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TIL of the Permian Mass Extinction where 96% of species died out. All life on Earth is descended from the 4% that survived.

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via ift.tt

16JpD TIL that in the opening of the War of 1812, Britain captured Fort Mackinac from the USA, with zero casualties on either side.
X6JX TIL that after he was shot down on May 1, 1960, U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers was subjected to a show trial in Moscow, during which he was very calm and dignified during the trial. However, he was sharply criticized later in the American media for not committing suicide.
6AXZ TIL during the 1981 Indy 500, a driver and a mechanic were engulfed in a flameless and smokeless methanol fire.
Z8Xy4 TIL Wax Worms can eat and break down one of the most common plastics (polyethylene) into organic compounds. Wax worms are common insects which evolved to live in bee hives.
GYQYQ TIL that in 1942 an RAF pilot flew to occupied Paris, dropped a huge French flag over the Arc de Triomphe, then shot up Gestapo HQ. It was done to cheer up the French and annoy the Germans.