Basic Questions On Vertebrates! Trivia Quiz

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Basic Questions On Vertebrates! Trivia Quiz - Quiz


What do you know about vertebrates? Can you answer all these basic questions on vertebrates in this trivia quiz? Play the quiz and see for yourself. A vertebrate is a creature with a spinal cord surrounded by cartilage or bone. Their backbone consists of a column of bones that supports the body and protects the spinal cord. Vertebrates are the most sophisticated organisms on earth. If you want to discover more about vertebrates, this is the quiz for you.


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    Which of the following is NOT classified as a carnivore (meat-eater)?

    • A.

      Cow

    • B.

      Lion

    • C.

      Polar Bear

    • D.

      Humans

    Correct Answer
    A. Cow
    Explanation
    A cow is not classified as a carnivore because it is a herbivore, meaning it primarily eats plants. Lions, polar bears, and humans are all classified as carnivores because they primarily consume meat.

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  • 2. 

    Which of the following does NOT have a backbone?

    • A.

      Wolf

    • B.

      Parrot

    • C.

      Octopus

    • D.

      All of these

    Correct Answer
    C. Octopus
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Octopus. Octopuses do not have a backbone or a vertebral column, making them the only option among the given choices that does not possess this characteristic. Wolves and parrots are both vertebrates and have backbones.

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  • 3. 

    What are the only creatures that have placentas?

    • A.

      Mammals

    • B.

      Reptiles

    • C.

      Birds

    • D.

      All of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. Mammals
    Explanation
    Mammals are the only creatures that have placentas. Placentas are a unique organ found in mammals that allows for the exchange of nutrients and waste between the mother and developing fetus. This organ is essential for the development and nourishment of the fetus during pregnancy. Reptiles and birds, on the other hand, do not have placentas. While they may have other reproductive adaptations, such as laying eggs, they do not rely on placentas for the development of their young. Therefore, the correct answer is mammals.

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  • 4. 

    Birds are most closely related to which reptile?

    • A.

      Turtles

    • B.

      Alligators

    • C.

      Snakes

    • D.

      All of these

    Correct Answer
    B. Alligators
    Explanation
    Birds are most closely related to alligators because both birds and alligators belong to the class of reptiles called Archosauria. This group includes crocodiles, alligators, and birds. They share common ancestry and have similar characteristics, such as scales, a four-chambered heart, and laying eggs. This evolutionary relationship is supported by genetic and anatomical evidence.

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  • 5. 

    Which mammals have returned to living their entire lives in the water?

    • A.

      Pinnipeds

    • B.

      Cetaceans

    • C.

      Marsupials

    • D.

      All of these

    Correct Answer
    B. Cetaceans
    Explanation
    Cetaceans are mammals that have returned to living their entire lives in the water. This group includes whales, dolphins, and porpoises. They have evolved to have streamlined bodies, flippers, and a blowhole on the top of their heads to adapt to life in the water. They are highly adapted for swimming and diving, and rely on the ocean for feeding, reproduction, and social interactions. Cetaceans are well-known for their intelligence, communication skills, and complex social structures, making them fascinating creatures that have fully embraced an aquatic lifestyle.

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  • 6. 

    ___________ are the only creatures that walk on four legs.

    • A.

      Vertebrates

    • B.

      Invertebrates

    • C.

      Both of these

    • D.

      None of these

    Correct Answer
    C. Both of these
    Explanation
    Quadrupeds, deriving from the Latin words "quattuor" for "four" and "pes, pedis" for "foot," typically maintain a four-legged posture and utilize all four limbs for movement. They can be observed across various species, including both vertebrates and invertebrates.

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  • 7. 

    How many fish species are there?  

    • A.

      15,000

    • B.

      20,000

    • C.

      25,000

    • D.

      More than 34,300

    Correct Answer
    D. More than 34,300
    Explanation
    The answer "More than 34,300" suggests that there are more than 34,300 fish species. This indicates that there is a wide variety of fish species in existence, exceeding the other options provided.

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  • 8. 

    World's largest fish is

    • A.

      Whale shark

    • B.

      Starfish

    • C.

      Tiger shark

    • D.

      Not known till now

    Correct Answer
    A. Whale shark
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Whale shark because it is known to be the largest fish in the world. It can grow up to a length of 40 feet or more and can weigh up to 20 tons. The whale shark is a filter feeder, feeding mainly on plankton and small fish. It is a gentle giant and poses no threat to humans.

