Unlikely Roommates

A hyena, a porcupine, and a warthog sit on a couch playing video games.

Unlikely Roommates

Scientists were surprised to observe hyenas, porcupines, and warthogs—three animals that aren’t usually peaceful with one another—sharing dens.

A hyena, a porcupine, and a warthog sit on a couch playing video games.

© marina_dikh/stock.adobe.com; Illustration Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

The best of friends?

Porcupines and warthogs are known to be prey for the spotted hyena. So scientists were surprised when they realized that hyenas, porcupines, and warthogs were peacefully sharing dens in a wildlife preserve in Kenya.

Scientists made the discovery when they were reviewing footage from cameras that had been set up outside two dens. At one point, one of the dens was home to two porcupines, three warthogs, and seven hyenas. The other housed two porcupines, six warthogs, and 11 hyenas. All the animals used the same entrances to the dens. Sometimes all three species entered the dens within minutes of each other. There’s no evidence that there were any fights—or worse—in the three years the scientists observed the dens.

Since the three species aren’t usually peaceful with each other in the wild, scientists aren’t sure how the living arrangements worked. They believe there may have been separate chambers inside the underground dens, so the inhabitants didn’t get in each other’s way. 

Marc Dupuis-Désormeaux, the lead author of a study on the living arrangement, says it’s likely the animals decided to share existing dens rather than dig new ones during the dry season, when the ground is hard. In fact, when the rainy season arrived, the animals seemed to stop sharing the dens.

Also, the porcupines and warthogs would have been safe inside the dens. Hyenas use stealth to hunt—but they can’t sneak up on their prey in a small space.

“They’re just faced with a faceful of really nasty warthog tusks or porcupine spines,” Dupuis-Désormeaux told Radio France Internationale.

Did You Know?

© Deon De Villiers—500px Prime/Getty Images

Spotted hyenas are often thought of as scavengers that eat the remains of other animals’ prey. But hyenas are also skilled hunters. Working together, a pack of hyenas can kill an antelope or a wildebeest.

Let’s Make a Deal

© Emanuele Biggi—Nature Picture Library/Alamy

Despite appearances, this Peruvian tarantula is not about to kill this humming frog.

The hyena-porcupine-warthog roommate situation isn’t unique. Scientists have observed other members of different species sharing the same living space. Two animals will sometimes live together because the arrangement benefits both of them. 

In Peru, India, and Sri Lanka, certain species of frogs are known to live with large spiders such as tarantulas. Tarantulas are large and powerful enough to kill and eat small frogs. Yet scientists observed them grabbing the frogs and then letting them go unharmed. They believe the spiders detect toxins in the frogs’ skin and decide to wait for the next possible meal to come along. The frogs often sit underneath the spiders, suggesting that they get some protection from being near these unlikely eight-legged allies.

What’s in it for the tarantulas? Frogs will eat ants, which often invade a tarantula’s space with the intention of eating its eggs.

Sounds like a good deal!

Surprisingly Shy

© Bryan and Wendy Mullennix—Verve+/Getty Images

Where do tarantulas live, and why do they have hairs all over their bodies? Find these answers and more at Britannica School!

WORD OF THE DAY

interact

PART OF SPEECH:

verb

Definition:

to act together : to come together and have an effect on each other — often + with

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In Case You Missed It

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May 25, 2023
Around the U.S. lawmakers are working to make it tougher for teens and tweens to use social media.
May 18, 2023
A recent study showed that pet parrots get a lot out of having video calls with each other.
May 14, 2023
Summer is almost here. Check out our summer reading recommendations!
May 8, 2023

Five Hundred Days Alone

A woman smiles as she walks out of a rock-filled cave as another woman reaches out to assist her.

Five Hundred Days Alone

A mountain climber spent 500 days alone in a cave to learn the effects of isolation on the human brain.

A woman smiles as she walks out of a rock-filled cave as another woman reaches out to assist her.

Jorge Guerrero—AFP/Getty Images

In this April 14, 2023, photo, Beatriz Flamini leaves the cave where she spent 500 days in isolation.

A mountain climber from Spain spent 500 days alone in a cave to help researchers study the effects of isolation on the human brain. Beatriz Flamini entered the cave in November 2021 and did not see another human being until she emerged in April 2023.

