United States Animals Trivia Questions and Answers
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1. Twenty-four of Arizona's native amphibian species belong to the frog and toad family. What other amphibian is a native of Arizona?
Answer: Salamander
Interesting Information:The barred tiger salamander (Ambystoma mavortium) is Arizona's only native salamander species and the only non frog/toad native amphibian found in the state. A large salamander, they can grow to thirteen inches in length from snout to tail and are found throughout much of the state except the lower southwestern and western deserts. There are three subspecies identified in Arizona by location: the barred tiger, the Arizona tiger and the Sonoran tiger, the latter of which is endangered, and protected by law.
The salamanders can either be terrestrial and branchiate (gilled); in dry seasons when there isn't enough standing water to allow larvae to develop, terrestrial salamanders remain on dry land and wait for the next breeding season.
Difficulty: Easy.
From Quiz: Amphibians in Arizona
Some incorrect choices:
Alligator, Caecilian, Eel
2. Placed on the endangered species list in 1967, which bird, the largest flying land bird in North America, was reintroduced in Arizona in 1996?
Answer: California condor
Interesting Information:Despite their name, California condors historically did have populations in Arizona, with the last documented sighting of a condor in Arizona occurring in Williams, Arizona (near Flagstaff) in 1924. By 1982, California condors were on the verge of extinction with a population of only twenty-two birds, with the last remaining wild condor being captured in 1987 for species preservation. A captive breeding program resulted in the reintroduction of condors into California in 1992 and in Arizona in 1996. The first condor release in Arizona consisted of six birds released at the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument in northern Arizona. California condors can now be seen in the Grand Canyon during the summer months.
Difficulty: Very Easy.
From Quiz: Arizona: Animals 1912-2012
Some incorrect choices:
Gila woodpecker, Cactus wren, Tucson Toucan
3. Named "little man in armour" by Spanish explorers when they first encountered it. This mammal has expanded its range significantly in the past few decades.
Answer: armadillo
Interesting Information:The nine-banded armadillo is native to the United States and has poor eye sight. You may be able to observe them foraging for grubs and worms using their keen sense of smell.
Difficulty: Very Easy.
From Quiz: Wild Mammals of the Southern United States
Some incorrect choices:
hedgehog, opossum, beaver
4. The shores of the Pribilof Islands are covered by over a million fur seals yearly in what season?
Answer: Spring
Interesting Information:They come to islands every year in order to bear their young. The males arrive first then the females follow later.
Difficulty: Easy.
From Quiz: The Wonderful Seals of the Pribilof Islands
Some incorrect choices:
Winter, Fall, Whenever they feel like it.
5. For what purpose is it believed the raccoon's little "bandit's mask" evolved?
Answer: Reducing glare, aiding night vision and identification
Interesting Information:It looks so cute with this band of black around its eyes. Because of a mask's association with nefarious break-ins and other human crimes, the raccoon's mask has accordingly won this little animal a name as a trouble-maker as well. Its purpose, however, is three fold. It helps other raccoons recognise members of their own species quickly; it helps reduce glare; and it is said to also assist the animal in its night vision. This is thought to be particularly effective in helping the raccoon in its foraging expeditions into well-lit urban areas.
Difficulty: Average.
From Quiz: The Raccoon is at it Again!
Some incorrect choices:
Attracting colour blind insects and reducing glare, Mating practices and aiding night vision, A fashion statement and identification
6. Every morning at a fish market, sushi bars and local restaurants bid on the freshest AHI. Also called "maguro" in Japanese, what is this prized fish?
Answer: tuna
Interesting Information:Native Hawaiians were master fishermen and took advantage of the bountiful reefs and the rich Pacific open ocean. Ahi is yellowfin tuna, and one of the most prized fishes for sushi and sashimi. Other popular fishes are Aku (skipjack tuna) and Mahimahi (dorado).
Difficulty: Hard.
