Nature really is wild. All you have to do is step outside and something crazy is always happening whether it’s in the form of something slimy slithering around or some cycle that’s in effect, which got us thinking about all the ways that nature has proven to us that’s it’s just kind of weird out there. So we compiled a list of facts to share with you to convince you that nature is not one to be messed with. Let’s take a look!
Despite all the preparation, it’s unlikely that quicksand will actually swallow us whole. Yeah, we know, after all the time we’ve spent thinking about the many ways we would pull ourselves out of quicksand. But actually, quicksand is only a few inches deep. Now notice we said unlikely and not impossible? When people do drown in quicksand, this occurs when a person is trapped in quicksand and the tide comes up.
Owls. Don’t. Have. Eyeballs. Have you ever been outside at night or on a hiking trail early in the morning, spotted an adorable owl, only to have that thing turn its head practically all the way around to look at you? This is because owls actually have more of an eye tube, well, tubes, that they can’t move back and forth; and because of this, they have increased neck flexibility that allows them to turn their heads roughly 270 degrees. This is a lot compared to us lame humans that can only turn 180 degrees at best.
(image via: discovery)
Heat is the deadliest weather condition. Step aside tornados, hurricanes, and literally everything else. Over the last 30 years, heat has killed around 130 per year on average, beating out deaths from both flooding (81 deaths per year) and tornados (70 deaths per year). Without access to air conditioners and water, which a lot of people don’t have access to, heat quickly becomes deadly.
The mushroom appears to bleed when it’s young. As you can see, the mushroom oozes a red goop that gives it the illusion it’s bleeding. While this is not a poisonous mushroom, it is however very bitter. So if you happen to come across one, snap a picture, and keep on going.
(image via: gardening know how)
Our brains are experiencing shrinkage. Scientists have found that over the last 10,000 years hour brains have actually shrunk the size of a tennis ball. But don’t worry, our tiny brains are way more efficient than they used to be, mostly because life is good now! We are part of a structured society and we don’t have to fear others the way we once did.