The cave was located 230 feet (70 meters) underground near Granada, Spain. Flamini spent the time weaving, drawing, cooking meals, and exercising. She also read 60 books. Throughout her time in the cave, Flamini made and transmitted videos, which a support crew watched in order to monitor her mental and physical health. The crew was also responsible for leaving food at a drop-off point. Flamini left the cave only once—around day 300—when there was a technical problem. She spent about eight days alone in a tent until she could return to the cave.

Flamini had no idea what was happening in the outside world. She asked the crew not to tell her about any news events or even anything having to do with her family. After about two months, she stopped keeping track of time. She later said she didn’t mind the isolation at all, possibly because she’s an extreme athlete who regularly undertakes sports challenges.

“You have to be focused,” she told The Guardian. “If I get distracted, I’ll twist my ankle. I’ll get hurt. It’ll be over and they’ll have to get me out. And I don’t want that.”

On the 500th day, crew members entered the cave to get her, as planned. Flamini said the time had passed so quickly that she couldn’t believe it was time to leave. Researchers in Spain are now studying how both the lack of human contact and the constant darkness affected Flamini. For now, though, Flamini says she remained content throughout the experiment.

“I was sleeping—or at least dozing—when they came down to get me,” Flamini told The Guardian. “I thought something had happened. I said, ‘Already? No way.’ I hadn’t finished my book.”

Did You Know?

A young girl climbs a steep boulder in a park.

© Olivier Renck—Aurora Photos/Cavan Images/Alamy

Ashima Shiraishi, age 7, climbs Rat Rock in New York City’s Central Park.

One of the best rock climbers in the world is 22-year-old Ashima Shiraishi. A native of New York City, Shiraishi became interested in climbing at age 6, after making it to the top of Rat Rock, a boulder in the city’s famous Central Park. When she was 14, she completed what was then considered to be the hardest boulder climb ever done by a woman.

Home Sweet Home?

A long, thin, pink and white animal without eyes

© pwmotion/stock.adobe.com

A troglobite

If you were to venture into a cave, what animals would you expect to find? You might think of a bear taking its winter snooze or a colony of bats, hanging from the ceiling to stay out of the reach of predators. But bears and bats don’t spend all of their time in caves. Many true cave dwellers are much smaller—and weirder.

A cave is a true home to troglobites. These animals, which include some types of insects, millipedes, fish, and shrimp, never leave the cave and have developed adaptations to survive in the darkness. Most troglobites are white or pinkish because they don’t need pigment, or color, to protect them from the Sun’s rays. Troglobites don’t need eyes, so many don’t have them. Troglobites have other body parts that help them sense their surroundings, such as antennae or long legs.

Secrets of Caves

Large crystals grow inside a cave.

© Joshua/stock.adobe.com

How do caves form, and why do some caves look as if they contain icicles? Learn more about caves at Britannica School!

WORD OF THE DAY

spelunking

PART OF SPEECH:

noun

Definition:

: the sport or practice of exploring or studying caves

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Criss Cross

Here’s a list of weird landforms. See if you can figure out where they go in the grid.

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In Case You Missed It

A mountain climber spent 500 days alone in a cave to learn the effects of isolation on the human brain.
May 25, 2023
Around the U.S. lawmakers are working to make it tougher for teens and tweens to use social media.
May 18, 2023
A recent study showed that pet parrots get a lot out of having video calls with each other.
May 14, 2023
Summer is almost here. Check out our summer reading recommendations!
May 8, 2023

Should Kids Be Allowed on Social Media?

The U.S. Capitol building with a smartphone on either side showing social media logos being crossed out.

Should Kids Be Allowed on Social Media?

Around the U.S. lawmakers are working to make it tougher for teens and tweens to use social media.

The U.S. Capitol building with a smartphone on either side showing social media logos being crossed out.

© zrfphoto—iStock/Getty Images; Animation Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Should social media access be restricted for users under age 18? Many parents and lawmakers think so. In the United States, state governments, as well as the federal government, are making moves to limit access to sites like Instagram and TikTok.

Four U.S. senators have introduced legislation that would make it illegal for children under age 13 to use social media and would require children aged 13 to 17 to get permission from a guardian to create an account. Senators Katie Britt of Alabama, Tom Cotton of Arkansas, Chris Murphy of Connecticut, and Brian Schatz of Hawaii say they’re responding to parents who worry that social media use is affecting their children’s mental health. Other concerns about social media include the fact that technology companies can collect users’ personal data and target advertising to children and teens.

