The Toughest, Biggest, and Hottest Science of 2017

The video reviews significant science news from 2017, highlighting three superlatives: the discovery of plastic-eating caterpillars, the identification of the largest dinosaur, Patagotitan Mayorum, and the record-breaking temperatures of 2017, which was one of the hottest years on record. The caterpillars can break down polyethylene, offering potential solutions for plastic waste. The Patagotitan Mayorum challenges our understanding of dinosaur physiology due to its massive size. The climate section discusses the implications of rising global temperatures and their environmental impacts.

What is the main theme of the video?

• A detailed study of dinosaur fossils

• An analysis of the environmental impact of plastic

• A discussion on the future of science in 2018

• A review of the most groundbreaking science news of 2017

What makes wax worm caterpillars unique in terms of plastic consumption?

• They can only eat plastic bags

• They are the largest caterpillars in the world

• They are used in commercial plastic recycling

• They can digest plastic in a matter of minutes

What is the significance of the discovery of Patagotitan mayorum?

• It is the first dinosaur found in Antarctica

• It is the smallest dinosaur ever discovered

• It is the largest dinosaur ever discovered

• It is the first dinosaur to be cloned

What was unusual about the global temperatures in 2017?

• It was one of the hottest years without an El Niño event

• It was the coldest year on record

• It was the first year with no temperature changes

• It was the year with the most snowfall

What is El Niño?

• A weather pattern that causes warmer global temperatures

• A type of dinosaur discovered in 2017

• A new species of caterpillar

• A plastic-eating bacteria

How do scientists measure the relative warmth or coolness of years?

• By averaging temperature readings from long-term monitoring sites

• By tracking the migration patterns of birds

• By counting the number of sunny days

• By measuring the thickness of ice caps

What environmental issues were exacerbated by the high temperatures in 2017?

• Decreased rainfall and desert expansion

• Decreased ocean salinity and fish populations

• Increased snowfall and ice formation

• Increased storm surge severity and coral bleaching