You’ve probably heard the saying “The truth is stranger than fiction,” but sometimes this reality can be seen on a whole new level. The world is full of bizarre and unexpected facts that sound so insane, that they could easily be snagged from a Sci-Fi novel, but they’re the real deal.
From animals with abilities you wouldn’t believe, to unexpected moments in history, these facts are proof that nature and history have a way of surprising us. I hope you’re ready to have a new outlook on the world because these wacky facts are going to show you one. Here are 20 facts that sound made up, but aren’t.
1. Bananas are berries, but strawberries aren’t
Botanically speaking, bananas fit the definition of a berry because they develop from a single ovary and contain seeds, while strawberries are classified as “aggregate fruits” due to their multiple ovaries.
2. Honey never spoils
Archaeologists have found pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are over 3,000 years old and still perfectly edible, thanks to its low moisture content and natural preservatives.
3. You can’t hum while holding your nose
Humming requires air to pass through your nose, so if you block it, you can’t make the sound.
4. Sharks existed before trees
Sharks have been around for over 400 million years, while the earliest trees appeared around 350 million years ago.
5. A day on Venus is longer than a year on Venus
Venus takes 243 Earth days to rotate once on its axis but only 225 Earth days to complete an orbit around the sun.
6. The Eiffel Tower can grow by up to 6 inches in the summer
The metal on the Eiffel Tower expands due to the heat, which causes it to stretch and make the tower slightly taller during warmer months.
7. Sea otters hold hands while they sleep to keep from drifting apart
This behavior is not only the cutest thing in the world, it helps otters stay connected, particularly in open waters, ensuring they don’t get separated by currents.
8. The shortest war in history lasted only 38 minutes
The Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896 was fought between the United Kingdom and the Sultanate of Zanzibar, ending in a quick victory for the UK.
9. A single teaspoon of honey represents the life work of 12 bees
Bees must visit thousands of flowers to gather enough nectar to produce just one teaspoon of honey. Think of that next time you make your morning tea.
10. Shakespeare invented over 1,700 words
He added new words and phrases to the English language, such as “eyeball,” “bedroom,” and “lonely.”
11. Koalas have fingerprints almost identical to humans
Koala fingerprints are so similar to humans that they can be mistaken by forensic experts.
12. Sloths can hold their breath longer than dolphins
Sloths can hold their breath for up to 40 minutes underwater, while dolphins generally hold their breath for around 10 minutes.
13. Some turtles can breathe through their rear ends
Certain turtle species can absorb oxygen through their cloaca. This is a survival tactic that lets them stay underwater for extended periods, like hibernation.
14. Cows have best friends and get stressed when they’re separated
Research has shown that cows form strong social bonds with each other, and when separated from their “best friend,” they experience increased stress. This makes cows a whole lot cuter.
15. Bananas are radioactive
Bananas contain potassium, and a tiny portion of that potassium is the radioactive isotope potassium-40. But don’t worry, you’d need to eat 50 million bananas for it to cause any harm.
16. A cloud can weigh more than a million pounds
Despite looking light and fluffy, a typical cumulus cloud can weigh over a million pounds, all that moisture adding up.
17. Napoleon was once attacked by a horde of bunnies
Napoleon Bonaparte’s plans for a bunny hunt went hilariously wrong when thousands of bunnies, instead of fleeing, charged toward him and his men.
18. Tigers have striped skin
Not only do tigers have striped fur, they also have striped skin too. Each tiger’s skin pattern is unique, just like a fingerprint.
19. Pineapples were so rare and expensive in the 18th century that people would rent them for parties
In the 1700s and some of the 1800s, pineapples were so exclusive that rich people would rent them, rather than buy them, to display at parties. They were worth over $8000 in present-day currency.
20. There’s a species of frog that freezes solid in winter and comes back to life when it thaws out
The wood frog of North America can survive freezing temperatures by allowing its body to freeze solid. It essentially hibernates until the weather warms up, and then, somehow, comes back to life.