This is not the first time leaders have proposed a law restricting social media use by minors. In the past, laws were proposed in the U.S. Congress but did not pass because lawmakers didn’t agree on the details. But a few new laws have been proposed in Congress, and some states have passed laws that would apply to children who live there. 

Not everyone supports such laws. Some people, including those who run social media companies, point out that social media can have a positive effect on children’s lives because it can help them feel more connected. Others say the government shouldn’t restrict social media and recommend leaving the decision up to parents.

 The legislation that has been introduced in the U.S. is bipartisan. That means it’s been introduced by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers. Some of those lawmakers have said this is a sign that many Americans would welcome these types of laws.

“We simply say kids 12 and under shouldn’t be on a social media platform at all,” Senator Schatz told the Associated Press. “And I think most people agree with us.”

Did You Know?

© Cultura Creative/stock.adobe.com; Photo illustration Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

A 2021 poll by Common Sense Media showed that kids and teens in the U.S. were in front of screens more than ever before. The poll showed that, on average, tweens aged 8 to 12 were using screens for five hours and 33 minutes a day and teens aged 13 to 18 were using screens for eight hours and 39 minutes a day. The report said the increase may be due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sizing Up the Socials

Side by side of a young woman taking a selfie and smiling and a young man wearing earbuds and looking sad.

© Valuavitaly/Dreamstime.com, © Alessandro Biascioli/Dreamstime.com; Photo composite Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Is social media good or bad? It’s complicated. Here are some of the arguments for and against the use of social media sites.

Pros

  • Connects people, making them feel less isolated
  • Helps people become more aware of important issues in the world
  • Educates people about events in their communities
  • Spreads important information quickly during an emergency

Cons

  • Is sometimes used for bullying and other bad behavior
  • Can be used to spread false or misleading information
  • Encourages people to compare themselves to others and gives the impression that others are happier than they are
  • Can increase feelings of sadness or isolation

Yea or Nay?

A gavel smashes a smartphone.

© Valeriy Kachaev, Alexander Pokusay/Dreamstime.com; Animation Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

What’s the verdict on social media? You decide. Read more about it at Britannica School.

WORD OF THE DAY

regulation

PART OF SPEECH:

noun

Definition:

: an official rule or law that says how something should be done

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Word Flower

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In Case You Missed It

A mountain climber spent 500 days alone in a cave to learn the effects of isolation on the human brain.
May 25, 2023
Around the U.S. lawmakers are working to make it tougher for teens and tweens to use social media.
May 18, 2023
A recent study showed that pet parrots get a lot out of having video calls with each other.
May 14, 2023
Summer is almost here. Check out our summer reading recommendations!
May 8, 2023

Parrots Need Pals

A parrot on a perch looks at a tablet screen showing another parrot.

Parrots Need Pals

A recent study showed that pet parrots get a lot out of having video calls with each other.

A parrot on a perch looks at a tablet screen showing another parrot.

© Evajoy, Manaemedia, Ondrej Prosicky/Dreamstime.com; Photo illustration Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

When you can’t be with someone in person, a video call may be the next best thing. That’s true not just for people. A recent study found that pet parrots may benefit from having video calls with other pet parrots.

In the study, researchers and parrot owners taught 18 pet parrots how to touch a photo of another parrot on a tablet screen to start a call with that parrot. Over the course of three months, the parrots made 147 deliberate video calls to each other. During the calls, the parrots behaved the way they would if they were with other parrots in real life, according to study co-author Dr. Jennifer Cunha of Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts.

“[The parrots displayed] mirroring behaviors where they might move in the same kind of way, dancing, singing together,” Cunha told National Public Radio. “They really seem to, as one owner said, come alive during the calls.”

“I was quite surprised at the range of different behaviors,” Dr. Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas of the University of Glasgow in Scotland, another co-author, told the Guardian. “Some would sing, some would play around and go upside down, others would want to show another bird their toys.”

Parrots are very intelligent, social animals. In the wild, they often live in large flocks, but as pets, they are often alone or in a small group. Pet parrots run the risk of getting bored or lonely. Some even develop psychological problems with symptoms like pacing back and forth or plucking out their feathers.

