1) The Berlin Conference in 1884-1885 divided Africa among European powers and set the stage for the colonization of the continent.

2) The oldest known musical instrument is a flute made from a bird bone, estimated to be around 43,000 years old.

3) The development of blockchain technology, first introduced in 2008 with the creation of Bitcoin, has enabled secure and decentralized digital transactions and led to the emergence of cryptocurrencies.

4) The world's largest species of shark, the whale shark, can reach lengths of up to 40 feet (12 meters) and weigh over 20 tons.