Beyond the answers - interesting background to this quiz

A basilica that watches over its city

The Sacré-Cœur sits at the summit of Montmartre, the highest point in Paris, which is why its white domes are visible from so much of the city. Montmartre itself has a long artistic history, having been home to painters and writers before the basilica was built. The church was constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and remains one of the most visited monuments in France.

The longest mountain chain on land

The Andes stretch roughly 7,000 kilometres along the western edge of South America, making them the longest continental mountain range in the world. They pass through seven countries, from Venezuela in the north down to Chile and Argentina. Their peaks are also home to some of the highest cities on the planet, and the range shapes the climate and agriculture of the whole region.

Sodium's symbol and its Latin roots

The chemical symbol for sodium is Na, which comes from natrium, the Latin name for the element. Many element symbols follow this pattern, reflecting older Latin or Greek names rather than the modern English word. Sodium is highly reactive and is never found pure in nature, which is why it is usually stored under oil in laboratories.

Why the saxophone belongs with the woodwinds

The saxophone is made of brass, so it is easy to assume it belongs to the brass family. In fact, it is classified as a woodwind because it produces sound using a single reed, much like a clarinet. It was invented in the 1840s by Adolphe Sax, a Belgian instrument maker, and only later became a staple of jazz.

An imaginary line with real consequences

The Equator crosses thirteen countries, and Kenya is one of them, running through the middle of the country. Near the town of Nanyuki there is a well-known sign marking the line, a popular stop for visitors. Crossing it means moving between the northern and southern hemispheres, which affects everything from daylight patterns to local climate.