1.
What is the primary need in a desert survival situation?
Correct Answer
A. Water
Explanation
Although the other choices are important the dry desert heat dehydrates you very quickly. Water is the top priority.
2.
You should refrain from eating food if you are thirsty.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Although it is a good idea to consume at least a little salt to help retain water, eating food will dehydrate you more.
3.
Scorpions should not be eaten because they are poisonous.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Although they are poisonous the venom sacks are all contained at the tip of the tail with the stinger. Cut off the stinger and you have a good source of protein.
4.
What is the best way to drink your urine for a water source?
Correct Answer
B. Purify it in a solar still.
Explanation
Drinking straight urine is very tough on your kidneys and can cause death. Filtering will help but it will not remove some of the unwanted byproducts. A solar still is the best way to obtain pure water from urine.
5.
You should ration your water if you are in a survival situation.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Many dehydration casualties have been found with extra water that they did not consume for fear of using it all. Stay hydrated for as long as possible. Always follow this rule: Conserve sweat not water!
6.
Celox is used for what?
Correct Answer
C. Stopping severe bleeding.
Explanation
Celox is a blood clotting agent and is a good thing to carry in your survival kit in case of a severe bleeding injury.
7.
What is a good method to stay warm at night?
Correct Answer
E. All of the above.
Explanation
All of these are good methods to help you stay warm on cold nights.
8.
Sleeping directly on the ground will suck the heat out of your body.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
It is always a good idea to insulate yourself from the ground when sleeping to stay warm.
9.
Where is the BEST place to find water in a dry stream bed?
Correct Answer
C. Look for shaded pockets where the sun has not evaporated the moisture.
Explanation
Although diggin in a dry stream bed can lead to water, it is very difficult to dig far enough down to get anything substantial. Often times shaded pockets will hold water or mud on the surface. Use a solar still to get clean water out.
10.
You cannot boil water in a plastic bottle.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Les Stroud proved that it is possible. Just keep the flames from touching the bottle.
11.
What desert plant works great for taking smoke baths?
Correct Answer
A. Creosote
Explanation
When burned Creosote kills the bacteria that cause body odor.
12.
What plant can you get a needle and thread from?
Correct Answer
D. Agave
13.
Animals can smell newly broken branches.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Animals can smell newly broken branches so if you are constructing traps use dead wood or try smoking pieces after you cut them to shape.
14.
What is the best way to preserve meat to eat later in a desert environment?
Correct Answer
A. Cut it into thin and narrow strips then dry it in the sun.
Explanation
Drying meat is a great way to preserve it, just like jerky from the store. Just be sure to slice it into thin and narrow strip so it dries properly. Smoking is also an effective method.
15.
When walking uphill travel straight up as this uses the least amount of energy.
Correct Answer
B. Flase
Explanation
Traversing or walking in a zig-zag pattern is the most energy efficient way to travel up a slope. Remember in survival conserving water and energy are very important.
16.
You should avoid eating any insects with pincers as they may be poisonous.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Some of the best insects for consumption have pincers like ants. Avoid brightly colored insects or bugs that emit a pungent odor. Also avoid anything with a hard shell like beetles and grassoppers unless you cook it before eating. They often contain parasites.
17.
When cutting with a knife always keep the blade facing you.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Always keep the blade facing away from you, but there may have to cut towards you. Use extreme caution when doing so.
18.
Which of the following are ways to determine direction? (Multiple correct answers)
Correct Answer(s)
A. Use the sun and a stick and mark the shadow at different times to get an East - West line.
B. Barrel Cacti sometimes lean to the South or Southwest.
C. Use the Big Dipper to find the North Star.
D. Point the hour hand of an analog watch at the sun then bisect the angle between the hour hand and 12 o'clock to get a North - South line.
Explanation
Ocotillos grow on all sides of mountain slopes, the rest are all true. Just be careful when using barrel cacti for direction as there are always a few that lean different directions. Look at a couple before using it to determine direction.
19.
If treating someone with severe bleeding it is not neccessary to treat for shock unless the symptoms are present.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
You should always treat for shock for bleeding injuries.
20.
Hypothermia is a major concern in the desert.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Hypothermia is a major concern. Deserts are known to have the widest temperature ranges of any environment. During the day it can be extremely hot and at night it may frost. Some deserts can have a day/night temperature swing of 100 degrees or more!