Question 1: The smallpox vaccine is the first vaccine to be developed against a contagious disease. Who is credited with developing it?
Question 2: Where was the first modern automobile invented?
The first modern automobile, powered by a gasoline engine, was invented by Karl Benz in Germany in 1886. His Benz Patent-Motorwagen is widely regarded as the first production automobile.
Question 3: Who is the legendary outlaw hero of English folklore, famous for robbing from the rich and giving to the poor?
While the historicity of Robin Hood is not conclusively proven, the legend is deeply ingrained in English folklore. The earliest known references to Robin Hood appear in 14th century ballads and tales.
Question 4: Which famous actor changed his name from Maurice Micklewhite to avoid confusion with another actor?
Born Maurice Joseph Micklewhite Jr., the actor changed his name to Michael Caine in 1954 to avoid confusion with another actor named Michael Scott. Caine chose the name after seeing the 1954 film "The Caine Mutiny."
Question 5: When an organism can produce offspring that are capable of reproducing, it is considered to have reached what stage of life?
Reaching sexual maturity is a key developmental milestone for organisms. It marks the transition from juvenile to adult stage and the ability to pass on genes to the next generation. The timing of sexual maturity varies widely across species.
Question 6: What is the largest muscle in the human body?
The gluteus maximus is not only the largest muscle in the human body, but it is also extremely powerful. It's important for various activities such as climbing, running, and standing up from a sitting position.
Question 7: According to legend, what British figure led a band of outlaws in Sherwood Forest?
Robin Hood is a legendary figure said to have been an outlaw who, along with his band of Merry Men, resided in Sherwood Forest. The tales, dating back at least to the Middle Ages, often portray him as a champion of the poor by stealing from the rich to give to the poor.
Question 8: How does deforestation contribute to global warming?
Deforestation contributes to global warming because trees store large amounts of carbon. When forests are cleared or burned, this stored carbon is released into the atmosphere as CO2, a greenhouse gas that traps heat and warms the planet.
Question 9: Where are a shark's teeth located?
Sharks are known for their multiple rows of sharp teeth located inside their mouths. As sharks lose teeth, new ones continually grow in to replace them, allowing sharks to maintain their powerful bites throughout their lives.
Question 10: Why was Mary Shelley's novel "Frankenstein" published anonymously when it first came out in 1818?
Mary Shelley originally published "Frankenstein" anonymously because she feared the novel would not be taken seriously if people knew it was written by a woman, due to prejudice against female authors at the time.
Edward Jenner developed the smallpox vaccine in 1796. His discovery laid the groundwork for the science of immunization and has saved countless lives since. Smallpox was declared eradicated worldwide in 1980, thanks to widespread vaccination efforts.