Researchers say the calls with other parrots could benefit the birds by mimicking the experience of living in a flock. In fact, Cunha said the study resulted in lasting friendships.

“Some of the birds continue to call each other,” Cunha said. “So I think that there’s a lot of long-term potential for these kinds of relationships.” 

Check out the video for some highlights from the study.

Pr. Rébecca Kleinberger—Northeastern University, Dr. Jennifer Cunha—Northeastern University and Parrot Kindergarten, and Pr. Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas—Glasgow University, Northeastern University/Glasgow University

Did You Know?

© Onyxprj, Tartilastock/Dreamstime.com; Animation Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

In many pets, behavior we might think of as “bad”—like chewing or tons of barking—is a sign of boredom. Experts say more play and more exercise can help relieve boredom and lead to better behavior.

What Do Animals Know?

© Igor Normann/stock.adobe.com

Parrots are known to be able to utter words. But do parrots really speak like humans do? And how well do other animals understand language?

Scientists say parrots are vocal learners, which means they hear sounds, including the sounds of human speech, and imitate them. But this doesn’t mean parrots use speech the way humans do. According to scientists, wild parrots copy the sounds made by the other birds in their flock. It’s a way of fitting in. Pet parrots copy human speech for the same reason—to fit in.

Parrots and many other animals can learn what words mean. A dog, for example, can learn that the round toy it plays with is called a “ball.” And when asked, “Where’s your ball,” many dogs run right to it. Some scientists believe that dogs can do more than just link a word and an object or action. Studies suggest that dogs can understand the difference between full words and syllables of words, an ability that’s fairly advanced. 

Animals may never be able to have full conversations with us. But there’s growing evidence that they’re much smarter than we thought they were.

Why We Have Pets

Cave painting showing a human and a herd of wild animals.

© Richard Moody/Dreamstime.com

Early humans left behind cave paintings showing them herding cattle.  How did humans go from encountering wild animals to taming some of them and even treating some as pets? Learn about how people domesticated animals at Britannica School!

WORD OF THE DAY

socialize

PART OF SPEECH:

verb

Definition:

: to talk to and do things with other people in a friendly way

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Word Search

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In Case You Missed It

A mountain climber spent 500 days alone in a cave to learn the effects of isolation on the human brain.
May 25, 2023
Around the U.S. lawmakers are working to make it tougher for teens and tweens to use social media.
May 18, 2023
A recent study showed that pet parrots get a lot out of having video calls with each other.
May 14, 2023
Summer is almost here. Check out our summer reading recommendations!
May 8, 2023

Summer Reading Recs

Three girls lie on their stomachs on grass reading books.

Summer Reading Recs

Summer is almost here. Check out our summer reading recommendations!

Three girls lie on their stomachs on grass reading books.

© chanuth—iStock/Getty Images Plus

The weather’s warming up—which means summer is right around the corner. From novels to comic books to movie blockbusters, summer is the season of storytelling. And there’s a story for everyone. Here are our picks for the perfect summer reading experience.

Last Gamer Standing

By Katie Zhao

It’s the year 2067, and Reyna Cheng has earned a scholarship to the Dayhold Academy’s summer camp for elite gamers. Facing pressure from her parents to quit gaming and dreaming of stardom in the world of e-sports, Reyna enters a tournament disguised behind a male avatar.

© Scholastic Paperbacks

A teen girl wearing a helmet and goggles with the words Last Gamer Standing.
Silhouettes of three children against a giant solar eclipse with the words The Memory of Forgotten Things.

The Memory of Forgotten Things

By Kat Zhang

Twelve-year-old Sophia has memories of the cake her mother made for her 10th birthday. But her mother died when she was 6—so where did these memories come from? Assigned to work together on a science project, Sophia and two classmates travel to an alternate universe, where they hope to find that the losses they’ve experienced didn’t happen.

© Aladdin

Efrén Divided

By Ernesto Cisneros

When his mother is deported to Mexico, Efrén must grow up fast. His father works long hours, leaving Efrén to care for his younger siblings while he deals with the heartbreak of his mother’s absence. Meanwhile, he’s also navigating the issues every 7th grader faces, from his schoolwork to his friendships.

© HarperCollins

A boy wearing a backpack walks along a walkway.

