What type of substance is secreted by the feathers and skin of the pitohui, a New Guinea bird?

• a bright red colouring
• a poison
• tear gas

The pitohui produces a substance 100 times more poisonous than strychnine. This shows that birds, just like some snakes or frogs, have developed a system of defence based on poisoning.

Thanks to computers, the consumption of paper has dropped sharply in the US?

• true
• false

Printers and photocopiers caused paper consumption to almost double during the 1980's.

What do some Japanese farmers give their cows in order to obtain more tender meat?

• pine cones
• bonzai roots
• beer

This ancient technique consists of giving each cow 3 litres of beer per day, and massaging its back for 40 minutes. This special treatment produces a meat with exceptional flavour.

Which fossil fuel gives off the least amount of carbon dioxide?

• oil
• coal
• gas

Natural gas is an interesting source of energy for a cleaner future. Its combustion gives off about 40% less CO₂ than coal and 25% less than oil for the same quantity of energy .

How does the Australian death adder capture its prey?

• it shakes the pink tip of its tail
• it plays dead
• it hangs from the trees like a vine

This snake, which lives in the Australian desert, shakes its pink tail which looks just like an earthworm. Rodents and birds who think they are going to have a feast end up in the snake's stomach.

What type of cancer could be increased by the destruction of the ozone layer?

• liver cancer
• throat cancer
• skin cancer

So if you're attached to your skin, find out what you can do to preserve the ozone layer.