics their natural habitat closely.

A Window into Evolutionary Adaptations

The clownfish’s ability to change its gender as needed is a testament to the wonders of evolution. This adaptability provides them with a distinct advantage in ensuring their survival. It also serves as a reminder of the myriad ways nature devises solutions to challenges.

Clownfish are not the only creatures with such capabilities. Other fish species, and even some reptiles, have the ability to change their sex based on environmental or social triggers. However, the clownfish remains one of the most iconic examples, and their captivating life story adds another layer of intrigue to these already beloved marine creatures.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Clownfish” — National Geographic

WTF Fun Fact 13547 – Dolphin Bromance

Dolphin bromance paints a vivid picture of the profound relationships male dolphins cultivate. Dive into the oceanic world, and you’ll find a complex tapestry of social interactions, with dolphin bromance standing out as one of the most captivating threads.

The Nature of Dolphin Bromance

Dolphins, with their playful antics and impressive intelligence, have always intrigued scientists. Within their pods, one can observe a complex hierarchy and a myriad of relationships. Particularly interesting are the coalitions formed by male dolphins. Often, groups of two or three males will bond, creating an alliance that lasts for many years. These bonds aren’t merely casual acquaintances formed out of convenience. They’re strategic, aiding these marine mammals in everything from securing mates to defending territory.

Strategies and Benefits

The primary objective of these bromances is two-fold. First, these alliances help in securing mating rights with females. In the vast expanse of the ocean, having allies ensures that a male dolphin has better chances during the mating season. Secondly, in an environment filled with potential threats, having a dependable coalition means better defense mechanisms against predators or rival male groups.

In addition to these practical benefits, these alliances also seem to offer emotional support. Dolphins are known for their advanced cognitive abilities, and these bonds hint at an emotional depth that’s still being explored. Observations have shown members of these alliances engaging in synchronized swimming, mutual grooming, and other cooperative behaviors.

The Emotional Depth

Understanding dolphin bromance isn’t just about recognizing the strategic benefits. There’s an emotional aspect to these relationships. Dolphins, known for their high levels of intelligence, showcase behaviors hinting at deep emotional connections. Members of these male alliances are often seen supporting each other during times of distress, echoing the kind of empathy and understanding seen in close human relationships.

It’s not uncommon to see paired dolphins assisting an injured member, or even just spending time in close proximity, echoing the behaviors seen in close human friendships. The depth of these bonds and the extent of their emotional intelligence are still subjects of research, but there’s no denying the profound connections they showcase.

Implications for Marine Biology

The study of these bromances doesn’t just shed light on dolphin behavior; it offers insights into the broader realm of marine biology. Understanding the nature of dolphin relationships helps in conserving their habitats and ensuring their survival. Additionally, it prompts a deeper dive into the emotional lives of other marine creatures.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Swan River dolphins form ‘bromances’ to secure females, study finds” — Phys.org

WTF Fun Fact 13546 – Women Couldn’t Open Bank Accounts

When women couldn’t open bank accounts in the U.S., their financial autonomy was severely restricted, hindering their progress toward economic independence and equality.

It wasn’t until 1974 that women in the U.S. were allowed to open a bank account on their own.

A Time When Women Couldn’t Open Bank Accounts

Women’s Financial Independence in the U.S. saw its roots in a long history of legal restrictions. Historically, women in America operated under coverture, a legal doctrine derived from English common law. This principle dictated that a woman’s legal rights and economic identity were covered or absorbed by her husband upon marriage. Consequently, women couldn’t possess property, sign contracts, or maintain their wages if they worked.

Shift in Dynamics Post-WWII

The period following World War II marked significant changes for women in the workforce. With a large number of men deployed overseas, women took on roles traditionally held by their male counterparts. They began earning and managing money, thereby getting an initial experience of financial independence. However, the post-war era saw a push to restore conventional gender roles, making the drive for financial autonomy even more critical.

The 1960s and 1970s witnessed an intensified push for equal rights. The pinnacle moment for women’s financial independence came with the passing of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) in 1974. This act made it unlawful for creditors to discriminate against any applicant based on sex or marital status. Following this, women could independently open bank accounts, secure credit cards, and obtain loans without a male co-signer.

Impact of the ECOA

Post-ECOA, women had the capacity to establish individual credit histories, which were essential for various financial endeavors ranging from home buying to starting a business. However, this newfound freedom was just one step. Many women continued to navigate challenges, including wage gaps and limited representation in high-ranking professional roles.

The ability for women to open bank accounts without male intervention was more than just a legislative change; it was a significant milestone in the broader context of women’s rights in the U.S. While challenges remained, the legal recognition of a woman’s right to financial independence marked an essential shift in the journey toward gender equality in the country.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “A Bank of Her Own” — JSTOR

WTF Fun Fact 13545 – Stanford Taylor Swift Course

A Stanford Taylor Swift Course is on the books at Stanford. The aim? To explore the storytelling prowess of Taylor Swift, an artist who has, over a decade, deftly blended musicality with intricate narratives.

