Electric Eels: Facts and Experiments

In 1799, Humboldt and his team traveled to Janos to study electric eels. The local people used wild horses to drive eels to the surface, allowing Humboldt to capture and experiment on them. Despite the risks, Humboldt tested the eels' electricity on himself. The fascination with electric eels continues today, as illustrated by a personal anecdote of a shocking encounter in a laboratory.

What was the primary reason Humboldt and Bonpland traveled to the Janos plains?

• To map the geographical features of the region

• To investigate the electric eels in the ponds

• To study the local flora and fauna

• To observe the traditional lifestyle of the local people

How did the local people traditionally capture electric eels?

• By using fishing nets

• By driving wild horses into the ponds

• By setting traps in the water

• By using bait to lure them

What was unique about Humboldt's approach to studying electric eels?

• He relied solely on local knowledge

• He observed them from a safe distance

• He conducted experiments on his own body

• He used advanced technology to measure their voltage

What was the maximum voltage that electric eels could discharge, according to the transcript?

• 750 volts

• 600 volts

• 450 volts

• 300 volts

What lesson did the narrator learn from their encounter with a small electric eel?

• Electric eels are harmless

• Even small eels can deliver a powerful shock

• Electric eels are easy to handle

• Electric eels are not found in laboratories

What was the narrator's physical reaction after being shocked by the electric eel?

• Their arm was numb for the rest of the day

• They felt a mild tingling sensation

• They felt a slight discomfort

• They experienced no reaction

What does the narrator imply about the nature of experiments with electric eels?

• They are always safe and controlled

• They can be physically demanding

• They are rarely conducted

• They are only for experienced scientists

What is the lasting impact of electric eels on those who study them?

• They are quickly forgotten

• They are only of historical interest

• They continue to fascinate researchers

• They are considered a nuisance