Unfortunate Epithets Trivia Quiz

Answer: Amphibians

The hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) is a large aquatic salamander native to the rivers and streams of the eastern United States.

With a flat body and loose, wrinkled skin that helps it absorb oxygen from water, the hellbender is well adapted to life in fast-moving currents. Despite its intimidating name (given for its appearance), it poses no threat to humans and plays a key role in freshwater ecosystems by feeding on crayfish and other small creatures.

Answer: Amphibians

The olm (Proteus anguinus) is a cave-dwelling amphibian found in the underground waters of the Balkans. The name 'olm' is borrowed from the German, but even so, its origin is unclear.

Pale and eyeless, it has evolved to live in total darkness, relying on other senses to navigate and hunt. It retains juvenile features throughout its life, including external gills, and is known for its remarkable longevity and slow metabolism.

Answer: Amphibians

Contrary to its name, the mountain chicken (Leptodactylus fallax) is actually a large frog native to the Caribbean islands of Dominica and Montserrat. It earned its name due to its popularity as a food source, with meat said to resemble chicken.

This terrestrial amphibian breeds in burrows and is critically endangered due to disease and habitat loss.

Answer: Birds

The dickcissel (Spiza americana) is a small songbird that resembles a sparrow, but stands out with its bright yellow chest and distinctive black throat patch.

Found in grasslands across North America during breeding season, the dickcissel migrates to Central and South America in winter. Its name comes from the unique call it produces, which sounds like 'dick-dick-cissel.'

Answer: Birds

You'd think the name 'oleaginous hemispingus' was this bird's binomial name, but that is Sphenopsis frontalis. The odd name refers to its 'oily' colouring and original designation as a 'half finch.'

A modest-looking bird with olive and yellow plumage, the oleaginous hemispingus inhabits cloud forests in parts of South America. It often joins mixed-species flocks and forages for insects and fruit in the understory. Though not flashy, it contributes to forest health through seed dispersal and insect control.

Answer: Birds

The smew (Mergellus albellus) is a small diving duck known for its striking appearance, especially the males with their crisp black-and-white plumage. The name origin is uncertain, but similar-sounding words for ducks exist in other languages.

Found across northern Europe and Asia, it nests in tree cavities and feeds on fish, using its serrated bill to grip slippery prey. It's a shy bird, often seen in winter on lakes and rivers.

Answer: Fish

A small but fiercely territorial fish, the sarcastic fringehead (Neoclinus blanchardi) lives in the coastal waters off California. It hides in shells or debris and defends its space by dramatically opening its oversized mouth in confrontations. These displays are both a warning and a way to establish dominance among rivals.

Answer: Fish

The tasseled wobbegong (Eucrossorhinus dasypogon) is a species of carpet shark found in the shallow coral reefs of northern Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands. It is easily recognized by the fringe of fleshy lobes around its head and chin, which resemble tassels and help it blend into the reef environment.

This camouflage allows it to lie in wait for unsuspecting prey, such as fish and invertebrates, which it ambushes with a sudden strike. Typically reaching up to 1.8 meters (about six feet) in length, it is a solitary and nocturnal predator.

Answer: Fish

The slippery sick (Halichoeres bivittatus) is a type of wrasse (a colorful reef fish) found in the western Atlantic.

It undergoes noticeable changes in color and sex as it matures, starting life as a female and potentially becoming male later. Its name refers to its slick body and elusive nature, making it a challenge to catch.

Answer: Marsupials

A subspecies of the common wallaroo, the euro (Osphranter robustus erubescens) is a sturdy marsupial adapted to Australia's arid regions.

With coarse fur and a solitary lifestyle, it is mostly active at night and shelters in rocky terrain during the day. It feeds on tough grasses and can survive with minimal water, making it well-suited to harsh environments.

Answer: Marsupials

The monjon (Petrogale burbidgei) is the smallest of the rock-wallabies, found in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia.

It has soft fur and a long tail for balance, and it prefers rocky outcrops where it can hide from predators. Shy and nocturnal, it feeds on vegetation and is rarely seen due to its elusive nature.

Answer: Marsupials

Also known as the little rock-wallaby, the nabarlek (Petrogale concinna) is a tiny marsupial native to northern Australia.

It is unique among its relatives for having teeth that grow continuously, an adaptation to its fibrous diet. Living in rugged terrain, it is active at night and remains one of the more mysterious members of the wallaby family.