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Macaques in Japan use coins to buy vending machine snacks.
Norway knighted a penguin.
A study measuring the effects of music found that cows produce more milk when listening to soothing music. They produce the most when listening to R.E.M’s “Everybody Hurts.”
Oysters can change gender depending on which is best for mating.
(I wanna be an oyster)
The closest relatives to the elephant shrew are actually elephants, not shrews.
A cat version of the corgi exits: the munchkin cat.
Long-time bird watcher and nature writer Candace Savage has observed that crows are so intelligent they can play pranks on each other.

Deleted user

1) A group of foxes is called a skulk or leash.
2) Foxes have whiskers on their legs and face, which help them to navigate.
3) Grey foxes can retract their claws like cats do.
4) A male is called a 'dog fox' while a female is called a 'vixen'
Most species of foxes are lone wolves. They hunt and sleep alone, but when they’re raising their young, the live in underground burrows.

Even though foxes are related to wolves, jackals and dogs, they have more in common to cats. They’re most active at night, as they use their vertical pupils to see in the dark while stalking and pouncing on its prey like a cat. They also have whiskers and retractable claws.

Speaking of whiskers, they have some on their legs. This helps them with their bearings, especially when it’s dark outside.

Besides whiskers on their legs, foxes also use Earth’s magnetic field to hunt their prey. Foxes leap up and pounce on their prey. They can leap in any direction, but they’re more likely to jump towards the northeast, where 72 of their attacks were successful.

If you can’t decide on having cat or a dog, you can have a fox as a pet.
Some foxes can hear objects that are 40 yards (36.5 meters) away.

Watch out: foxes can run up to 45 miles per hour (72 km/hour), making them one of the fastest animals in the world!

Even if you encounter a wild fox, they probably won’t eat you. Their omnivorous diet mainly consists of small rodents, small mammals, vegetation and birds.

Female foxes are pregnant for only 53 days, making women everywhere jealous of their gestation period.

Foxes can survive in the wild for about three years. In captivity, some foxes can live up to ten years.

Foxes are also prey to certain larger animals: eagles, coyotes, gray wolves, bears and mountain lions.

Because of their awesome fur, Arctic foxes can withstand temperatures as low as negative-70 degrees Celsius. That’s when the poor fellas start shivering.
Most foxes are like medium-sized dogs, with the biggest foxes weighing 24 pounds (11 kilograms) and measuring 34 inches (86 cm) without its tail.

What does the fox say? There are at least 40 different voices the fox can uses, but the most common is their scream.

Deleted user

Ancient torture methods since I already know a bunch about this!!

Deleted user

The Tub
Known as the punishment of ‘sitting in the tub,’ the convicted person would be placed in a wooden tub with only their head sticking out. After that, the executioner would paint their faces with milk and honey; and soon, flies would begin to feed on them. The victim was also fed regularly and would end up swimming in their excrement. After a few days, maggots and worms would devour their body as they decayed alive.

The Brazen Bull
Also known as the Sicilian Bull, it was designed in ancient Greece. A solid piece of brass was cast with a door on the side that could be opened and latched. The victim would be placed inside the bull and a fire set underneath it until the metal became literally yellow as it was heated. The victim would then be slowly roasted to death all while screaming in agonizing pain. The bull was purposely designed to amplify these screams and make them sound like the bellowing of a bull.

Impalement
Given his name, it should come as no surprise that this was the most favored method of execution by Vlad the Impaler. In 15th century Romania; the victim was forced to sit on a sharp and thick pole. When the pole was then raised upright, the victim was left to slide down the pole with their own weight. It could take the victim 3 days to die using this method and it has been said that Vlad once did this to 20,000 people all while enjoying a meal.

Heretics Fork
This torture device consisted of a metal piece with two opposed bi-pronged forks attached to a belt or strap. One end of the device was pushed under the chin, the other to the sternum, and the strap was used to secure the victim’s neck to the tool while the victim hung from the ceiling or was somehow suspended so that they could not sleep. If their heads dropped, the prongs would pierce their throat and chest.

Neck Torture
Humiliating and painful, this punishment was something of an endurance test where the victim would be hooked into a neck device, either made of metal or wood, which prevented the victim from adjusting into a comfortable position. The cruelty of this punishment lie within the fact that they were unable to lie down, eat, or lower their head for days!

Deleted user

Thumbscrew
Though there are many variations of this torture device, the thumbscrew or ‘pilliwinks’ all function the same. They were designed to slowly crush not only the fingers and toes, but larger devices were also used to crush knees and elbows. There is also the Head Crusher, which could do the same for heads. It’s primary intention was to extract confessions from victims and it was first used in medieval times.