From Quiz: Marine Animals of Hawaii
Some incorrect choices:
salmon, eel, shrimp
7. This inhabitant of Yellowstone, although being the largest member of the deer family, is relatively small in number within the park. To which 6.5 ft member of the genus "Alces" am I referring?
Answer: Moose
Interesting Information:The initial fall in the moose population within Yellowstone was due to over-hunting, leading to them become a protected species. Measures such as controlling wolf populations were taken in order to increase the number of moose.
However, other factors such as harsh winters and forest fires have meant that the species has not recovered as much as first hoped. Moreover, the favourite vegetation of the moose, the aspen, is becoming scarce.
Nevertheless, the human intervention has prevented the dramatic fluctuations in the moose population which the volatile climate of Yellowstone would otherwise cause.
Being such a large herbivore there are few predators which can threaten the moose. Packs of wolves (as mentioned above) are one and the grizzly bear is another, able to knock down a moose with a swipe of its powerful claw.
Difficulty: Hard.
From Quiz: Roaming Around in Yellowstone
Some incorrect choices:
Mule deer, Elk, Hog deer
8. Which large mammal is Nevada's official state animal?
Answer: Desert bighorn sheep
Interesting Information:The desert bighorn sheep was made Nevada's state animal in 1973. It has existed in Nevada for more than 11,000 years. While the species was endangered for many years, numbers have rebounded and there are numerous herds, particularly in central Nevada.
Difficulty: Hard.
From Quiz: Prominent Animals of Nevada
Some incorrect choices:
Black bear, Mule deer, North American wolverine
9. Arizona's San Pedro River is one of the most famous riparian areas in the world. Amongst the 400 species that call it home is the second smallest species of owl in the world. What is this owl's name?
Answer: elf owl
Interesting Information:Native to Mexico and the American Southwest, elf owls are 5 to 12 inches tall and have a wingspan of 15 to 16 inches.
Difficulty: Hard.
From Quiz: Arizona Wildlife
Some incorrect choices:
pygmy owl, barn owl, great horned owl
10. Nip and Tuck belonged to Calvin Coolidge. What breed of domestic bird were they?
Answer: Canary
Interesting Information:The 30th president had a lot of pets - at least 4 cats, 7 birds and 12 dogs. As a world leader, he was also given a lot of animals, including at least 2 raccoons, a bear cub, thirteen Peking ducks, two lion cubs and a duiker (a small antelope). Some of the exotics were thoughtfully sent to more suitable zoo accommodation. Known as a very taciturn man (Dorothy Parker, on learning of his death, enquired "How could they tell?"), perhaps Coolidge was more at home with animals?
Difficulty: Hard.
From Quiz: Animals in the White House
Some incorrect choices:
Budgerigar, Parrot, Lovebird
11. This true omnivore with a prehensile tail and opposable big toes is the only marsupial in Michigan.
Answer: Virginia Opossum
Interesting Information:The "Virginia" Opossum actually lives in most of the Eastern half of the United States, the Pacific coast, and much of Mexico.
Difficulty: Easy.
From Quiz: Michigan Mammals
Some incorrect choices:
Meadow Vole, Deer Mouse, Spotted Skunk
12. What is the scientific name (genus species)for the American Alligator?
Answer: Alligator mississipiensis
Interesting Information:The American Alligator can be found flourishing in marsh areas throughout Florida. Although most people fear these large reptiles, they are not natural predators of humans and therefore generally do not bother us.
Difficulty: Hard.
From Quiz: Florida Wildlife
Some incorrect choices:
Gatoris americanus, Alligator Aaericanus, Reptilia aligatorus
13. What is North America's only marsupial?
Answer: Opossum
Interesting Information:An opossum can bear up to 14 kits, each about the size of a honeybee.
Difficulty: Easy.