The Davenports

By Krystal Marquis

It’s the year 1910, and the Davenports are a wealthy Black family living in Chicago. The Davenport daughters attend fancy parties in the hopes of finding love and, someday, marriage. But along the way, they’re challenged to look beyond their luxurious surroundings at the injustices that are just past their doorstep. 

© Penguin Random House

Invisible

By Christina Diaz Gonzalez

In this graphic novel, five students are put together to complete a community service project because they all speak Spanish. The characters take turns narrating the story, allowing readers to get to know them. And as it turns out, their personalities could not be more different. Will the group find common ground?

© Graphix

Five kids in a school cafeteria. One sitting on the floor, another holding a tray of food, one holding a phone, and two others laughing.

Rising Above: How 11 Athletes Overcame Challenges in Their Youth to Become Stars

By Gregory, Elijah, and Gabriel Zuckerman

Getting to the top of your sport is never easy, but some of the world’s best athletes had to overcome huge obstacles. This nonfiction book tells how LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Althea Gibson, and many other athletes faced struggles before reaching their goals.

© Penguin Random House

Looking for more good reads? Each year, the American Library Association publishes a summer reading list for middle school. You can find the list at your public library or online.

Did You Know?

John Steinbeck sits in a chair with a stack of his books on his lap.

Bettmann/Getty Images

John Steinbeck, author of The Grapes of Wrath and Of Mice and Men, wrote all of his books in pencil. He’d use a pencil until it was dull and then switch to a new one because he didn’t want to take time to sharpen it. Steinbeck used about 24 pencils a day and then sharpened them all at once!

Read the Way You Want To

Illustration showing a person sitting against a giant book wearing headphones and holding a book.

© treety—iStock/Getty Images Plus

Summer is the season for reading. It’s the perfect time to read what you want to read instead of what you have to read. Whether you’re a bona fide bookworm or tentatively tiptoeing among the bookshelves for the first time, here’s how to get the best out of books.

    1. Find your favorite genres. Just as movies are all different, so are books. From science fiction to romance to mysteries to graphic novels, there’s truly something for everyone. And if fiction isn’t your thing, there are plenty of books about science, food, music, or whatever you’re into. The internet is a great resource, but your local librarian can also help you find what you like. 

    2. Love your library. Speaking of your local librarian, have you been to a public library lately? You can explore a library in person or online. Many libraries have listed their full catalogs on their websites. There are even apps that let you download e-books for a set period of time—for free. 

    3. Read a different way. Not everyone likes to read words on a page or a screen. Luckily, many books are available to listen to. Some even have celebrity narrators! These books, called audiobooks, are often available at public libraries—or on public library apps. You might also want to check out graphic novels, which tell stories using a combination of words and illustrations.

One Author’s Story

© treety—iStock/Getty Images Plus

What inspires you? Jason Reynolds, author of Ghost, was inspired to start writing when he listened to hip-hop lyrics. You can read about Reynolds, and many other authors, at Britannica School.

WORD OF THE DAY

engross

PART OF SPEECH:

verb

Definition:

: to hold the complete interest or attention of (someone)

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In Case You Missed It

A mountain climber spent 500 days alone in a cave to learn the effects of isolation on the human brain.
May 25, 2023
Around the U.S. lawmakers are working to make it tougher for teens and tweens to use social media.
May 18, 2023
A recent study showed that pet parrots get a lot out of having video calls with each other.
May 14, 2023
Summer is almost here. Check out our summer reading recommendations!
May 8, 2023

A Crown for King Charles III

King Charles in uniform inspecting a line of soldiers holding up swords.

A Crown for King Charles III

The United Kingdom has a new king! King Charles III will be crowned on May 6.

King Charles in uniform inspecting a line of soldiers holding up swords.

Max Mumby—Indigo/Getty Images

Charles, then a prince, inspects cadets at a military school in England in 2015.

It’s not every day that a new king or queen is crowned. The coronation of King Charles III, which is set to take place on May 6, 2023, will be the first crowning of a new British monarch in nearly 70 years!

Both King Charles and his wife, Queen Camilla, will be crowned at Westminster Abbey in London, England. Charles became the king of the United Kingdom (U.K.) immediately after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on September 8, 2022. The coronation is a ceremony in which the monarch’s role is made official. Coronation ceremonies in the U.K. (and England and Scotland before they joined together to become the U.K.) have taken place for more than 1,000 years.

