Swarm behaviour is shown by various organisms such as phytoplankton, fish, insects and birds. The terms 'flocking' and 'murmuration' apply to birds with 'murmuration' typically tied to the starling species. Reasons for swarming include migration, collective protection from predators or to establish new colonies.
The seemingly random flight path of starling flocks is possibly a form of collective protection. The name is derived from the noise of beating wings made by the flock.
2. Dick Francis
Answer: Horse
The horse connection is that Welsh-born Dick Francis was a champion jockey and also a writer whose novels focussed on crime in the horse-racing world. During his jockey career he won over 350 horse races. He wrote over 40 best-sellers and his wife Mary formed part of the writing team through her extensive background research, even as far as obtain a pilot's licence in part for research purposes.
3. Little Red Riding Hood
Answer: Wolf
The modern version of the "Little Red Riding Hood" fairy tale can be traced to the French author Charles Perrault at the end of the 17th century. The Brothers Grimm did a version some 100 years later. Perrault explains that it is a cautionary tale for women and girls against the dangers of seemingly-friendly men.
In his version, it does not end well for the girl. Elements of earlier stories can be traced in Perrault's version. "Little Red Cap" is another name for the story.
4. Jane Goodall
Answer: Chimpanzee
British primatologist Jane Goodall has spent 60 years studying wild chimpanzees and is considered a bit of an expert. She started her work with chimpanzees at Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania in 1960. Over the years there have many books and films documenting her work.
5. E-Type (XK-E in the US)
Answer: Jaguar
This British front mid-engine sports car was made by Jaguar Cars Ltd from 1961 to 1974. Known as the Jaguar E-Type in the UK, it was sold as the Jaguar XK-E in North America. It was based on the Jaguar D-Type which won the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race for three years running. A bit of an icon, it has had over 20 film appearances such as in "The Italian Job" (1969), as an XK-E hearse in "Harold and Maude" (1971), and in "The Avengers" (1998).
6. Robert the Bruce
Answer: Spider
Robert the Bruce was the Scottish king who led the country during the First War of Scottish Independence from England at the beginning of the 14th century. His attempts were frustrated a number of times and one legend is that watching a spider fail to span a gap before succeeding on the third attempt inspired him in his own struggles.
A version of this legend is portrayed in the 2019 British historical war film "Robert the Bruce".
7. "Treasure Island"
Answer: Parrot
The novel "Treasure Island" was first published as a book in 1883. By Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, the story is set in the 18th century and the one-legged Long John Silver is a key character. He owns a parrot named Captain Flint after his former captain.
It is Captain Flint's treasure that everyone seeks. The novel has been dramatized many times including prequels and sequels. "Star Wars: Skeleton Crew" (2024) is a recent adaptation set in the Star Wars universe.
8. Pavlov's bell
Answer: Dog
Russian neurologist Ivan Pavlov is known for his experiments in which he trained dogs to salivate to the sound of a bell. This was a demonstration of classical conditioning, where preceding conditions are used to alter behavioural responses. The work can be linked to current behaviour modification practices in school classrooms. Pavlov received a Nobel Prize for his work.
9. Stray _____ (band)
Answer: Cats
Formed as a trio in 1979 in New York, Stray Cats are a rockabilly band with various hits including "Stray Cat Strut" and "(She's) Sexy + 17". They have had various name changes and periods when the band has broken up, followed by reunions. Most of their discography was issued during the 1980s and 1990s, however their ninth album "40" came out in 2019.
10. Argentinian rugby team
Answer: Puma
The men's national rugby union team for Argentina has the nickname Los Pumas, which is Spanish for The Pumas. Playing international rugby since 1910, they are the strongest team in the Americas. Since 1999 they have achieved various upset victories against Six Nations Championship (a Northern Hemisphere tournament) teams. They have been part of the Rugby Championship (formerly the Tri Nations Series) for Southern Hemisphere teams since 2001.
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor agony before going online.
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