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Question 1: Why is the Dead Sea called 'dead'?
Question 2: What is the driest place on Earth?
The McMurdo Dry Valleys in Antarctica receive almost no rainfall, making them the driest places on Earth. Some parts of these valleys haven't seen rain for more than 2 million years. The region is so dry because the surrounding mountains block the flow of ice from the polar plateau.
Question 3: What country boasts the longest network of roads in the world?
The United States has an extensive network of roads, including Interstates, U.S. Highways, State Highways, and local roads, covering a total distance of over 4 million miles.
Question 4: In J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit," what is the name of the dragon?
Smaug is one of the last great dragons of Middle-earth. His desolation of the Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor and his hoarding of the Lonely Mountain's treasure are central to the plot of "The Hobbit."
Question 5: What is the term for an organism that can live in very high-temperature environments?
Thermophiles are organisms that thrive at relatively high temperatures, between 41 and 122 degrees Fahrenheit (5 and 50 degrees Celsius). Many thermophiles are archaea, a type of single-celled organism distinct from bacteria. Some well-known thermophiles include those found in the hot springs of Yellowstone National Park.
Question 6: What TV show is known for the phrase "Winter is Coming"?
"Winter is Coming" is the motto of House Stark, one of the Great Houses of Westeros in HBO's fantasy series "Game of Thrones." The phrase is a warning and constant reminder that there are always hard times ahead, and it has become one of the most memorable lines associated with the show. Game of Thrones first aired in 2011 and is based on the book series "A Song of Ice and Fire" by George R.R. Martin.
Question 7: Which country is known for the tourist attraction Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is an Incan citadel set high in the Andes Mountains in Peru. It's one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world and was built in the 15th century but was later abandoned. It is often mistakenly referred to as the "Lost City of the Incas."
Question 8: Which country is known as the Land of a Thousand Lakes?
Finland is often called the Land of a Thousand Lakes, but it actually has around 188,000 lakes. The country has one of the highest numbers of lakes in relation to its size and population in the world.
Question 9: Who is the author of the novel "1984"?
George Orwell's "1984" is a dystopian novel published in 1949, envisioning a future where society is under constant surveillance by an authoritarian regime. The novel introduced concepts such as "Big Brother," "doublethink," and "thoughtcrime," which have since entered common use in discussions about privacy and government surveillance.
Question 10: When did the musical "Les Misérables" first open in London?
"Les Misérables," based on the 1862 novel by Victor Hugo, first opened in London on October 8, 1985. It has since become one of the longest-running musicals in the West End and around the world, celebrated for its powerful storytelling and memorable music.
The Dead Sea is one of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth, with a salinity of around 34%. Its name comes from the fact that the high salinity prevents most aquatic organisms, like fish and plants, from being able to live in it.