During the ceremony, King Charles will promise to uphold the law and the Church of England. Experts say this is a formality. Long ago, England’s kings and queens were its true rulers. As a modern monarch, Charles holds no political power. (The government is run by a prime minister and a lawmaking body called Parliament.) But many of the traditions of the monarchy live on.  

As is fitting for a king, the event is designed to look very regal. The king and queen will travel from their home at Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey in the black and gold, horse-drawn carriage known as the Diamond Jubilee State Coach. Well-wishers are expected to line the route, as they often do when members of the royal family travel to a major event.

Will King Charles actually get a crown? Sort of. The royal family has a collection of incredibly valuable items, including more than one crown. During the ceremony, St. Edward’s Crown, which was made in 1661, will be placed on the king’s head. It’s the same crown that was placed on Queen Elizabeth’s head in 1953, at her coronation. 

Around 2,000 people are expected to attend the ceremony, including Charles’s sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, as well as William’s family. For everyone else, the ceremony will be broadcast and live streamed in many parts of the world.  

You can see photos having to do with the coronation in the slideshow below!

© WPA Pool/Getty Images; © Altezza/Dreamstime.com; Isabel Infantes—AFP/Getty Images; Oli Scarff/Getty Image; Hulton Archive—Hulton Royals Collection/Getty images; Jack Hill/Pool Photo—AFP/Getty Images

Fun Fact

Brooklyn Museum, Dick S. Ramsay Fund and Museum Purchase Fund, 45.179, © Miraswonderland/Dreamstime.com; Animation Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Did America almost have a king?

According to legend, some Americans suggested that George Washington should become the first king of the new United States. The legend says Washington was disgusted by the idea. (After all, Americans had just fought a war to be rid of England’s king.)

But this story is only a myth. No one ever suggested to Washington that he should become a king. Still, historians say that if someone had made the suggestion, Washington would have said no. His beliefs make it clear that he didn’t want America to have a king.

Locked in the Tower

Princess Elizabeth sits on a stone bench in a chamber as several men enter the chamber.

Stock Montage—Archive Photos/Getty Images

Princess Elizabeth was locked in the Tower of London by her half-sister. Later, Elizabeth would become the queen.

The crown that will be placed on King Charles’s head is part of the crown jewels, a collection of more than 100 objects that belong to the royal family. The jewels are kept in the Tower of London, a 900-year-old castle and fortress with a storied history.

The tower has had many uses, but it may be most famous as the place where a variety of people were imprisoned. 

One of the most famous inmates was a young princess named Elizabeth. The princess was locked in the tower in 1554 by her half-sister, Queen Mary, who feared Elizabeth was plotting to overthrow her and take over. Twenty-year-old Elizabeth was released a couple of months later. In 1559 she became Queen Elizabeth I. She reigned until her death in 1603.

For other inmates, the experience was much worse. Many people, even princes, princesses, kings, and queens, were locked in the tower for suspected crimes. In some cases, there was evidence that the person was guilty. In others, the monarch fabricated (made up) a crime to get the person out of the way. (Remember, monarchs used to have absolute power.) Many of the people who were imprisoned in the tower were eventually executed.

King Charles

Members of the royal family including Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth stand on a balcony together.

Chris Jackson—Chris Jackson Collection/Getty Images

For many years, the United Kingdom was ruled by Queen Elizabeth, who is at the center of this photo. Today, her son Charles (who stands next to her in the photo) is the king. You can read more about King Charles III at Britannica School.

WORD OF THE DAY

regal

PART OF SPEECH:

adjective

Definition:

of, relating to, or suitable for a king

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In Case You Missed It

A mountain climber spent 500 days alone in a cave to learn the effects of isolation on the human brain.
May 25, 2023
Around the U.S. lawmakers are working to make it tougher for teens and tweens to use social media.
May 18, 2023
A recent study showed that pet parrots get a lot out of having video calls with each other.
May 14, 2023
Summer is almost here. Check out our summer reading recommendations!
May 8, 2023

Teens Leading the Way to Change

A teen girl poses in front of a building with columns in front.

Teens Leading the Way to Change

Teenager Mina Fedor founded AAPI Youth Rising to stop anti-Asian hate through education.

