Today, I Learned: About The Largest Living Organism // About The Temperature That Makes The Water Freeze
Today, I learned the facts about the largest living organism and about the temperature that makes the water freeze
What is the largest living organism on Earth?
It is fungus. Precisely, Honey Fungus (Armillaria).
Currently the largest living example has grown to the size that covers over 8.8 km2 and was discovered in Malheur National Forest, Oregon, USA. It has been estimated that it is between about 2000 to 8500 years old, and most of it grows and spreads underground.
[Honey fungus (Armillaria mellea). Image Source]
It is a parasitic mushroom that grows on trees or shrubs and causes serious and destructive plant disease called "Armillaria root rot". What makes it different from typical parasite is that it also kills its plant host so it can later feed on dead organic material - usually, other parasites tend to limit their growth so they don't become too lethal to their host. This mushroom is also considered a big delicacy in Central and Eastern European countries, but it has to be cooked before eating to get rid of some of its slightly poisonous chemicals.
[Malheur National Forest. Image Source]
What temperature makes the water freeze?
The Water, or H2O covers 71% of our planet's surface and makes up between 55% to 78% of our body.
But what is exact temperature that makes the water freeze?
It depends. The temperature of water can get as low as -48 °C before it freezes. It happens when we cool down pure water below its usual freezing point in the process called supercooling. The scientists have been also able to create "glassy water" that freezes at -137 °C. This type of supercool "glassy water" cannot be naturally found anywhere on Earth but is very common in space. It can be found in many places in our Solar System such as comets, icy moons and Kuiper Belt.
[Arctic ice. Image Source]
Normally, the water we drink is not pure water. It contains many impurities to which water molecules can get attached to create ice crystals. That's why it tends to freeze at 0°C.
For example, the Seawater doesn't freeze at 0°C. Because of it's salinity it usually it freezes at around -2 °C.
So why Arctic and Antarctic species of fish do not freeze? This had perplexed the scientists for a long time until it was discovered that their bodies produce special protein which prevents their blood from freezing - it works like antifreeze.
[The ocellated icefish (Chionodraco rastrospinosus). Image Source]
Today, I learned!
Other source used, not included under hyperlinks:
BBC - "The Largest Living Thing On Earth Is A Humongous Fungus".
If you have enjoyed this article, please also check out:
Today, I Learned: What Is The Colour of Oranges? // What Is The Highest Mountain?
Today, I Learned: Where Are We Most Likely To Be Hit By Hailstorm? // How Many Legs Octopus Has?
-logic
Now, I want to eat some fish with mushrooms :)
Haha :-) Thank you very MUSH!
mmh doesn't go so well together, does it ? lol
Well, it depends how they are cooked and who is the chef :)
So have I learned. This fungus is rivaled only by The Great Barrier Reef, which can be seen from outer space.
That is true, although The Great Barrier Reef is not a single organism but the largest structure made of living organisms.
I stand corrected. :-)
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That's fish looks scary.
It's because you're talking about him and he's self conscious.
You mean, it's the "Stop staring a me" kind of fish. :-)
Lol exactly. It has social phobia (a severe case).
That Fungus is creepy ! lol and hah.. antifreeze blood, isn't nature wonderful ?
Are you reading, "The Book of General Ignorance" by John Mitchinson?
Yeah that's one of their books I think! I take interesting subject ideas from from the QI site.
Awesome book! Been doing the same thing. Reading and looking up the stuff I read about.
nice share. keep it up.
Great use of links to draw people in, I went back and looked at some of your earlier posts. If I hadn't already followed you, I would have
Thanks baerdric!
Very cool : )
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