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  • 9. 

    Do fishes really sleep?

    • A.

      No, they do rest.

    • B.

      Yes, they do.

    • C.

      It's not known.

    • D.

      Yes, but sometimes

    Correct Answer
    A. No, they do rest.
    Explanation
    Fishes do not sleep in the same way that humans do. They do not have eyelids to close and they do not have a specific sleep cycle. However, fishes do rest by reducing their activity levels and finding a safe spot to hide or rest in. During this time, their metabolism slows down and they may appear motionless. This resting period allows fishes to conserve energy and rejuvenate their bodies. Therefore, while fishes do not sleep in the traditional sense, they do take periods of rest.

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  • 10. 

    Vertebrates belong to subphylum _____________.

    • A.

      Vertebrata 

    • B.

      Lancelet

    • C.

      Tunicate

    • D.

      Hexapoda

    Correct Answer
    A. Vertebrata 
    Explanation
    Vertebrates belong to the subphylum Vertebrata. This subphylum includes animals with a backbone or spinal column, such as mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Lancelet and Tunicate belong to the subphylum Cephalochordata and subphylum Tunicata respectively. Hexapoda refers to the subphylum of insects. Therefore, the correct answer is Vertebrata.

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  • 11. 

    What group of vertebrates is a mouse?

    • A.

      Mammals

    • B.

      Fish

    • C.

      Birds

    • D.

      Amphibians

    Correct Answer
    A. Mammals
    Explanation
    A mouse belongs to the group of vertebrates called mammals. Mammals are characterized by having hair or fur, giving birth to live young, and producing milk to nourish their offspring. Mice, along with other animals such as dogs, cats, and humans, are mammals. They have a backbone, internal skeleton, and are warm-blooded.

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  • 12. 

    This group of vertebrates are robins and owls.

    • A.

      Birds

    • B.

      Fishes

    • C.

      Mammals

    • D.

      Amphibians

    Correct Answer
    A. Birds
    Explanation
    Robins and owls are both types of birds. Birds are a group of vertebrates characterized by having feathers, beaks, laying hard-shelled eggs, and possessing the ability to fly. Robins and owls belong to the avian family and share common characteristics such as having wings, hollow bones, and a specialized respiratory system. Therefore, the correct answer is birds.

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  • 13. 

    This word describes the different stages of an animal's life.

    • A.

      Life cycle

    • B.

      Classification

    • C.

      Reproduction

    • D.

      All of these

    Correct Answer
    A. Life cycle
    Explanation
    The term "life cycle" refers to the various stages that an animal goes through during its lifetime, from birth or hatching to growth, reproduction, and eventually death. It encompasses the different developmental phases and changes that an organism undergoes, such as infancy, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. The life cycle is a fundamental concept in biology and helps us understand the processes and patterns of growth and development in living organisms.

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  • 14. 

    All basal vertebrates breathe with ___________.

    • A.

      Muscles

    • B.

      Gills

    • C.

      Nostrils

    • D.

      Skin

    Correct Answer
    B. Gills
    Explanation
    Basal vertebrates, which include fish and some amphibians, have gills as their respiratory organs. Gills are specialized structures that allow these organisms to extract oxygen from water. They consist of thin, feathery filaments that are rich in blood vessels. As water passes over the gills, oxygen diffuses into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide is released. This adaptation enables basal vertebrates to efficiently extract oxygen from their aquatic environment, allowing them to survive and thrive underwater.

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  • 15. 

    Which of the following are mammalian traits?

    • A.

      Have four limbs

    • B.

      Have 4 chambered heart

    • C.

      Presence of mammary glands

    • D.

      All of these

    Correct Answer
    D. All of these
    Explanation
    All of the given options are mammalian traits. Mammals are characterized by having four limbs, a 4 chambered heart, and the presence of mammary glands. These traits are unique to mammals and distinguish them from other animal groups. The presence of four limbs allows mammals to have a wide range of mobility and adaptability. The 4 chambered heart is a specialized organ that allows for efficient circulation of oxygenated blood throughout the body. The presence of mammary glands enables mammals to produce milk, which is used to nourish their offspring. Therefore, all of these traits are specific to mammals.

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  • Mar 14, 2024
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Apr 04, 2011
    Quiz Created by
    Mgriffith609
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