Courtesy of AAPI Youth Rising, aapiyouthrising.org

Mina Fedor is at the forefront of the fight against anti-Asian racism. The teen activist is the founder of AAPI Youth Rising, a youth-led organization that works to bring about positive change through small actions.

Now in its third year, AAPI Youth Rising (AAPI stands for Asian American and Pacific Islander) came together after a rally in March 2021, which Fedor had organized. More than 1,200 people—many of them under age 18—gathered in Berkeley, California, to raise awareness about anti-Asian hate. After the event, Fedor realized it was only the beginning.

Led by a group of middle school and high school students, AAPI Youth Rising is dedicated to making AAPI voices heard. Its members have given speeches; participated in panel discussions about racism, bullying, and other topics; and helped people register to vote. A large part of their mission is education. Fedor, whose mom is Korean, says most U.S. schools don’t teach enough AAPI history. As a result, many people aren’t aware of the rich cultures and histories of the diverse AAPI community. And ignorance, or a lack of knowledge or understanding, can fuel racism. 

In 2022, Fedor and three other teens put together a slideshow to share information about AAPI history. The slideshow covers both painful and inspiring events, including the passage of U.S. laws that discriminated against Asian Americans and the fight against this legislation by Asian American activists. The teens visited schools where they shared the slideshow, and AAPI Youth Rising later converted the slideshow into a video format. Now, anyone can download the video from the Teach for America website. 

“It’s very important to learn your own history and learn others’ history because that is the first step to sort of working against racism,” Fedor told Teach for America. “You have to learn about histories of racism and histories of celebrating other communities as well.”

Did You Know?

Nineteenth century Chinese workers building railroad tracks alongside a photo of a Chinese worker in front of a tunnel.

Alfred A. Hart/Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. (LC-DIG-stereo-1s00618, LC-DIG-stereo-1s00553)

Chinese people were essential to the construction of the first railroads that crossed the U.S. These photos of Chinese railroad workers were taken in the 1860s.

May was chosen as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month for two reasons.

  • The first Japanese immigrants arrived in the United States on May 7, 1843.
  • The first transcontinental railroad in the U.S. was completed on May 10, 1869. Chinese and Chinese American people played a major role in the construction of the railroad.

Leaders of Yesterday, and Today

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Here are just a few notable members of the AAPI community.


Tye Leung (1887–1972). Born in San Francisco, California, Leung dedicated her career to helping Chinese women in the U.S. In 1910, she became the first Chinese American woman to work for the federal government when she was hired as a translator to work on Angel Island, an immigration station on the West Coast of the United States. At the time, U.S. law limited the number of Chinese immigrants who could enter the country. Leung not only translated for detained female immigrants who were being questioned but also tried to comfort them. In 1912, Leung became the first Chinese American woman to cast a vote (California began allowing women to vote in 1911).

Black and white portrait of a man wearing a jacket and glasses.

Gary Fong—San Francisco Chronicle/Getty Images

Fred Korematsu

Fred Korematsu (1919–2005). Fred Korematsu was arrested in 1942, when he did not follow a U.S. government order that all Japanese Americans must report to internment camps. Korematsu went to the Supreme Court, arguing that the detention of Japanese Americans was unconstitutional. 

“To be pushed into evacuation, threatened with punishment because you look like the enemy, is wrong,” he later explained. “I felt that I was an American citizen and I had as much rights as anyone else.”

The Court ruled against him. Korematsu reopened the case in the 1980s, after it became clear that the government had used false information in his Supreme Court case. This time he won, and his conviction was overturned. He then helped pass the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, which acknowledged the government’s wrongdoing in detaining Japanese Americans during World War II.  

A young woman stands at a microphone and speaks.

Hannah McKay/Getty Images News

Selina N. Leem

Selina N. Leem (1997–). For Selina Leem, the climate crisis has always been personal—because Leem’s nation, the Marshall Islands, is threatened by rising sea levels. According to some estimates, part of the nation will be underwater by 2035. In 2015, Leem was the youngest person to give a speech at COP21, the global climate conference in Paris, France, where leaders signed an agreement to curb climate change. Recently, Leem has taken part in a project called Small Island Big Song, in which performers from Pacific and Indian Ocean nations spread the word about the climate crisis through song and the spoken word.


