Summary:

Knowva's December Daily Facts highlighted intriguing insights about the natural world and human achievements. From reindeer antlers and polar bears' keen sense of smell to the engineering marvels of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Panama Canal, these facts offered a glimpse into the wonders of nature and innovation. Each day brought a new discovery, showcasing the endless surprises our world holds.

Table of Contents

Top 10 Knowva Daily Facts from December

10. Reindeer are the only deer where both males and females grow antlers

9. Polar bears can smell a seal from almost a mile away under the snow

8. Elephants use their trunks as snorkels when they swim

7. Bats are the only mammals that can truly fly

6. The Wright brothers' first plane flew less than the length of a football field

5. The Brooklyn Bridge was the first steel-wire suspension bridge

4. The London Underground is the oldest subway system in the world

3. Christ the Redeemer in Brazil is taller than a 13-storey building

2. Mount Kilimanjaro has snow on top even though it's near the equator

1. The Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans

Top 10 Knowva Daily Facts from December

A quick apology for the delay on this one. Things have been a little hectic at Knowva HQ recently, with lots happening behind the scenes as we continue to grow and improve the app (and also, as we plan to move house!). Thank you for your patience, and we're excited to finally share our favourite Daily Facts from December.

December was packed with wow moments on Knowva. From ancient wonders and snowy mountains to clever animals and brilliant inventions, our Daily Facts gave curious minds something new to discover every single day. Here are ten of our favourite facts from December that really stood out.

10. Reindeer are the only deer where both males and females grow antlers

Most deer species have antlers only on males. Reindeer are different, and this helps females protect feeding spots during the harsh Arctic winter.

Reindeer with antlers pulling a wooden sled across a snowy forest landscape.

9. Polar bears can smell a seal from almost a mile away under the snow

This superpower helps them hunt in the Arctic. A polar bear's sense of smell is so strong it can detect prey hidden deep beneath ice and snow.

A polar bear walking across snow with two cubs beside it in the Arctic.

Explore more Animal articles on Knowva, the kids encyclopaedia app
Knowva’s Animals category helps children learn about animals from around the world, including habitats, behaviours, and fascinating facts, all explained clearly and safely for young learners.

8. Elephants use their trunks as snorkels when they swim

An elephant's trunk is like a built-in breathing tube. When swimming, elephants lift just the tip above water so they can breathe while their bodies stay submerged.

An elephant swimming with only its trunk above the water like a snorkel.

7. Bats are the only mammals that can truly fly

Other animals can glide, but bats are the only mammals that flap their wings to fly. Their wings are made from skin stretched between long fingers, making them incredibly agile in the air.

A bat hanging upside down from a tree branch with wings folded around its body.

6. The Wright brothers' first plane flew less than the length of a football field

The very first powered flight was short, bumpy, and slow, but it changed the world. That tiny hop led to modern aeroplanes and global travel.

A football pitch seen from above showing the full length of the field from goal to goal.

5. The Brooklyn Bridge was the first steel-wire suspension bridge

When it opened in 1883, it changed bridge building forever. The Brooklyn Bridge proved that steel cables could safely hold huge structures across wide rivers.

The Brooklyn Bridge crossing the river with New York City skyscrapers in the background at sunset.

4. The London Underground is the oldest subway system in the world

The first part of the Tube opened in 1863, long before electric trains existed. Today, the London Underground still carries millions of passengers every day beneath the city.

A London Underground train arriving at a platform inside an underground station.

3. Christ the Redeemer in Brazil is taller than a 13-storey building

Standing high above Rio de Janeiro, this famous statue is much bigger than many people realise. Cristo Redentor, or Christ the Redeemer, has become one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world.

Cristo Redentor/Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking Rio de Janeiro with the city and coastline below.

Explore more Landmark articles on Knowva, the kids encyclopaedia app
Knowva’s Landmarks category helps children learn about famous places around the world, including natural wonders and man-made landmarks, explained clearly and accessibly for young learners.

2. Mount Kilimanjaro has snow on top even though it's near the equator

It feels impossible, but Africa's tallest mountain has a snowy peak all year round. Mount Kilimanjaro is so high that the air at the top stays freezing, even though it sits close to the hottest part of Earth.

Mount Kilimanjaro with a snow covered peak rising above African plains with elephants below.

1. The Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans

This incredible waterway cuts across Central America and lets ships travel thousands of miles less than going all the way around South America. The Panama Canal is one of the greatest engineering projects ever completed.

Aerial view of the Panama Canal with ships passing through lock gates between green hills.

December's Daily Facts showed just how surprising our world can be! New facts arrive every day on Knowva, so there's always something fresh to discover.

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