World's Most Dangerous Quiz X

Answer: Ecdysis

Moulting involves the shedding of the outer cuticle in arthropods and the outer layer of epidermis in some reptiles. Examples of creatures that moult...snakes, stick insects, crabs and apparently some peoples' in-laws!

Answer: Montaigne

Michel Eyquem de Montaigne was a French author who wrote during the 16th century. He published 3 volumes of his 'Essais' between 1580 and 1588. English translations of his work by John Florio were published in 1603 and greatly influenced the English literary world.

Answer: Rodolphe Töpffer

Töpffer was a Swiss author and illustrator who also wrote about his adventures in the Alps in his 'Voyages en zigzag' (1844). The first regular comic strip printed in a newspaper is credited to R. F. Outcault for his 'Yellow Kid' (1896), while the longest running comic strip is the 'Katzenjammer Kids' (1897), created by Rudolph Dirks. My favorite...'Peanuts' by Charles Schulz!

Answer: Paré

Ambroise Paré was a French surgeon who lived from 1509 until 1590. During that time he developed modern principles for the treatment of amputations and wounds. He was chief surgeon to French King Charles IX. His work led to a reduction in deaths for the war wounded under his care. Paré also invented an artificial hand and made contributions in other areas of medicine, including improved child birthing techniques.

Answer: Giorgione

His name means 'Big George' and his works back up this claim, he is one of the greats of the art world (though the name actually alludes to his stature). The author of the artists 'Lives', Vasari, calls Giorgione one of the founders of 'modern' painting, along with Leonardo.

Answer: Indo-European

Afrikaans is a member of the sub-group of Germanic languages that belong to the Indo-European language family. Afrikaans was developed from the 17th century when Dutch settlers intermingled with locals who spoke Khoisan languages, as well as Asian and African slaves who spoke various other languages. The result is an amalgam, related to Dutch, with a rather unique vocabulary.

Answer: Cardinal Sin

Cardinal Jaime Sin played a key role in the people's revolution that led to the ouster of the corrupt Marcos during the mid-80s. He continued to promote democratic ideals and peace... despite his ironic name! He passed away in 2005.

Answer: Nephi and Laman

While Nephi and his followers represented righteousness, Laman and his followers were for the most part evil. Eventually the Lamanites were able to wipe out most of the Nephites and would become the ancestors of the Native Americans (which means that Native Americans, according to Mormon doctrine, are of Semitic origin). Nephi and Lehi are names of small Utah towns, while there is no Laman to be found.

Interesting, isn't it?

Answer: Birds

Frogmouths and goatsuckers are both members of the order Caprimulgiformes of birds. Insectivorous and migratory, they are characterized by wide mouths and hooked beaks. Bee-eaters are members of the order Coraciiformes, which live in burrowed holes of earth or tree trunks and are brightly colored.

Answer: Lhasa, Tibet

Potala Palace is of course the former palace of the Dalai Lama who is now exiled in Dharmsala, India. I imagine the place has become quite dusty over the past 43 years...I hope he will be allowed to come back, eventually. Thanks for trying this quiz!