From Quiz: North American Mammals
Some incorrect choices:
Porcupine, Raccoon, Muskrat
14. What is the largest member of the weasel family in the U.S.?
Answer: Wolverine
Interesting Information:All of these animals are in the weasel family (Mustelidae), but the wolverine is largest.
Difficulty: Hard.
From Quiz: Mammals of the United States
Some incorrect choices:
River otter, Spotted skunk, Ermine
15. The largest native toad in Arizona is also one of the largest toads in the world. Also known as the Colorado River toad, which toxic toad can grow to the size of a small dinner plate?
Answer: Sonoran Desert toad
Interesting Information:The Sonoran Desert toad (Bufo alvarius or Incilius alvarius) can grow to over seven inches in length and can weigh over two pounds. Its habitat includes most of southern and central Arizona, but it is now rarely seen along the Colorado River, from which it gets its alternative name. They live in burrows for most of the year but appear during the summer monsoon months for breeding and feeding, and they'll eat anything they can fit in their mouths: insects, lizards, mice and other toads.
Sonoran Desert toads have relatively smooth, olive-green skin and can resemble frogs with the exception of large glands on their head and legs that carry a poison that is toxic enough to kill a dog. In Arizona, we have training classes to teach dogs not to mess with snakes or Sonoran Desert toads.
Difficulty: Average.
From Quiz: Amphibians in Arizona
Some incorrect choices:
Rocky Mountain toad, Gulf Coast toad, Goliath child-eating toad
16. In 1927, a plane flying a nonstop cross-country publicity stunt for MGM film studios crashed in the wilderness near Payson, Arizona. What unusual animal cargo survived the crash?
Answer: A lion
Interesting Information:Charles Lindbergh had completed his flight across the Atlantic a few months earlier, and MGM decided to capitalize on his popularity by having a duplicate plane fly cross-country promoting their studios with their trademark, Leo the Lion, onboard. The plane was modified to accommodate Leo and his cage, and despite protests by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, stunt pilot Martin Jensen and Leo took off from San Diego, California, early on September 16, 1927.
However the plane was overloaded, with all of the fuel and the four hundred pound lion, and it wasn't able to climb over the mountains of central Arizona. Both Jensen and Leo survived when the plane crashed in a canyon near the town of Payson. Jensen hiked for a few days to get help, and it wasn't until a week later that a rescue team arrived for Leo. Although weakened, Leo survived the ordeal and went on to live a long life in a zoo. The canyon is now known as Leo Canyon.
Difficulty: Hard.
From Quiz: Arizona: Animals 1912-2012
Some incorrect choices:
A dog, A llama, A vulture
17. Approximately how many fur seal pups were born each season on the Pribilof Islands during the early 21st century?
Answer: 120,000
Interesting Information:There has been a decline in the number of seals being born on the islands since the turn of the 21st century. There were over 250,000 seal cubs born in 1992.
Difficulty: Hard.
From Quiz: The Wonderful Seals of the Pribilof Islands
Some incorrect choices:
1,000, 10,000, 1,000,000
18. A raccoon's hind feet have an unusual ability. What is this?
Answer: They can rotate
Interesting Information:How amazing is that! Raccoons have another unusual ability, and that is when they're descending from a tree or height of any kind. Instead of descending backwards as many mammals the same size do, the raccoon can descend headfirst. This is because the raccoon's feet can actually rotate in either direction. That's so impressive.
Difficulty: Hard.
From Quiz: The Raccoon is at it Again!
Some incorrect choices:
They can wear sneakers, They can grow extra toes, They can shrink right back in cold weather
19. The tenth President, John Tyler, had a type of greyhound named 'Le Beau' - what sort of greyhound was he?
Answer: Italian
Interesting Information:As an Italian greyhound, surely he should have been 'Il Bello'? The Italian greyhound is the smallest of the gaze hounds (dogs that hunt by sight rather than scent). They were very popular with royalty, some of their most famous owners being Mary Stuart, Queen Anne, Queen Victoria, Catherine The Great and Frederick the Great. While researching this quiz I learned that the French have a greyhound saint called Guinefort. His legend is nearly identical to the Welsh one concerning Gellert (noble dog defended baby from snake, noble dog killed after parents find blood-stained dog and baby). John Tyler also had a horse called General and a pet canary named Johnny Ty.
