What are some threats facing the Rafflesia arnoldii?
Fact 13. Did you know that the world's largest snowflake ever recorded was 15 inches wide?
That's about the size of a dinner plate! This massive snowflake was measured by a rancher named Matt Coleman in Fort Keogh, Montana, on January 28, 1887.
How Snowflakes Form
Snowflakes are formed when water vapor in the air freezes into ice crystals. These ice crystals then join together to form snowflakes. The shape of a snowflake is determined by the temperature and humidity of the air.
The Giant Snowflake
The giant snowflake that fell in Montana was formed under very specific conditions. The air was very cold and humid, which allowed the ice crystals to grow to an unusually large size. The snowflake was also very symmetrical, with six perfectly formed branches.
Other Large Snowflakes
While the 15-inch snowflake is the largest on record, there have been other reports of very large snowflakes. In 1891, a snowflake measuring 12 inches wide was reported in Nebraska. And in 2013, a snowflake measuring 10 inches wide was photographed in Wisconsin.
Conclusion
Snowflakes are beautiful and fascinating natural phenomena. The world's largest snowflake is a reminder of the power and beauty of nature. It is also a reminder that even the smallest things can be amazing.
WORDLIST:
snowflake – снежинка
vapor – пар
join together – соединяются вместе
is determined by – определяется
humidity – влажность
giant – гигантский
humid – влажный
branches – ветви
fascinating – захватывающий
reminder – напоминание
power – сила
QUESTIONS:
What is the largest snowflake ever recorded?
Where and when was the largest snowflake ever recorded?
How are snowflakes formed?
What factors determine the shape of a snowflake?
Describe the conditions under which the giant snowflake in Montana was formed.
Have there been any other reports of very large snowflakes?
Fact 14. Did you know that the Amazon rainforest produces half of the world's oxygen?
This common belief is actually a myth. The truth is, the oceans are the real heroes of oxygen production. They produce about 70% of the Earth's oxygen.
Why the Myth?
The Amazon rainforest is a vast and lush ecosystem, so it's easy to assume that it must produce a lot of oxygen. However, the rainforest's dense canopy and high humidity limit sunlight penetration. This means that the rate of photosynthesis, the process by which plants produce oxygen, is lower in the rainforest than in other ecosystems.
The Real Oxygen Producers
The oceans are teeming with microscopic organisms called phytoplankton. These tiny algae use sunlight to photosynthesize, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. Phytoplankton are responsible for about 50% of the world's oxygen production.
Other Contributors
While the Amazon rainforest does not produce as much oxygen as the oceans, it still plays an important role in the Earth's oxygen balance. The rainforest absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which helps to regulate oxygen levels.
Conclusion
The Amazon rainforest is a vital part of the Earth's ecosystem, but it is not the primary source of oxygen. The oceans are the real heroes of oxygen production. It is important to recognize the interconnectedness of all ecosystems and the complex interplay that maintains the delicate balance of the Earth's life-sustaining systems.
WORDLIST:
common belief – распространённое мнение
oxygen – кислород
vast – обширный
lush ecosystem – пышная экосистема
assume – предполагать
dense canopy – густой полог
humidity – влажность
sunlight penetration – проникновение солнечного света
rate – скорость
are teeming with – кишат
tiny algae – крошечные водоросли
byproduct – побочный продукт
carbon dioxide – углекислый газ
vital – жизненно важный
primary source – основной источник
interconnectedness – взаимосвязанность
life-sustaining systems – системы жизнеобеспечения
QUESTIONS:
What is the common belief about the Amazon rainforest's oxygen production?
Is this belief true?
What is the primary source of oxygen on Earth?
What percentage of the world's oxygen is produced by phytoplankton?
What percentage of the world's oxygen is produced by the oceans?
Why is the rate of photosynthesis lower in the Amazon rainforest compared to other ecosystems?
How does the Amazon rainforest contribute to the Earth's oxygen balance?
Fact 15. Did you know that the first novel was written in Japan in the 11th century?
That's right! The Tale of Genji, written by a woman named Murasaki Shikibu, is considered to be the world's first novel. It was written in the early 11th century and tells the story of a handsome prince named Genji and his many loves and adventures.
What is a novel?
A novel is a long story that is written in prose. It is typically divided into chapters and can be about any subject.
The Tale of Genji
The Tale of Genji is a complex and sophisticated work of literature. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of the Japanese court during the Heian period. The novel is full of beautiful language and vivid descriptions.
The influence of The Tale of Genji
The Tale of Genji has had a profound influence on Japanese literature and culture. It is considered to be one of the greatest works of Japanese literature and has been translated into many languages. The novel has also been adapted into films, television shows, and operas.
Other early novels
The Tale of Genji is not the only early novel. Other early novels include:
● The Golden Ass by Apuleius (2nd century AD)
● Satyricon by Petronius (1st century AD)
● The Romance of Alexander by Pseudo-Callisthenes (3rd century AD)
● The Pillow Book by Sei Shōnagon (10th century AD)
These early novels all share some common characteristics. They are long, complex works of fiction that tell stories about love, adventure, and the human condition. They are also all written in prose, which was a relatively new form of writing at the time.
The development of the novel is a significant milestone in the history of literature. Novels allow authors to explore complex and nuanced stories in a way that is not possible in other genres. Novels have also played a major role in shaping our understanding of the human experience.
