Question 1: Why do cicadas spend many years underground before emerging all at once?
Question 2: When was the novel "1984" by George Orwell first published?
George Orwell's "1984" is a dystopian novel that introduced terms like "Big Brother" and "Orwellian" into the English lexicon. It was published on June 8, 1949, and has since become a classic, with its themes of surveillance and totalitarianism remaining relevant.
Question 3: What is the most widely spoken language in the world by total number of speakers?
While English is often considered the global lingua franca, Mandarin Chinese actually has the highest number of total speakers worldwide, with over 1.1 billion speakers. This is largely due to China's huge population. However, English remains the most widely spoken language across different countries.
Question 4: What is the real name of the superhero character Superman?
Superman, created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, first appeared in Action Comics #1 in 1938. His real name is Kal-El, and he hails from the planet Krypton. The name Superman is his Earth-based alias.
Question 5: What does the acronym 'FBI' stand for?
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the United States' primary federal law enforcement agency and is a part of the United States Department of Justice. It is responsible for investigating crimes related to national security, public corruption, civil rights, and other matters.
Question 6: When was the country of South Sudan officially recognized?
South Sudan, which is located in East-Central Africa, was recognized as a separate country from Sudan on July 9, 2011. It is the youngest sovereign state in the world.
Question 7: Where was the 1965 Australian movie "They're a Weird Mob" filmed?
"They're a Weird Mob" is a comedy film based on the 1957 novel of the same name by John O'Grady under the pen name Nino Culotta. The film showcases various iconic locations in Sydney, such as Kings Cross and Bondi Beach.
Question 8: If you were to order a "Black and Tan" at a bar, what two drinks would be combined to make it?
A "Black and Tan" is a beer cocktail made by layering a pale ale (usually Bass Ale) on the bottom and a dark stout (usually Guinness) on top. The differing densities of the beers create a striking two-tone look in the glass.
Question 9: Where was The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy filmed?
The Lord of the Rings trilogy, directed by Peter Jackson, was entirely filmed in New Zealand. The stunning landscapes of New Zealand became the backdrop for the fictional Middle-earth, with various locations across the country being used to bring the fantasy world to life on the big screen.
Question 10: What is the name of the fictional city where Batman operates?
Gotham City is the dark, crime-ridden fictional city that serves as the home base for the DC Comics superhero Batman. It's often portrayed as a gritty, industrial urban landscape that mirrors the dark tone of the Batman stories.
By emerging simultaneously in huge numbers after 13 or 17 years underground, cicadas overwhelm predators, ensuring that enough survive to mate and lay eggs for the next generation. This strategy is known as "predator satiation."