Difficulty: Hard.
From Quiz: Animals in the White House
Some incorrect choices:
French, Pink fairy, Siamese
20. Most people don't see the bovine Ovibos moschatus everyday. What are they missing?
Answer: Muskox
Interesting Information:Bison bison refers to the North American buffalo or bison. The muskox is Ovibos moschatus, while bighorn sheep are Ovis canadensis and mountain goats are Oreamnos americanus. Bison, muskoxen, sheep, and goats are all classified in family Bovidae, and order Artiodactyla which are even-toed hoofed mammals.
Difficulty: Hard.
From Quiz: Meeting American Mammals
Some incorrect choices:
Bison, Bighorn sheep, Mountain goat
21. How many species of venomous snakes live in Florida?
Answer: 6
Interesting Information:Six species of venomous snakes live in Florida: the southern copperhead, the cottonmouth (aka water moccasin), the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, the timber rattlesnake, the dusky pygmy rattlesnake, and the eastern coral snake.
Difficulty: Hard.
From Quiz: Florida Wildlife
Some incorrect choices:
2, 8, 4
22. What is another name for a Woodchuck?
Answer: Groundhog
Interesting Information:Contrary to legend, the Groundhog doesn't emerge from his burrow to look for its shadow. Instead it usually hibernates until late winter.
Difficulty: Easy.
From Quiz: North American Mammals
Some incorrect choices:
Jackrabbit, Pika, Ringtail
23. These unusual mammals always give birth to a set of identical quadruplets.
Answer: Armadillos
Interesting Information:This is unique among mammals.
Difficulty: Hard.
From Quiz: Mammals of the United States
Some incorrect choices:
Opossums, Nutria, Raccoons
24. What is the correct spelling of the state fish of Wisconsin?
Answer: muskellunge
Interesting Information:The correct spelling is muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) . The muskie was named the state fish in 1955. It is a highly prized fishing trophy in Wisconsin, one that takes the average angler around fifty hours to obtain. The fish is part of the pike family and so is long and thin. The largest muskie on record was 72 inches long and weighed 70 pounds.
Muskies can be found in hundreds of lakes around Wisconsin, especially in the northern part of the state. It is a fairly common fish in North America and can be found in most US states.
Difficulty: Hard.
From Quiz: The Animals of Wisconsin
Some incorrect choices:
muskilunge, meskinlunge, moscilenge
25. Arizona has several species of treefrogs. Which variety is the official state amphibian (don't think too hard on this one)?
Answer: Arizona treefrog
Interesting Information:Arizona has five varieties of treefrogs which inhabit various regions of the state except the southwest corner. The Arizona treefrog (Hyla wrightorum) is a small (two inch), green or tan frog that inhabits the higher elevations of central eastern Arizona above 5,000 feet (1,524 meters). There is also a small population of the frogs in the Huachuca Mountains of southeastern Arizona which differs from the other population and may in fact be a different species or subspecies. The Arizona treefrog became the official state amphibian in 1986 after being selected in a contest by schoolchildren. Clearly, the cute little treefrog appealed to children more than the lumbering, more deserving Sonoran Desert toad, which was one of the runners-up.
Difficulty: Easy.
From Quiz: Amphibians in Arizona
Some incorrect choices:
Canyon treefrog, Baja California treefrog, Lowland burrowing treefrog
26. Which of the Pribilof Islands contain the fur seal rookeries?
Answer: St. Paul and St. George Islands
Interesting Information:Many of the northern fur seals in the Bering Sea region go to the Pribilof Islands to bear their offspring. There are also some smaller rookeries on Bogoslof Island in the Aleutians, the Kuril Islands and Commander Islands off the Russian mainland in the western part of the North Pacific Ocean.