Rope Torture
A rope is the easiest to use of all the torture devices since it is easy to find and can easily be fashioned to inflict a number of terrible retributions. For example, it could be used to tie the victim to a tree leaving the victim exposed with no way of defending himself from animals or other humans; it could be used to hang victims at the gallows for entertainment purposes while ultimately inflicting death; and it could be fashioned to restrain the victim’s limbs while attaching the other end to horses who would them be made to run, consequently severing the limbs.

Guillotine
One of the most notorious forms of executions, the guillotine was made of a razor sharp blade attached to a rope. The victim’s head was placed in the middle of the frame as the blade dropped, severing the victim’s head from the body. Since the decapitation was considered to be an instant and painless event (at least less painful than the other torture methods), it was often considered the most humane method of execution.

The Rack
Designed to dislocate every joint of the victim’s body, it was believed to be the most painful form of medieval torture. This torture device was made out of a wooden frame with two ropes fixed to the bottom and the other two tied into the handle on top. Once the victim was bound and placed on top of the rack, the torturer would proceed to turn the handle. Eventually, the victim would be stretched till his limbs where dislocated. The torturers, however, (just to make sure those limbs where indeed dislocated) would continue to turn the wheel until the limbs where completely torn off the victim’s body.

Tongue Tearer
Looking like an oversized pair of scissors, it could effortlessly cut the victim’s tongue. Their mouth would be forced opened with a device called a mouth opener, and then the iron tongue tearer would uncomfortably twitch the tongue with its rough grippers. Once a firm hold was maintained, the screw would be firmly tightened and the victim’s tongue would roughly be torn out.

@The-N-U-T-Cracker

Fun fact on the Brazen Bull-

When its original maker, Perillos of Athens, first pitched his creation to Phalaris, he insisted that the device be tested first…
And so that's how the creator died

Deleted user

Ah, would you like me to change to a different topic? I've accidentally freaked out many a friends with my facts

Deleted user

  1. Roman Scissor
    Roman scissor

Specification of the Weapon
Length: 18 in (45 cm)
Weight: 5 lb (2,3 kg)
Configuration: Hardened steel
Used by: Roman gladiators

The scissor is a rather unusual weapon from ancient Rome used by the class of gladiators who were called scissores but as gladiators they were not very well described in history. The weapon has two parts: a long tube that protects the gladiator’s arm, and at the end of the tube there is a long, thin cylindrical-shaped pipe with a crescent-shaped blade. It is this unique-looking element of the weapon that made it popular among fans in the audience.

The scissores class of gladiators often fought with the retiarius class whose specialty was the net-like weapon they used. So the scissors were used to cut this net and slaughter the opponent. The tube-like structure that is attached to the arm was also used as a shield to block attacks. The shape and nature of the weapon made it versatile, lethal, and capable of blocking an opponent’s blows from stabbing and slashing.

  1. Shuriken
    Shuriken weapon

Specification of the Weapon
Length: 5–8 1⁄2 in (13–21 cm)
Weight: 1.3 – 5.3 oz (35–150 grams)
Configuration: Heavy-grade steel
Used by: Japanese

The shuriken is a well-known Japanese weapon often described in popular culture as the “ninja star.” It is used as a concealed weapon for self-defense rather than direct attack. The shuriken comes in different varieties, the hira shuriken most recognizable in popular culture. It is a pointed weapon like a star with varying numbers of edges and styles. It is made out of sharp-edged materials such as metal or coins. The exposed parts of the body like the eyes, hands, face, etc. are more vulnerable to the shuriken. It was often used by the Samurai as part of their weaponry. The effect of the shuriken was to generate an attack as if made by an invisible swordsman.

  1. Bagh Nakh
    Bagh Nakh weapon, India

Specification of the Weapon
Length: 6.6 in (main claws), 1.75 in (side spike)
Weight: 2 oz (56 grams)
Configuration: Metal
Used by: Indians

The bagh nakh, also known as the bagh naka, which means “tiger claws” is a claw-like weapon from ancient India. The weapon was based on the claws of big cats. There are four to five curved blades which were used to slash through the skin and muscle. There are two holes on the side of the weapon to fit in the thumb and the pinky finger which allow the user to conceal the blades within the palm. An additional knife-like weapon was also added to the sides which could be used for stabbing and thrusting. The bagh nakh is often associated with the Marathi warrior Shivaji who used the weapon to kill Afzal Khan, a Moghul general.

  1. Madu
    Madu, ancient Indian weapon

Specification of the Weapon
Length: 24 in (61 cm)
Weight: 3–14 lb (1,4 – 6,3 kg)
Configuration: Steel
Used by: Indians

The madu is another weapon from ancient India. It is also more commonly known as the maru. It is made from blackbuck horns pointing in opposite directions joined by a crossbar which also acts as a handle. Variations include the addition of a shield for defensive purposes. In later years the weapon was made out of steel. It is believed to have originated in South India and was used mostly as a defensive weapon to ward off counter attacks. The pointed horns may be used for stabbing and thrusting in offensive attacks.