A Literary Dive: The Stanford Taylor Swift Course

Every week, students in this course will deep dive into one of Swift’s 10 albums. They’ll not just listen but dissect, focusing keenly on lyricism, storytelling, and oblique literary references.

Ava Jeffs, a sophomore at Stanford, championed this course offering. Her vision? “Situate it in the English department,” she emphasized to SFGATE. Jeffs believes in drawing parallels between Swift’s lyrical content and classic literature. For her, this course is a journey, one that maps the intricate lanes of literature onto the vast avenues of Swift’s music.

Swift’s musical repertoire often nods to literary giants. A striking example is the track “Ivy,” which echoes a phrase from Miller Williams’ poem “Compassion.” Even the album title, “Evermore,” has fans drawing connections to an Emily Dickinson poem.

These literary tie-ins signify the depth and breadth of Swift’s artistic canvas, and this course intends to highlight and celebrate these connections.

The Making of the Course

This new course is part of Stanford’s Student-Initiated Courses, a unique initiative where students pitch activity courses on a credit/no credit basis. Every SIC requires the backing of a faculty member, and for Jeffs, that support comes from Mark McGurl.

While Swift released her debut album in 2006, Jeffs’ admiration for the singer spans almost her entire life, creating a personal resonance and passion for this academic endeavor.

While Stanford’s course might sound avant-garde, it isn’t the first academic foray into Swift’s art.

In 2022, both New York University and the University of Texas at Austin explored Swift’s artistry in their courses. Stanford, however, aims to go a step further. Jeffs sees her course as a challenge to higher education norms, urging institutions to place popular music on the same pedestal as classical literary works.

For Jeffs, Swift’s narrative style holds immense academic value. She believes that Swift’s focus on storytelling mirrors the intricacies found in classic literature.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Stanford’s Taylor Swift course will explore the singer’s folklore” — SF Gate

WTF Fun Fact 13544 – How Long Can a Tarantula Live Without Food?

If you’re a tarantula owner, hopefully you’re not asking yourself, “How long can a tarantula live without food?”

However, if for some reason you need to know, the answer may astound you.

So, How Long Can a Tarantula Live Without Food?

Tarantulas, the large, hairy spiders that evoke fear in many, hold an astonishing survival capability – the ability to endure up to two years without a meal.

It’s a feat that many creatures on Earth would find hard to match.

But how does this eight-legged creature achieve such a prolonged fast?

Unique Physiology Allows Tarantulas to Live Without Food

Unlike mammals that require regular food intake for energy and maintenance, tarantulas have a slower metabolism. This low metabolic rate means that they don’t burn energy at the same speed as other animals. Consequently, they can conserve energy over long periods, allowing them to survive during times of food scarcity.

While they can survive without food for a long duration, access to water remains crucial.

Tarantulas, like all living organisms, need water for basic cellular functions. They can go weeks without it, but eventually, the lack of water will become a bigger concern than the lack of food.

When in their natural habitat, tarantulas will often burrow deep into the ground to access cooler and more humid conditions, which helps them maintain their water balance.

Refusing Food

Tarantulas, throughout their lifetime, go through periods of molting. This is when they shed their exoskeleton to allow for growth or to repair any damage.

During the pre-molt and molting phases, tarantulas tend to refuse food altogether, further lengthening the periods between meals. Additionally, the younger the spider, the more frequent these molting cycles are.

As tarantulas mature and their growth slows, their molting becomes less frequent, and the intervals between feeding can extend even further.

Food Scarcity Determines How Long A Tarantula May Go Without Food

In their natural habitats, tarantulas may not always find prey readily available.

Drought, seasonal changes, or other environmental factors can result in food shortages. Thus, this incredible adaptation to long fasting durations is not just an interesting fact; it’s a survival mechanism. It ensures that during lean times, the tarantula can wait it out, remaining relatively inactive, conserving energy, and then springing to action when food becomes available again.

Another factor that plays into the tarantula’s ability to go without food for extended periods is its size.

Larger tarantulas have more fat reserves than their smaller counterparts. These reserves provide the necessary energy during food shortages. Consequently, bigger tarantulas can often go longer without eating compared to younger, smaller ones.

Don’t Let Captive Tarantulas Go Without Food

While tarantulas have this remarkable ability, those who keep them as pets should exercise caution. In captivity, it’s not uncommon for tarantulas to refuse food for various reasons. Whether it’s due to stress, an impending molt, or changes in their environment, pet owners should monitor their spiders closely.

If a tarantula doesn’t eat, it’s essential to ensure that it has access to fresh water. And while they can go without food, this doesn’t mean they should be deliberately starved. Their natural ability to fast is a survival mechanism in the wild, not an invitation for neglect.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “How Long Can Tarantulas Go Without Eating Or Water?” — Animal Vivid