Five types of searches that may surprise you

SINCE ITS founding, Google has so dominated the online search market that the company’s name has become the de facto verb for the task. As the company marks its 25th anniversary, AARP tech writer Edward C. Baig looks at Google’s many search features.

Busy times: Is the restaurant you want to visit crowded? When you search for a local business, Google lists wait times.

Crisis response: After some natural disasters, Google launches Person Finder. Individuals, press and nongovernmental agencies can post information about people in the area into an accessible database.

Emergency hotlines: Enter “poison control” or “suicide” as search terms, and Google surfaces hotline phone numbers.

Song search: A tune is in your head, but you can’t recall its name. Tap on “Identify song” in a Google mobile app and hum the melody.

Image search: Upload a photo to find out what’s in it. Google Images can identify specific animals, plants and landmarks.