Beyond the answers - interesting background to this quiz

The bird that almost wasn't

The Bald Eagle became the national bird of the United States in 1782, but the choice was not without debate. Benjamin Franklin reportedly criticised the bird, calling it a creature of "bad moral character" because it sometimes steals food from other birds. Despite that reputation, the Bald Eagle has remained a powerful symbol of the country for well over two centuries.

A revolution in print

Johannes Gutenberg's printing press, developed in the 15th century, is often credited with transforming the spread of information in Europe. The use of movable metal type allowed books to be produced far more quickly and cheaply than handwritten copies. This innovation helped fuel the Renaissance, the Reformation, and the eventual rise of mass literacy.

Two capitals shaped by geography

Kuala Lumpur and Nairobi share a common trait: both are relatively young capitals that grew rapidly during the colonial era. Kuala Lumpur began as a tin-mining settlement before becoming the capital of Malaysia. Nairobi, meanwhile, developed around a railway depot in the late 19th century and later became the capital of Kenya, sitting at a high elevation that keeps its climate surprisingly mild.

A symbol with a story

Phosphorus is represented by the letter P, a symbol derived from its Latin name, phosphorus. The element was first isolated in the 17th century from urine, and its name comes from Greek words meaning "light-bringer" because white phosphorus glows faintly in the dark when exposed to oxygen. It is essential to all known forms of life, appearing in DNA, bones, and cell membranes.