An Easter Basket Trivia Quiz

Answer: Bamboo

The bamboo is not only the tallest grass but also the fastest growing. Certain varieties like the dragon bamboo plant can grow to over 100 meters or 35 feet tall. The grass is also very versatile and has uses ranging from building material to a source of food for animals and humans alike.

Answer: Cottontail

The cottontail is named for the white under-surface of its short tail. It's noted for remaining motionless when danger is sensed. The species is widely distributed throughout the Americas, from the North to the South.

Answer: Ronald Reagan

Ronald Reagan was the 40th President of the United States of America. Among his many political achievements, he was well-known for his love for jellybeans. When he first decided to run for political office, the position of the Governor of California, he sought ways to give up his habit of smoking.

Instead he took up eating jellybeans as a substitute. This turned out to be successful and was the beginning of his love for the candy. At his Presidential Inauguration event in 1981, he ordered three and a half tonnes of jellybeans in the US colours of red, white and blue.

Answer: Philippines

Located in Southeast Asia, the Philippines comprises over 7,500 islands. The Chocolate Hills are a famous tourist attraction in the province of Bohol and also feature on the provincial flag. These dome-shaped hills are made of limestone. The surface is covered with green grass which turns brown in the summer. This has led to the name of Chocolate Hills.

Answer: Their eggs are deposited outside of the body.

Monotremes are the only mammals who lay eggs. All others give birth to live young. There are only two types of monotremes - echidnas and platypuses. Both are found on the continent of Australia.

Answer: Judy Garland

Released in 1948, "Easter Parade" is a musical film starring Judy Garland, Fred Astaire, Peter Lawford, and Ann Miller. Don Hewes, played by Astaire, is a Broadway star. When his partner, Nadine Hale (Ann Miller) decides to pursue a solo career opportunity, he vows to turn the next girl he finds into a dancing star.

This turns out to be Hannah (Judy Garland), a girl with no formal experience but innate ability. The movie was a major success and helped Astaire regain his position as a top star of the time.

Answer: Germany

The tradition of the Easter Bunny originated in Germany. Similar to Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny kept a list of children who were naughty and nice. The good kids received gifts of candy or toys from the bunny. When the German Lutherans migrated to America in the 1700s, they brought this tradition with them.

Answer: Rings

Simple sugars have a single ring of atoms. The rings can join to form a molecule of a complex sugar.

Marshmallows are made of sugar, water, and gelatin. The mixture is then whipped to create the soft consistency. Marshmallow rabbits are a common treat found in Easter baskets.

Answer: Peanut

Peanuts are actually seeds contained in pods. They are classified as legumes. A nut is defined as a dry, hard-shelled fruit or seed having a rind that can be easily separated from the internal, edible kernel.

Answer: M&Ms

In 1981, M&Ms were the first candy to make it to space when they were included as part of the rations for the astronauts aboard the Columbia Space Shuttle. To avoid any brand related issues, NASA had them removed from the wrappers and noted only as 'candy covered chocolates'. The brand's USP of 'not melting in the hand' made it useful not only in space, but also years earlier as soldiers' rations during war.

M&Ms are part of the Space Foods exhibit at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum.