Question 1: The absence of which mineral in the diet is the most common cause of goiter?
Question 2: Which gas is most abundant in the Earth's atmosphere?
Nitrogen makes up about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere by volume. The high percentage of nitrogen plays a crucial role in the biochemistry of all living organisms, mainly through the nitrogen cycle.
Question 3: Where is the Forbidden City located?
The Forbidden City is a historic palace complex built in the 15th century during the Ming Dynasty. It served as the home of emperors for almost 500 years. Now it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China's most significant attractions.
Question 4: The 'Statue of Liberty' was a gift to the United States from which country?
The Statue of Liberty was gifted by France to the United States in 1886 as a symbol of friendship between the two nations and a celebration of the ideals of freedom and democracy.
Question 5: If you traveled due south from Detroit, which country would you reach first?
Although it seems counterintuitive, Detroit sits just north of Windsor, Ontario, Canada. So traveling directly south from Detroit would land you in Canada, not a more southerly country.
Question 6: Which is the only sea without any coasts?
The Sargasso Sea, located entirely within the Atlantic Ocean, is the only sea without any land boundaries. It is defined only by ocean currents that form an ellipse-shaped clockwise gyre, making it distinctly different from other seas.
Question 7: Why is Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" considered a masterpiece?
The "Mona Lisa" is considered a masterpiece due to its intricate details such as her enigmatic smile, use of the sfumato technique, where oil paint is layered so finely that there are no discernible edges, lines or brush strokes, and the realistic depiction and psychological depth lent to the subject. Its theft in 1911 and subsequent return also added to its legendary status.
Question 8: What is the name of the famous concert hall in Vienna, Austria, that is the home of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra?
The Musikverein was inaugurated on January 6, 1870, and is renowned for its acoustics. It is widely considered one of the world's greatest concert halls. The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra's New Year's Concert, held annually at the Musikverein, is broadcast worldwide and is a key event in classical music.
Question 9: Which ancient civilization built the Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World?
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were built by the Babylonians around 600 BC. They were a remarkable feat of engineering, with tiered gardens reaching a height of over 75 feet (23 meters). The gardens were said to have been built by King Nebuchadnezzar II for his homesick wife, Amytis.
Question 10: The original name of New York City was what?
New York’s original name was New Amsterdam. When the English took over, it was renamed to honour the Duke of York.
Goiter is the enlargement of the thyroid gland, often caused by iodine deficiency. The thyroid uses iodine to produce hormones necessary for growth, development, and metabolism. Iodine is commonly found in seafood, dairy products, and is also added to table salt in many countries to prevent deficiencies.