› added 10 years ago

179

TIL that Canada has a maple syrup cartel.

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neQX7 TIL an analysis of dozens of ancient civilizations revealed that they only had an average lifespan of 340 years before reverting to a more primitive state, being absorbed into a stronger society, or disappearing completely.
pY71Q TIL that eight mussels with sensors glued to their shells are used to evaluate water quality in the city of Poznań, Poland. If the water becomes polluted, they mussles close their shells. If four mussels close simultaneously, the system shuts down automatically.
rR16x TIL that "Bonsai" is not a specific type of tree, but the Japanese art form of making trees look miniature.
9YL4p TIL of the western spotted skunk, a small 2 pound skunk that does a handstand before spraying.
p8Gne TIL that in 1901, a doctor was told mid-surgery that he was needed urgently elsewhere, to which he responded that he could not leave "even for the President of the United States". He was then told he needed to operate on William McKinley, the President of the United States.