5 Common Misconceptions: Part I
Editor's Note: I plan to do a new part of this series every week. This is something that I find interesting and I hope you do too, enjoy.
One of my largest pet peeves is when people state false facts. Sure sometimes it makes sense, like when they are estimating a math question, but when they randomly say that the Moon is larger than the Earth, that is what makes me mad. So here are a few common misconceptions that I have either heard or researched (in no particular order).
1. Chameleons change color to match their surroundings
While Chameleons can be perceived to change color to match their background, a chameleon's color change is actually the expression of the physical and physiological condition of the lizard. Chameleons are already naturally camouflaged to match their surroundings, and change colors depending on their mood, sometimes a sign of communication. A Chameleon that is frightened, for example, will turn black.
2. Gum takes 7 years to digest
Actually, gum is not digestible at all. But, it does pass through your system at roughly the same speed as other foods you eat.
3. Peanuts are a type of nut
Unbelievably, peanuts, along with beans and peas, actually belong to the single plant family, Leguminosae.
4. Mount Everest is deemed the "tallest" mountain on Earth
Mount Everest is the highest above sea level, but if you measure a mountain from bottom to top... Mauna Kea is the largest.
5. Humans use only 10% of their brain
Scientists claim this as a myth due to the fact that basically every part of our brain has a purpose
One of my largest pet peeves is when people state false facts. Sure sometimes it makes sense, like when they are estimating a math question, but when they randomly say that the Moon is larger than the Earth, that is what makes me mad. So here are a few common misconceptions that I have either heard or researched (in no particular order).
1. Chameleons change color to match their surroundings
While Chameleons can be perceived to change color to match their background, a chameleon's color change is actually the expression of the physical and physiological condition of the lizard. Chameleons are already naturally camouflaged to match their surroundings, and change colors depending on their mood, sometimes a sign of communication. A Chameleon that is frightened, for example, will turn black.
2. Gum takes 7 years to digest
Actually, gum is not digestible at all. But, it does pass through your system at roughly the same speed as other foods you eat.
3. Peanuts are a type of nut
Unbelievably, peanuts, along with beans and peas, actually belong to the single plant family, Leguminosae.
4. Mount Everest is deemed the "tallest" mountain on Earth
Mount Everest is the highest above sea level, but if you measure a mountain from bottom to top... Mauna Kea is the largest.
5. Humans use only 10% of their brain
Scientists claim this as a myth due to the fact that basically every part of our brain has a purpose
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