10 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Life
Life is full of surprises and wonders. From the incredible capabilities of the human body to the fascinating intricacies of our existence, there are countless facts that will leave you in awe. Here are 10 fun facts you probably didn’t know about life:
1. Life expectancy is increasing
Did you know that the average life expectancy is steadily increasing? Back in 1950, people could expect to live until around 68 years old. However, in 2020, that number has risen to an impressive 78.7 years. This remarkable increase is largely attributed to medical advances, but improvements in nutrition, education, and lifestyle have also played a significant role.
2. Humans blink twice as much as other animals
Have you ever wondered how often you blink compared to other animals? Well, humans blink twice as much as our furry friends. On average, we blink between 13 to 15 times per minute, while other animals blink only 6 to 8 times. This discrepancy is believed to be a result of our increasingly digital lifestyles, which can cause eye fatigue.
3. We only use 10 percent of our brains
Contrary to popular belief, we actually use much more than 10 percent of our brains. Recent research suggests that humans use almost the entire brain for various functions. This means that there are no “unused portions” waiting to be tapped into. Our brains are constantly active and working hard to keep us functioning.
4. The average human heart beats 100,000 times a day
Our hearts are true workhorses. On an average day, the human heart beats approximately 100,000 times. Of course, this rate can vary depending on factors such as age, physical activity, and overall health. Typically, an adult heart beats at a rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute.
5. Humans have more bones in their bodies than other animals
Did you know that humans have more bones in their bodies compared to other animals? While other creatures typically have fewer bones, humans boast a total of 206 bones. This difference is due to the fact that many of our bones are fused together, while other animals have more separated bones.
6. The human tongue is the strongest muscle in the body
Surprisingly, the human tongue is the strongest muscle in our bodies. Its unique ability to move in various directions and its muscular construction make it incredibly powerful. Composed of eight muscles, the tongue allows us to manipulate food in our mouths, speak, and even swallow.
7. An adult human body is made up of approximately 7 octillion atoms
Prepare to have your mind blown. An adult human body is composed of approximately 7 octillion atoms. That’s a mind-boggling number: 7,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 atoms. It’s almost impossible to comprehend the sheer scale of our existence at the atomic level.
8. There are more deaths per year from selfies than shark attacks
Here’s a fact that might surprise you: more people die each year from taking selfies than from shark attacks. According to the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, at least 259 people died while attempting to capture the perfect selfie between October 2011 and November 2017. This number continues to rise, highlighting the risks associated with our obsession with self-documentation.
9. The human body has enough iron to make a 3-inch nail
Iron is not only essential for our health, but it’s also surprisingly abundant in our bodies. The average human body contains enough iron to make a 3-inch nail. Approximately 0.006 percent of our body is composed of iron, which plays a crucial role in creating the protein hemoglobin, responsible for carrying oxygen throughout our bodies.
10. The human body temperature varies during the day
Our body temperature is not constant throughout the day. It fluctuates based on our internal clock and circadian rhythms. Generally, our body temperature is lowest in the morning and highest in the late afternoon. This natural variation helps regulate our bodily functions and energy levels.
Conclusion
Life is full of fascinating facts that often go unnoticed. From the increasing life expectancy to the incredible strength of our tongues, these unique features of life remind us of the wonders that surround us every day. So, take a moment to appreciate the complexity and beauty of the human body and the world we live in.
