Origin of 'Burying Head in the Sand' Idiom
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Questions and Answers

What does the idiom 'to bury your head in the sand' mean?

  • To run away from a problem
  • To ignore a problem in the hope that it will go away (correct)
  • To confront a problem head-on
  • To fight a problem with all your might

What is the supposed behavior of ostriches that the idiom is based on?

  • Hiding their head in a hole (correct)
  • Fighting enemies with their powerful kick
  • Flying away from danger
  • Running away from enemies

Who is credited with popularizing the myth about ostrich behavior?

  • Pliny the Elder (correct)
  • Charles Darwin
  • Jane Goodall
  • David Attenborough

What is a notable feature of ostriches?

<p>Their powerful kick (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would ostriches be more likely to do when faced with a threat?

<p>Run away using their speed (A), Use their powerful kick to fight back (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common myth about the memory of fish?

<p>They have a memory that lasts for seconds (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a highly developed sense that sharks possess?

<p>Smell (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How much water is required for some shark species to detect a single drop of blood?

<p>50 litres (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the myth about sharks being able to detect a single drop of blood in the water from miles around disappointing?

<p>Because it would be bad news for fish and other prey (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an often solitary habit of sharks?

<p>Hunting alone (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Idiom "Bury Your Head in the Sand"

  • Means to ignore a problem in the hope that it will go away

Ostrich Behavior

  • Common myth: ostriches hide their heads in holes to escape enemies
  • This behavior is not actually normal for ostriches
  • Origin of myth: based on writings of Pliny the Elder, a Roman naturalist
  • Pliny suggested ostriches believe their whole body is concealed when they hide their head and neck in a bush

Ostrich Characteristics

  • Fastest creatures on two legs
  • Kick powerful enough to kick a lion
  • More likely to run or fight than try to hide

Common Myths about Marine Creatures

  • The myth that fish, especially goldfish, have a memory of just a few seconds is incorrect.
  • Experiments show that fish have a much better memory, lasting months rather than seconds.
  • The myth about sharks detecting a single drop of blood in the water from miles around is partially true.

Shark's Senses

  • Sharks have poor eyesight.
  • They have a highly developed sense of smell, able to detect a single drop of blood in about 50 litres of water.
  • However, their sense of smell is not as sensitive as generally believed when it comes to blood.

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Description

Discover the fascinating story behind the idiom 'to bury your head in the sand' and how it relates to ostriches.

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