Difficulty: Hard.
From Quiz: The Wonderful Seals of the Pribilof Islands
Some incorrect choices:
Claire Island, All the islands, It changes from year to year
27. There are many birds present in Yellowstone. Which bird, recognisable to many Americans, has its breeding patterns particularly closely monitored by the park managers?
Answer: The bald eagle
Interesting Information:Other types of bird which are present in Yellowstone include the blue bird, which is too delicate to brave the harsh winter but flourishes in the summer due to the plentiful food supply of newly hatched insects (e.g. stonefly) by the side of thawing rivers. Another is the trumpeter swan, which can grow to have a wingspan of 7 ft and is typically larger than the bald eagle.
Although the bald eagle can be found in many other locations within the USA, visitors to the park have noted that its beauty seems enhanced when viewed in a setting as stunning as Yellowstone (rather than in the city).
Yellowstone Park's monitoring format is known as the "Bald Eagle Management Objective" and features 62 breeding pairs expected to produce 53 young per year. The park is currently surpassing this target and although the bald eagle has been removed from the endangered list the close monitoring is said to continue.
Difficulty: Easy.
From Quiz: Roaming Around in Yellowstone
Some incorrect choices:
The common loon, The golden eagle, The great blue heron
28. The collared peccary (Pecari tajacu) is an animal native to Arizona that bears a superficial resemblance to a pig. What's name is more commonly used to refer to this animal?
Answer: javelina
Interesting Information:You can tell pigs and peccaries apart by the shape of their canine tooth, or tusk. European pigs have long tusks which curve around on themselves, while peccaries have short, straight tusks.
Difficulty: Hard.
From Quiz: Arizona Wildlife
Some incorrect choices:
razorback, wild boar, feral pig
29. We're usually pretty happy not meeting Rattus norvegicus. What type of creature do we try to avoid?
Answer: Norway rat or brown rat
Interesting Information:Though not indigenous to North America, the Norway rat, "Rattus norvegicus", is now found across the continent where people are concentrated. It is also called the Norwegian rat, the house rat, common rat or wharf rat. The muskrat is Ondatra zibethica and the Florida water rat, also known as the round-tail muskrat, is Neofiber alleni. The bushytail woodrat is Neotoma cineraa. Rats, woodrats, and water rats such as the muskrats are all rodents in order Rodentia.
Difficulty: Hard.
From Quiz: Meeting American Mammals
Some incorrect choices:
Muskrat, Florida water rat, Bushytail Woodrat
30. Which vicious member of the weasel family is also known as a skunk-bear, Indian Devil, and a glutton?
Answer: Wolverine
Interesting Information:A wolverine can kill animals as large as a deer.
Difficulty: Hard.
From Quiz: North American Mammals
Some incorrect choices:
Skunk, Badger, Mink
31. Female raccoons give birth to a litter of _____ babies.
Answer: 4 to 6
From Quiz: North American Raccoons
Some incorrect choices:
1 to 3, 7 to 9, 10 to 12
32. This is the most common of the wildcats. Its coat is a tawny tan color in the summer, and somewhat gray in winter. The legs have black horizontal bars.
Answer: Bobcat
From Quiz: North American Wildlife
Some incorrect choices:
Cheetah, Ocelot, Puma
33. What is the largest member of the order Carnivora found in the mainland United States?
Answer: Grizzly bear
Interesting Information:Grizzlies are members of the order Carnivora, even if they are omnivorous in diet.
Difficulty: Hard.
From Quiz: Mammals of the United States
Some incorrect choices:
Bison, Mountain lion, Black bear
34. Wisconsin has named the white tailed deer its "State Wildlife Animal." Which of Wisconsin's neighbors also chose the deer as its wildlife animal?
