1.
Your tongue senses different tastes in different areas.
Correct Answer
B. Fiction
Explanation
This statement is fiction. The tongue does not have specific regions dedicated to sensing different tastes. Instead, taste buds are distributed all over the tongue, allowing it to detect all tastes - sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami - across its entire surface. There are only mild differences in sensitivity to certain tastes in particular regions of the tongue, however all areas of the tongue can detect all tastes.
2.
You lose most of your body heat through your head.
Correct Answer
B. Fiction
Explanation
This statement is fiction. While it is true that the head is an area of the body where heat can be lost, it is not true that most body heat is lost through the head. The amount of heat lost through the head is proportional to the amount of exposed skin, and it is not significantly different from other parts of the body. The body loses heat through any exposed area, so it is important to keep the entire body warm in cold conditions.
3.
Water that has been boiled in a microwave and then cooled is harmful to plants.
Correct Answer
B. Fiction
Explanation
This statement is fiction. Water that has been boiled in a microwave and then cooled is not harmful to plants. Boiling water in a microwave does not change its chemical composition or make it harmful to plants. As long as the water is free from any contaminants or additives, it can be safely used to water plants.
4.
Tiny invertebrates called water bears can survive in outer space.
Correct Answer
A. Fact
Explanation
Water bears, also known as tardigrades, are microscopic invertebrates that are known for their extreme resilience. They can survive in various extreme conditions, including outer space. When exposed to the vacuum and radiation of space, water bears enter a state called cryptobiosis, where their metabolic activities are almost completely halted. This allows them to withstand the harsh conditions of space and survive for extended periods. Once they are reintroduced to a suitable environment, they can resume their normal activities. Numerous experiments have confirmed the ability of water bears to survive in space, making the statement a fact.
5.
The Oxford English Dictionary lists the first use of the acronym OMG, meaning "Oh my god," as having appeared in a 1917 letter written to Winston Churchill.
Correct Answer
A. Fact
Explanation
The given answer, "Fact," is correct. The explanation is that the Oxford English Dictionary indeed lists the first use of the acronym OMG as appearing in a 1917 letter written to Winston Churchill. This means that the use of OMG to mean "Oh my god" can be traced back to at least 1917, providing evidence for its existence and usage long before the internet era.
6.
The earth rotates about its axis approximately 24.0 hours.
Correct Answer
A. Fact
Explanation
The statement is a fact because the Earth rotates on its axis relative to the Sun every 24.0 hours mean solar time, with an inclination of 23.45 degrees from the plane of its orbit around the Sun.
7.
The California flag was the result of a mistake; it was supposed to feature a pear.
Correct Answer
B. Fiction
Explanation
The statement is fiction. The California flag was not the result of a mistake and it was not supposed to feature a pear. The California flag features a red star, a grizzly bear, and the words "California Republic." The design of the flag was inspired by the Bear Flag Revolt of 1846, which was a significant event in California's history.
8.
The kosher symbol on food indicates, among other things, that it has been blessed by a rabbi.
Correct Answer
B. Fiction
Explanation
The kosher symbol on food does not indicate that it has been blessed by a rabbi. The kosher symbol, such as the letter "K" or the letter "U" inside a circle, is used to certify that the food meets the dietary laws of Judaism. These laws include specific rules about the types of animals that can be consumed, how they should be slaughtered, and how they should be prepared. The symbol is given by a kosher certification agency, not by a rabbi individually blessing each item.
9.
Swallowed gum will remain in your digestive system for an average of 7 years.
Correct Answer
B. Fiction
Explanation
This statement is fiction. Swallowed gum does not stay in the digestive system for 7 years. While it is true that gum cannot be digested like other foods, it does not stay in the digestive system for an extended period of time. The body typically passes gum through the digestive system within a few days, similar to other indigestible materials.
10.
Storing old batteries in the refrigerator will prolong their life.
Correct Answer
B. Fiction
Explanation
Storing old batteries in the refrigerator will not prolong their life. In fact, refrigerating batteries can actually have a negative effect on their performance. Cold temperatures can cause the chemicals inside the battery to react slower, resulting in a decrease in power output. It is recommended to store batteries at room temperature in a dry place to maintain their optimal performance.
11.
