Question 1: Why is terracing often used in agriculture?
Question 2: In Japanese culture, what is the purpose of a torii gate?
In traditional Japanese culture, a torii gate often marks the entrance to a Shinto shrine, indicating that the space beyond is sacred. They're easily recognizable by their "T" shape and are typically painted red.
Question 3: How many petals does a typical sunflower have?
It's a common misconception that sunflowers have a specific number of petals. Actually, they usually have somewhere between 21 and 34 petals, but the number varies widely. The pattern of seeds within the flower, however, usually follows the Fibonacci sequence.
Question 4: How many pounds are in a ton?
There are 2000 pounds in a US ton, also known as the short ton. However, in the UK and other countries that use the Imperial System, a ton, also known as the long ton, is equivalent to 2240 pounds.
Question 5: Which classic novel by Harper Lee was published in 1960 and won the Pulitzer Prize?
To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic novel by Harper Lee, published in 1960. Set in the Deep South during the 1930s, the book deals with issues of racial injustice and moral growth through the eyes of a young girl, Scout Finch. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1961 and has become a staple of high school reading lists.
Question 6: How many chambers does a healthy human heart have?
The human heart has four chambers: two atria (upper chambers) and two ventricles (lower chambers). These chambers work in synchrony to pump blood throughout the body.
Question 7: In what French town was Vincent van Gogh living when he painted his famous work "Starry Night"?
Van Gogh painted "Starry Night" in June 1889 while he was a self-admitted patient at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. He painted the view from the east-facing window of his room just before sunrise.
Question 8: In Charlotte Bronte's novel, who is the protagonist that becomes a governess?.
Jane Eyre is the protagonist in Charlotte Bronte's 1847 novel of the same name. The story follows Jane's life as an orphan, her experiences as a governess, and her journey to finding love and self-respect. The novel is known for its strong social criticism and exploration of gender roles during the Victorian era.
Question 9: In which decade was Nelson Mandela released from prison?
Nelson Mandela was released from Victor Verster Prison on 11 February 1990, after serving 27 years of a life sentence for conspiring to overthrow the apartheid government in South Africa. His release marked a crucial turning point in South Africa's transition from apartheid to democracy.
Question 10: In geology, what is the process by which sediments are converted into sedimentary rock called?
Lithification is the process by which loose sediments are compacted and cemented together to form solid sedimentary rock. This process typically occurs over long periods of time as sediments are buried under successive layers of additional sediments.
Terracing, or building steps into the sides of hills, is a farming practice used mainly in mountainous landscapes to prevent soil erosion and runoff, making it possible to cultivate steep slopes. It is a common sight in regions like Southeast Asia and the Andes in South America.