› added 10 years ago

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TIL there is a 2400 year old giant “honey mushroom” in Oregon, covering 2200 acres, slowly killing off the trees in the forest. It is the largest living organism on the planet.

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JYE0k TIL that flamingos are unique from all other birds and mammals in that they have hinged upper beaks (jaws) instead of lower. They use their tongues and beaks to move water through filters they use to catch food. But, because their upper beaks move, they have to eat with their heads upside down.
Zvwp TIL maintain morale, WWI wartime censors blocked early reports of the 1918 Influenza epidemic in their countries. However, papers were free to report the epidemic’s effects in neutral Spain, creating a false impression of Spain as especially hard hit—thus the pandemic’s nickname, the Spanish flu.
XEBlR TIL That every 13 -17 years, billions of Cicadas emerge from the ground to mate. Once the Cicadas have transformed and predators leave the swarms alone, the males lay eggs. After a few days, they all die and disappear for another 13 - 17 years.
p8YKQ TIL Wesley Snipes was so combative with the director while shooting Blade 3 that he refused to open his eyes during one scene. The crew were forced to CGI open eyes on top of his eyelids during post-production.
M4AA TIL a charging elephant broke down the door and a wall of a home in India, but immediately stopped when it heard a baby crying. It then removed the debris from the child using its trunk and peacefully returned to the forest.