Some brands of chewing tobacco contain fiberglass, intended to cut the chewer’s mucosa and increase the absorption of nicotine.
Correct Answer
B. Fiction
Explanation
This statement is fiction. There are no known brands of chewing tobacco that contain fiberglass. The use of fiberglass in chewing tobacco would be dangerous and harmful to the chewer's health.
12.
Many dinosaurs had feather-like growths on their skin.
Correct Answer
A. Fact
Explanation
Many dinosaur fossils have been found with evidence of feather-like structures preserved in the skin. This suggests that at least some dinosaurs had feathers, similar to modern birds. The discovery of feathered dinosaurs has greatly changed our understanding of these ancient creatures and their evolution.
13.
Oxygenated blood is red; deoxygenated blood is blue.
Correct Answer
B. Fiction
Explanation
The statement that oxygenated blood is red and deoxygenated blood is blue is fiction. In reality, both oxygenated and deoxygenated blood are actually red. The misconception that deoxygenated blood is blue may arise from the fact that veins, which carry deoxygenated blood, appear blue through the skin. However, this is due to the way light interacts with the skin and not the actual color of the blood.
14.
Neil Armstrong was the first man to walk on the surface of the moon.
Correct Answer
A. Fact
Explanation
Neil Armstrong being the first man to walk on the surface of the moon is a fact that is widely known and documented. On July 20, 1969, as part of the Apollo 11 mission, Armstrong became the first human to set foot on the moon. This historic event was witnessed by millions of people around the world and is a significant milestone in space exploration. Armstrong's famous words, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," further solidify the fact that he indeed walked on the moon.
15.
Scientists know the color of a T-Rex’s skin (brown).
Correct Answer
B. Fiction
Explanation
The statement that scientists know the color of a T-Rex's skin (brown) is fiction. This is because scientists do not have direct evidence or fossils that can provide information about the color of a T-Rex's skin. The color of a dinosaur's skin is not preserved in the fossil record, so any claims about their color are speculative and cannot be considered as factual.
16.
In most cars, the slower you go, the more miles you’ll be able to go on a single tank of gas.
Correct Answer
B. Fiction
Explanation
False. In most cars, fuel efficiency is typically higher at lower speeds, but the statement is not universally true. The fuel efficiency of a car depends on various factors, including the specific make and model, engine efficiency, driving conditions, and individual driving habits. While lower speeds often result in better fuel economy due to reduced aerodynamic drag, other factors such as engine efficiency and gearing can influence fuel consumption.
17.
A dog's mouth is cleaner than a human's.
Correct Answer
B. Fiction
Explanation
This statement is fiction. While it is a common belief that a dog's mouth is cleaner than a human's, it is not true. Dogs' mouths can contain bacteria, viruses, and other germs, just like humans. They can also carry parasites that can be harmful to humans. Therefore, it is important to practice good hygiene and avoid close contact with a dog's mouth to prevent any potential health risks.
18.
Charles Darwin didn’t know about genes.
Correct Answer
A. Fact
Explanation
Charles Darwin didn't know about genes because the concept of genes and their role in heredity was not discovered until several decades after Darwin's death. Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection was based on observations of variation and adaptation in populations, but he did not have knowledge of the specific mechanisms of inheritance that are now understood through genetics. It was not until the early 20th century, with the work of scientists like Gregor Mendel and the discovery of DNA, that the concept of genes and their role in evolution became widely understood.
19.
A pterodactyl is a dinosaur.
Correct Answer
B. Fiction
Explanation
A pterodactyl is not actually a dinosaur. It is a type of flying reptile that lived during the time of the dinosaurs, but it is not classified as a dinosaur itself. Dinosaurs were a group of reptiles that lived on land and had specific characteristics, whereas pterodactyls were a separate group of reptiles that had wings and could fly.
20.
If a person with normal vision eats a lot of carrots, he will be able to see better, at least at night.
Correct Answer
B. Fiction
Explanation
Eating a lot of carrots does not improve vision, especially at night. While carrots are a good source of vitamin A, which is essential for eye health, consuming excessive amounts of carrots will not enhance vision beyond its normal capabilities. The idea that carrots can improve night vision is a myth that originated during World War II to conceal the use of radar technology by the British.