Ducks are capable of sleeping with one eye open.

The ancient Spartans invented identification discs (“dog tags”) for soldiers going into battle as a means of identifying the dead, an idea not routinely used again until World War I.

Mummy toes were wrapped individually.

Some members of the Jain sect of Buddhism have so much respect for animal life that members do not farm because plowing can harm insects.

Long Island, New York has more than 100 raccoons per square mile.

The above is information which Mr. Smarty Pants read in a book, a magazine, or the newspaper; heard on the radio; saw on television; or overheard at a party.Got facts? Write to Mr. Smarty Pants at the Chronicle, or e-mail to mrpants@auschron.com.

This article appears in March 12 • 1999 and March 12 • 1999 (Cover).

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