Factburst Quiz
From Arctic mammals and marine wildlife to birds, rodents and the giant sequoia, this ten-question nature quiz tests how living things are identified and adapted to their environments. Look for questions about body colour, tusks, radial symmetry, fat storage, pregnancy, scientific names and natural fibres such as cashmere. Some ask about an individual species while others compare entire groups, so match the level of biological classification to the wording.
Before you start
Look for clues in the question, rule out answers that do not fit and review any unfamiliar facts at the end.
Here is a preview of what you will explore. Answers stay hidden until you finish playing.
Choose one answer per question. When you finish, review your results and read the explanations to understand any mistakes.
10 of 10 questions currently include additional explanations.
Read the Nature & Animals learning guide for more context.
Learn from the answers
Check the answers, understand what you missed and take something new into your next quiz.
Correct answer: Polar bear
Polar bears are adapted to Arctic environments and rely heavily on sea ice to hunt seals. As Arctic sea ice declines, bears in many areas must travel farther or spend more time on land to find food.
Further reading: www.worldwildlife.org ↗
Correct answer: Black
Polar bear skin is black beneath the fur, helping it absorb solar energy. The hairs themselves are translucent rather than truly white; they scatter visible light, which makes the coat look white.
Further reading: www.britannica.com ↗
Correct answer: Sea star
Sea stars are echinoderms, a group that also includes sea urchins and sea cucumbers. Their tube feet are part of a water-vascular system used in movement, attachment and handling food.
Further reading: ocean.si.edu ↗
Correct answer: Sequoiadendron giganteum
The giant sequoia's scientific name is Sequoiadendron giganteum. The species is native to California's Sierra Nevada, where its groves are monitored by researchers studying forest health and environmental change.
Further reading: www.usgs.gov ↗
Correct answer: Walrus
Walruses of both sexes can grow long tusks, which are elongated canine teeth. They use them in social displays and to help haul themselves onto ice.
Correct answer: Camel
A camel's hump stores fat, which can be used as an energy reserve when food is scarce. It does not store a tank of water, despite the popular myth.
Correct answer: African elephant
African elephants have a gestation period of about 22 months, one of the longest among mammals. The long development period is associated with the large, well-developed calf that is born.
Further reading: www.awf.org ↗
Correct answer: Capybara
The capybara is the largest living rodent. It is a semi-aquatic mammal native to South America and is closely related to guinea pigs.
Correct answer: Little spotted kiwi
The little spotted kiwi is endemic to New Zealand. Like other kiwi, it is flightless.
Correct answer: Goat
Cashmere is a fine fibre obtained from the soft undercoat of cashmere goats. The fibre is separated from coarser guard hairs and is valued for being light, warm and soft.
Further reading: www.britannica.com ↗
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