Answer: Michigan
Interesting Information:Michigan is the correct choice. Illinois does have the deer as its state animal, not its wildlife animal. Eight other states have the white tailed deer as their state symbol: Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania and South Carolina.
Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources estimates there are roughly 1.8 million deer in the state. The DNR recently announced that deer populations were at an all time high, creating problems for both the deer and the humans who live near them.
Difficulty: Hard.
From Quiz: The Animals of Wisconsin
Some incorrect choices:
Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois
35. One of the most elusive frogs in Arizona is the only native representative of the Leptodactylidae family of tropical frogs in the state. Which cute puppy is it?
Answer: Barking frog
Interesting Information:The small (two to four inch) barking frog (Craugastor augusti) is only known to inhabit a small region of mountains in southern Arizona. Unlike other amphibians in Arizona, baby barking frogs emerge directly from eggs, bypassing the tadpole stage, and there are reports of parental care of the eggs until the babies hatch. The barking frog is heard more often than it is seen as its call is distinct; decades can pass between confirmed sightings of the secretive frog.
Difficulty: Average.
From Quiz: Amphibians in Arizona
Some incorrect choices:
American bullfrog, Western chorus frog, Red-eyed treefrog
36. This aquatic mammal is common in the inter coastal waterways but can be seen miles off the coast too. You might see them from the beach swimming and jumping, often in groups.
Answer: dolphin
Interesting Information:Dolphins along the South Carolina and Georgia coast have been observed herding fish towards the shore then temporarily beaching themselves to catch their prey.
Difficulty: Average.
From Quiz: Wild Mammals of the Southern United States
Some incorrect choices:
walrus, sea otter, muskrat
37. How long after arriving on the Pribilof Islands will the female fur seals deliver their pups?
Answer: Birth is usually within 48 hours of arrival on the islands
Interesting Information:They will mate again within a week of having their pups. Mothers give very little care to their pups.
Difficulty: Hard.
From Quiz: The Wonderful Seals of the Pribilof Islands
Some incorrect choices:
Several months as they have to mate first, They will deliver after two weeks, They give birth in water before coming to shore
38. What is unusual about the penis bone of the male raccoon?
Answer: It's bent at the end
Interesting Information:I was surprised to learn that this part of the male anatomy is part of the animal's skeletal structure. How odd. This bone on the raccoon is shaped a little like a question mark at the end. The bend at the end is a matter of interest to biologists because it is apparently an indication of the animal's reproductive abilities. With the raccoon mating practices, raccoons tend to meet in one central area. There the males gather at one end, eyeing off the ladies, while all the ladies and children gather at the other end, pretending not to notice the strutting males. It's most anthropologically fascinating.
Difficulty: Average.
From Quiz: The Raccoon is at it Again!
Some incorrect choices:
It has a knot in it, It is located under its chin, It's made of titanium
39. As the fastest land mammal in North America, this Arizona native can maintain speeds of 40 mph for several miles, reaching 60 mph in shorter bursts. Which Arizona animal am I describing?
Answer: pronghorn antelope
Interesting Information:Scientists speculate that the pronghorn antelope's running ability evolved in response to predation from the extinct American cheetah. Its speed greatly exceeds that of existing North American predators.
Difficulty: Hard.
From Quiz: Arizona Wildlife
Some incorrect choices:
mountain lion, mule deer, lynx
40. Pauline Wayne was the last pet cow to be kept on the White House lawn (so far - who knows what the 44th President onwards will do?) Which President was the owner she supplied with milk?
Answer: William Taft
Interesting Information:Princess Pauline Wayne (apparently called Mooly-mooly by the First Lady) was a Holstein-Friesian, and as much a pet as livestock. The newspapers reported her movements, which was probably more interesting than the lives of some of the vacuous 'celebrities' they report nowadays.
Difficulty: Hard.
From Quiz: Animals in the White House
Some incorrect choices:
Jimmy Carter, John F Kennedy, Millard Fillmore
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