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      Mental Floss

      EVOLUTION

      Eyebrows serve a real purpose.

      Why Do We Have Eyebrows?

      Eyebrows are the Swiss Army knife of the human face.

      the mag, Matt Soniak

      Gasping when you're surprised is a quirk of evolution.

      Why Do We Gasp When We're Surprised or Alarmed?

      Gasping is tied to an innate survival mechanism, hardwired into humans through evolution: the fight-or-flight response.

      Brigit Katz

      In search of the third molar.

      10 Facts About Wisdom Teeth

      Why do we even have them? Let's get to the root of the issue.

      Emily Petsko



      Pucker your mouth when you eat something sour? You're not the only one.

      Why Do We Make Weird Faces When We Taste Something Sour?

      If you can't resist puckering your mouth when you lick a lemon or snack on Sour Patch Kids, you can thank evolution.

      Michele Debczak


      Flickr User Stephen Childs

      Meet the Sea Slug With the Disposable Penis

      Fans of '90s alternative music may recall King Missile's big single, "Detachable Penis." While the song may have been silly, it turns out than in the animal world, the idea isn't all that bizarre—at least not to the sea slug Chromodoris reticulata.

      Jill Harness


      Chimpanzees hang out in Gombe National Park.

      9 Amazing Facts About Chimpanzees

      Chimpanzees share about 98 percent of their genes with humans, but you wouldn't want to invite this side of the family over for dinner.

      Liz Langley


      An Eastern chipmunk having a snack.

      11 Fascinating Facts About Chipmunks

      What do chipmunks eat? Baby birds, occasionally. Do chipmunks hibernate? Yes, but not like bears do.

      Ellen Gutoskey
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