Insects, Inventions & Trivia

While the Apple II did launch in 1977 and was hugely influential, it was NOT the first personal computer. Earlier systems included the Altair 8800 (1975), the Micral (1973), and even the Kenbak-1 (1971). The Apple II was arguably the first commercially successful personal computer, but not the first overall.

Diner's Club was indeed founded in 1950 and introduced an early charge card, but the claim that it was 'the first credit card' is problematic. Earlier charge/credit systems existed, including Western Union's 'metal money' in the 1920s and various merchant-specific credit programs. However, Diner's Club is often credited as the first multi-merchant charge card that worked across multiple establishments.

The first product scanned with a UPC barcode was a 10-pack of Wrigley's Juicy Fruit chewing gum, not Coca-Cola. This historic scan occurred at a Marsh supermarket in Troy, Ohio on June 26, 1974. The gum pack and the receipt are now in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

The first escalator was indeed installed at Harrods department store in London, but the date is WRONG. It was installed in November 1898, not 1878. The escalator was made by the Otis Elevator Company and was a novelty attraction - people were so nervous about it that Harrods stationed employees at the top with smelling salts to help frightened shoppers. The 20-year discrepancy makes the statement false.

Edgar Allan Poe wrote 'A Dream Within a Dream,' a philosophical poem exploring the nature of reality and illusion. The poem was first published in 1849.

Research shows ants do have sleep-like periods and rest cycles. Different species sleep for different amounts, but they do rest. The statement 'ants don't sleep' is therefore false, making B the correct answer.

While insects do consume significant portions of crops, 1/3 seems like an exaggeration. Realistic estimates vary but are generally lower than 33% globally. The statement is likely false, making B correct.

Aphids reproduce prolifically through both sexual and asexual reproduction (parthenogenesis). Some species can produce dozens of generations per year. The statement 'aphids can never reproduce' is absurdly false. B is correct.

Mosquito preferences vary by species and depend on factors like carbon dioxide output, body heat, and sweat chemicals. Some research suggests they may prefer children (who have higher metabolic rates and CO2 output). The generalization that they 'prefer adults' is not supported. B is correct.