Discover the Top 6 Surprising and Educational Fun Facts About Droughts
1. Ancient Egyptian Farmers vs. Drought
When the river Nile was the lifeblood of ancient Egypt, nothing could quite put a damper on an Egyptian farmer's day like a good ol' fashioned drought: Prolonged periods of dry weather posed a grave threat to the ancient civilization, as even their impressive basin irrigation techniques couldn't fully overcome the devastating effects on agriculture, leading to famine and widespread despair.
Source => fao.org
2. Kangaroo Air Conditioning
"Kanga-Rogue" in action: these savvy marsupial escape artists kick up dust while licking their forearms, creating a combo of Aussie Outback air conditioning and hydration! The serious reveal: Kangaroos have adapted to drought conditions by conserving water and regulating their body temperature through evaporative cooling, achieved by licking their forearms instead of sweating.
Source => askabiologist.asu.edu
Did you know water has a unique Jekyll-and-Hyde personality, allowing it to exist as both liquid and solid? Discover how this crucial trick keeps life afloat on Earth! 🌊❄️
=> Fun Facts about Water
3. The Cactus Bar Crawl
If a cactus walked into a bar, it would probably be the best-prepared patron for a long night without last call: A fully-grown cactus can store up to 100 gallons of water in its collapsible storage cells, with the giant Saguaro Cactus able to hold a staggering 95 gallons during heavy rainfall!
Source => yourindoorherbs.com
4. US West's Draught Party
Thirsty for a miracle: the US West is currently throwing a serious draught party, with 40% of guests showing up in exceptional drought attire. In response, some states are trying to make it rain – literally – by adding silver iodide particles to clouds. The jury's still out on its effectiveness, though, and don't forget that communities of color may end up left parched in the background.
Source => theguardian.com
5. Australian Lungfish: Aquatic MacGyver
Meet the Australian Lungfish, the aquatic MacGyver that breathes air when the waters get rough: This fishy wonder can switch to inhaling oxygen using a single lung during stagnant periods or changes in water quality, making it a connoisseur of drought survival. But don't expect to find it sunbathing in mud spas or cocooning like its lungfish cousins; without water, it can only hold its breath and cross its fins for a few days.
Source => australian.museum
6. Resurrection Fern: Fashionably Resilient
Talk about a major comeback: this fern's more resilient than all the 90's fashion trends combined! The resurrection fern can shrivel up and look deader than the Macarena during a drought, but just add water and presto! It's greener than Justin Timberlake's N'Sync highlights: It can revive itself in just a few hours of rainfall and survive in its dried state for up to an astounding 100 years.
Source => staugustine.com