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Quiz about Why is a Raven Like a Writing Desk
Quiz about Why is a Raven Like a Writing Desk

Why is a Raven Like a Writing Desk? Quiz


Ravens are certainly not like a writing desk. How much do you know about the common raven?

A multiple-choice quiz by jcpetersen. Estimated time: 3 mins.
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Author
jcpetersen
Time
3 mins
Type
Multiple Choice
Quiz #
377,194
Updated
Dec 03 21
# Qns
10
Difficulty
Average
Avg Score
7 / 10
Plays
369
Awards
Top 10% Quiz
Last 3 plays: Guest 67 (7/10), Guest 72 (6/10), Pterry99 (8/10).
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Question 1 of 10
1. What is the scientific name for the common raven? Hint


Question 2 of 10
2. What is the color pattern of a common raven? Hint


Question 3 of 10
3. One distinguishing feature of the common raven is the ruff of feathers on the throat. What are these called? Hint


Question 4 of 10
4. What word best describes the flying behavior of the common raven? Hint


Question 5 of 10
5. Ravens are intelligent animals, and have demonstrated "linguistic displacement." What is linguistic displacement? Hint


Question 6 of 10
6. Ravens are one of many bird species that practices myrmecomany. What is it? (Hint: Your uncle may know the answer.) Hint


Question 7 of 10
7. Do ravens form lifelong mating pairs?


Question 8 of 10
8. Which famous London (UK) landmark is home to a group of royal ravens? Hint


Question 9 of 10
9. In wilderness areas, ravens have been observed to work (and play) with what other species? Hint


Question 10 of 10
10. What word best describes the eating habits of the common raven? Hint



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Most Recent Scores
Mar 10 2024 : Guest 67: 7/10
Mar 09 2024 : Guest 72: 6/10
Feb 16 2024 : Pterry99: 8/10
Jan 31 2024 : Guest 73: 9/10

Score Distribution

quiz
Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. What is the scientific name for the common raven?

Answer: Corvus corax

The common (or northern) raven is found in the Northern hemisphere.

Corvus corax is in the order Passeriformes, which are birds with anisodactyl toes: they have three toes forward and one backward, which makes perching easier. More than half of all bird species are passerines.

Covus Corax is also the name of a German neo-medieval band formed in 1989.
2. What is the color pattern of a common raven?

Answer: all black

Ravens are all black, including their feathers, eyes, beak, and legs.

The national men's rugby team of New Zealand are called the All Blacks.
3. One distinguishing feature of the common raven is the ruff of feathers on the throat. What are these called?

Answer: hackles

Related to crows, the common raven is larger, has a wedge-shaped tail, and hackles. Crows have a fan-shaped tail.

Also, the flying behavior of crows and ravens are different. Ravens "soar" or "glide" in the air more than crows.
4. What word best describes the flying behavior of the common raven?

Answer: acrobatic

The common raven seems to have fun while flying.

Ravens have been observed to fly upside down for long periods.

Ravens have also been known to play games in flight, such as taking turns dropping a stick so another can dive and catch it.
5. Ravens are intelligent animals, and have demonstrated "linguistic displacement." What is linguistic displacement?

Answer: communicating about distant objects

Only ravens, bees, ants, and humans have been observed to demonstrate the ability of linguistic displacement. After flying alone, a raven can return to the flock and communicate where a large food source is located so that the others can find it.

Along with other corvids and parrots, ravens are considered highly intelligent, with brain/body size ratios similar to primates.
6. Ravens are one of many bird species that practices myrmecomany. What is it? (Hint: Your uncle may know the answer.)

Answer: anting

When "anting", birds will sit close to an anthill and either allow themselves to be covered with ants, or scoop up ants, crush them, and smear themselves with the mashed ants.

Exactly why birds do this is unknown. A popular theory is that the chemicals from the ants are soothing during molting season, so the ants are functioning like body lotion. Another theory is that these chemicals allow the birds to eliminate or ward off parasites.
7. Do ravens form lifelong mating pairs?

Answer: Yes

Ravens form lifelong mating pairs, and usually nest in the same area, defending their territory from other ravens. However, examples of "infidelity" have been observed.

Raven are long-lived birds, with captive birds living for more than 40 years, while wild ravens have a typical lifespan of 10-15 years, though older individuals have been observed.
8. Which famous London (UK) landmark is home to a group of royal ravens?

Answer: The Tower of London

There is a legend that the Tower of London and the Kingdom of England will fall if the six ravens leave the tower. The legend supposedly dates the ravens back to King Charles II, but the earliest recorded proof is from 1883.

There are usually seven ravens at the Tower: the required six plus one spare, in case one escapes, is retired, or is removed for behavioral issues.
9. In wilderness areas, ravens have been observed to work (and play) with what other species?

Answer: wolves

Ravens will call wolves to a large carcass, such as that of a caribou. The wolves will tear into the carcass and open it up, and the ravens can eat the leftovers.

Ravens will also play "tag" with wolves.
10. What word best describes the eating habits of the common raven?

Answer: omnivore

Ravens hunt smaller birds and animals, and eat carrion, insects, berries, seeds, and even human food from garbage or a picnic or campsite. Carrion or other meat is usually the majority of their diet.

A group of ravens is a flock, but has also been called a bazaar, constable, rant, conspiracy or an unkindness.
Source: Author jcpetersen

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor guitargoddess before going online.
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