Good Questions: Military Branches, Delegates & Squirrels

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Every Friday, WCCO answers some of the Good Questions we couldn't get to during the week. This week, John Lauritsen talks Army vs. Marines, delegate numbers and squirrels.

Ann from Brooklyn Park wants to know: What's the difference between the Army and the Marines?

Both branches of the military have made our country proud. But retired Marine and Vietnam veteran Lee Ulferts says there are several differences.

The Army is considered a land combat unit and is the oldest branch of the U.S. military. Marines are considered an amphibious combat unit. They often arrive into battle with help from Navy ships.

Kathy from Brainerd wants to know: Why do Democrats need more delegates than Republicans to win their nomination?

Political analyst Larry Jacobs says this isn't a competition between the parties, but rather within the parties. He says Democrats have more delegates because they rely heavily on volunteers, and being a delegate is considered a reward.

Jacobs says Republicans rely more on organizations and contributions. A Democrat needs 2,383 delegates for the nomination. A Republican needs 1,237.

Lorraine from Osakis wants to know: Why can squirrels fall so far without getting hurt?

Unlike us, squirrels and cats have what are called "flexible skeletons." They also have a large surface area in proportion to their weight, so the impact isn't nearly as hard when they hit the ground. A couple years ago, a cat in New York City fell 32 stories onto concrete ... and survived.