Separating Myth From Reality

Max Larsen, Sports Editor

The world is not always what it seems. People of all ages are constantly exposed to so-called “facts” that lead you to believe something that can turn out to be completely false.

  1. Octopus Ink

It is said that octopus ink is used mainly to escape predators, or to stall a predator enough for them to hide. The truth is, octopus ink is rarely used for this method, and is rarely used in their actual habitat. Octopuses (or octopi, either one is correct) expel their ink mostly on humans and large invaders in their homes. According to National Geographic, octopus ink is “strong enough to subdue their prey,” helping the octopi catch and eat its prey.

  1. Chameleon Color Changing

A common misconception is that chameleons change their color in order to blend into the habitat around them and hide from predators. We were all taught this at one point in our lives, but this is completely false. Multiple sources such as Wonderopolis and TodayIFoundOut have stated that “Chameleons change color as a response to mood, temperature, health, communication, and light.” For example, when it is hot outside, a chameleon change to a  lighter color to help it absorb less heat.

  1. Bee Stinging Kills the Bee

Most people believe that when a bee stings them it dies, but this is only true for one type  of bee. According to EarthSky, “The honey bee is the only bee that dies when it stings you because it loses its abdomen.” As there are over 20,000 types of bees, as seen on National Geographic, one type of bee is not nearly comparable to the various numbers of species people can see throughout their day.

  1. Drowning

While people in most movies interpret and put the idea in your mind of a person flailing their arms and yelling for help, drowning is actually quite silent. While drowning you are losing air, which means it would be near impossible to yell for help and to move your body at such capacity. According to KnowledgeNuts, “Once a person starts to drown, they can’t yell or move their arms voluntarily, and will probably not make much of a scene.”

  1. Blood is NOT Blue

We have all been in school when that one super knowledgeable kid tells you that your blood is actually blue, but when it leaves your body the oxygen in the air will turn it red. Well, to no surprise, it turns out that kid was wrong. Your blood is constantly red, and as Wonderopolis states, “Some people believe that veins appear blue because blood without oxygen is blue. Some reasons people believe blood is blue is because of a combination of sunlight and skin cells combining, but it’s not true. Blood is always red.”

Most of these myths have become so widely talked about that they are considered true with minimal to no research. These myths are even taught in some schools. The world is definitely a crazy place, but not all of these crazy facts are true.