Arin Siriamonthep (2002–). Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, Siriamonthep founded Asians Speak Up, a platform for young people to share their experiences growing up Asian in the United States. Participants write essays about issues like racism and the pressure to respect the cultures of their ancestors while also fitting in with U.S. culture. Born in New York to parents from Thailand, Siriamonthep rarely talked about race and racism as a kid. But after reading about violence against Asian Americans, he realized the importance of speaking up.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Portraits of people who have AAPI heritage flash on and off the screen.

© LeoPatrizi—E+/Getty Images, © Ashwin Kharidehal Abhirama, Xin Hua, Belnieman, Goncaloferreira, Wong Sze Yuen, Godsandkings, Imtmphoto, Mr. Namart Pieamsuwan/Dreamstime.com; Animation Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage (AAPI) Month in the U.S. You can learn more about this special month, and about some people who are celebrated in May, at Britannica School.

WORD OF THE DAY

activist

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noun

Definition:

: a person who uses or supports strong actions (such as public protests) to help make changes in politics or society

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From One Tree to Many

A young man leans with his hand on a large tree trunk.

From One Tree to Many

Felix Finkbeiner is on a mission to get young people around the world to plant trees.

© Plant-for-the-Planet

Felix Finkbeiner planted his first tree when he was 9 years old. Now 25, he’s on a mission to get young people around the world to do the same.

Currently, there are about three trillion trees on the planet—about half as many as there once were. That’s a problem. Trees release oxygen and take in carbon dioxide—a major ingredient in the climate crisis. They also provide cooling shade, slow soil erosion, and help control flooding.

Finkbeiner’s organization, Plant-for-the-Planet, encourages and empowers children and young adults to help restore the world’s trees. Finkbeiner, who grew up in Germany, was inspired to take on tree loss after reading about Wangari Maathai, an activist from Kenya who led a movement to slow deforestation that resulted in the planting of 30 million trees.

When he was in fourth grade, Finkbeiner gave a presentation in front of his class. He told his classmates that kids in each country should plant one million trees. On March 28, 2007, he and his classmates planted a crab apple tree in front of their school. Soon after, Finkbeiner launched Plant-for-the-Planet, and within three years, the organization’s tree count had reached one million. 

Finkbeiner says one reason Plant-for-the-Planet caught on was that it was created by a kid, and therefore received a lot of media attention. When kids around the world heard about it, they wanted to help—and they started planting trees. 

Trees are among the best tools we have to take on the climate crisis, Plant-for-the-Planet says.

Did You Know?

Satellite views of a lush green area and the same area with much of the green cleared away.

NASA/GSFC/METI/ERSDAC/JAROS and U.S./Japan ASTER Science Team

These satellite images show the same area of Brazil before and after part of the Amazon rainforest was destroyed.

Researchers estimate that more than 15 billion trees are cut down each year.

Buffalo Soldiers

Black and white photo of five uniformed soldiers on horseback in a forested area.

National Park Service Historic Photograph Collection

These buffalo soldiers helped protect Yosemite National Park in California.

Some of the earliest protectors of America’s forests were the buffalo soldiers. Made up of all-Black army regiments, the buffalo soldiers were in existence between 1867 and about 1950.

By the 1890s, the U.S. government had begun setting aside pieces of land as national parks. These lands were to be preserved so that their wildlife would be protected and so that visitors could enjoy their natural beauty. 

In 1891, the government decided that army soldiers should protect national parks. Buffalo soldiers were the sole caretakers of California’s Yosemite National Park and Sequoia National Park in 1899, 1903, and 1904. Their duties included constructing roads and trails, fighting wildfires, curbing poaching (illegal hunting) of the park’s wildlife, and ending illegal grazing of livestock on park land. Among the natural resources that the soldiers protected were California’s giant sequoia trees, many of which are thousands of years old. 

Since 1916, the National Park Service has cared for Yosemite, Sequoia, and all of America’s other national parks. But before then, the buffalo soldiers were crucial to the protection of some of the United States’ greatest treasures, including its ancient trees.

Wangari Maathai

Mockup of a smiling woman among illustrations of trees.

Mark Garten/UN Photo, © Siarhei Nosyreu/Dreamstime.com; Photo illustration Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Felix Finkbeiner was inspired by Wangari Maathai, a biologist and environmentalist whose work led to the planting of millions of trees. Find out why Maathai was a champion for women, as well as for the planet, at Britannica School.