Teens of Bay Area

Did you know that… (nature edition)

1. There are about 12 times more trees on Earth than stars in the Milky Way galaxy. It is estimated that 3 trillion trees grow on this Earth, while our galaxy has only around 100 – 400 billion stars.

2. Some birds can change the size of their brains in the winter. Species like chickadees expand the parts of their brains that store memories, helping them remember where they hid food when resources are scarce. When spring returns, their brains shrink back to normal.

3. According to the National Weather Service, lightning strikes Earth around 8 million times every single day. Each strike lasts for less than a second, but can heat the air around it to five times hotter than the surface of the Sun.

4. Just one tablespoon of soil can hold more organisms than there are humans on Earth. This includes various bacteria, fungi, tiny worms, and other microorganisms, all working together to recycle nutrients. The ground beneath us is a hidden universe of life.

5. Polar bear’s skin is actually black. Their fur is transparent and reflects light, making them appear white against the ice and snow. The black skin underneath helps absorb sunlight and keep warm.