  1. Hypaspist
    Hypaspist

Specification of the Weapon
Length: 24 in (61 cm)
Weight: 3–14 lb (1,4 – 6,3 kg)
Configuration: Steel
Used by: Greek

Unlike other arsenals and weapons on the list, the hypaspist is not a weapon but rather an elite infantry soldier who served in the army of Alexander the Great. Hypaspist in Greek translates as “shield bearer.” The hypaspists were known for their strength, agility, and courage. A small number of them served as the king’s royal guard. Veteran hypaspist soldiers were also known as the Silver Shields (as they held silver shields) or the Argyraspids. The Silver Shields were mostly elderly warriors but were revered and feared due to their skill and experience in battle.

  1. Zhua
    Zhua, ancient Chinese weapon

Specification of the Weapon
Length: Determined by size
Weight: Determined by size
Configuration: Iron
Used by: Chinese

The ancient Chinese weapon, the zhua, is one of the most unusual weapons in history. The character for zhua in Chinese translates as “claw” or “animal feet.” The weapon has a long handle and a claw-like figure with sharp blades at the edge. It was used to rip away the weapons and shields of the enemy. The zhua could be used to impale flesh and then rip it off the opponent. It has the capacity to pull a solider from a mounted horse if used professionally. The weight of the iron zhua is also heavy enough to kill and can be used for bludgeoning, but the sharp claws make it more dangerous and leave the opponent exposed to multiple risks.

  1. Shotel
    Shotel, ancient Ethopian weapon

Specification of the Weapon
Length: 40 in (blade) (101 cm)
Weight: Unknown
Configuration: Unknown
Used by: Ancient Ethiopians

The shotel is a curved sword originating in Abyssinia or present-day Ethiopia. It was used by both mounted and unmounted soldiers. The blade is semi-curved, and the curved nature of the sword was focused on delivering stabs to vital organs like the kidneys and the lungs, as it could strike over the shield of the opponent. The Abyssinians did not practice fencing in swordplay, so the shotel was not primarily made to cut or slice. The blade is flat, double-edged and about 40 inches long. The hilt is a simple wooden piece. It is believed to have originated during medieval times and withstood Western influences during the 19th century.

  1. Khopesh
    Khopesh weapon

Specification of the Weapon
Length: 20-22 in (50–60 cm)
Weight: 7 lb (3,2 kg)
Configuration: Bronze and steel
Used by: Ancient Egyptians

The khopesh is a sickle sword from ancient Egypt. Swords were not common in Egypt, and daggers and short swords of different types were often used with the exception of the khopesh. The khopesh is a thick, crescent-shaped blade. It is around 50 to 60 centimeters long. The inside of the hook is not sharpened but the outer part has a single cutting edge. The weapon could also be used as a hook and a bludgeoning tool. It was often made of bronze or iron. Some pharaohs have been portrayed with the khopesh, and some were found in their tombs.

  1. Spartan Hoplon Shield
    Spartan hoplon shield

Specification of the Weapon
Length: 7–9 ft (213 – 274 cm)
Weight: 30 lb (13,6 kg)
Configuration: Bronze and steel
Used by: Spartans

The Spartans are often remembered for their circular shields. These are known as hoplons or aspis. The shields were made from wood and the outer part was covered with bronze. They weighed around 30 pounds and measured 3 feet in diameter. One of the unique features of the shield was the way it was held. The handle was at the edge of the shield supported by a leather strap in the center. It was this technique that allowed the soldiers to freely move their arms during battle. The size of the shield also acted as a floating device. The hoplon shield could be used for bludgeoning and killing due to its weight and blunt nature. The shield was primarily for defensive purposes but was used by the Spartans to gain an element of surprise.

  1. Flaming (Fire) Arrows
    Flaming fire arrow

Specification of the Weapon
Length: No specific length
Weight: No specific weight
Configuration: Wood/steel wool
Used by: Many ancient civilizations

Flaming arrows were used throughout medieval times as a thermal weapon. The Romans, Assyrians, Judeans, and many others used flaming arrows. Fire arrows, with rockets attached, were invented by the Chinese during the Song dynasty. Many variations of fire arrows and flaming arrows were used by the Japanese and Koreans. The simplest flaming arrows had oil or resin-soaked cloth tied below the arrowhead, and these were very effective against wooden structures. In the fire arrow developed by the Chinese, a gunpowder-filled pouch was attached to the shaft of the arrow to provide propulsive force. It was launched from a platform through cylinders or boxes which could hold up to 1,000 of them. Propelled by the gunpowder, the arrows had a range of around 1,000 feet.