Wildlife Trivia: Ultimate Questions! Quiz

1. The muskox is well adapted for life in the north. And they have to be - their home is covered with snow for eight months a year! Which of the following is a muskox adaptation?

Small, furry ears

Very short tail

Rounded hooves with sharp rims

All of the above

Muskoxen have a two-layered coat that helps them stay warm, including their tail which is hidden beneath the coat. In fact, the entire animal is covered except for their horns, hooves, lips, and nose. And their rounded, sharp-rimmed hooves provide traction on ice and rocky surfaces on which they live.

Explanation

Muskoxen have a two-layered coat that helps them stay warm, including their tail which is hidden beneath the coat. In fact, the entire animal is covered except for their horns, hooves, lips, and nose. And their rounded, sharp-rimmed hooves provide traction on ice and rocky surfaces on which they live.

2. Martens are found in most corners of the NWT and this is reflected in their names in several Aboriginal languages. Which of the following is the correct translation for marten?

South Slavey - nohthee

North Slavey - zo

Gwich'in - tsuk

All of the above

The correct translation for marten in South Slavey is "nohthee", in North Slavey is "zo", and in Gwich'in is "tsuk". Therefore, all of the above translations are correct.

Explanation

The correct translation for marten in South Slavey is "nohthee", in North Slavey is "zo", and in Gwich'in is "tsuk". Therefore, all of the above translations are correct.

3. Western Toads are indeed unique. They only occur in the Dehcho Region and they prefer to walk or crawl rather than hop. How far can a Western Toad journey in one day?

1 km

3 km

7 km

17 km

Western Toads can journey up to 7 km in one day. This is because they have a preference for walking or crawling rather than hopping. Their unique behavior and habitat in the Dehcho Region contribute to their ability to cover this distance in a day.

Explanation

Western Toads can journey up to 7 km in one day. This is because they have a preference for walking or crawling rather than hopping. Their unique behavior and habitat in the Dehcho Region contribute to their ability to cover this distance in a day.

4. The NWT"s only snake species occurs in the Fort Smith area; the karst topography found in Wood Buffalo provides the necessary habitat for their winter hibernacula. What kind of snake it is?

Northern red belly snake

Red-sided garter snake

Northern water snake

Northern ringneck

Despite their names, the 'northern' snakes are found well below the 60th parallel.

Explanation

Despite their names, the 'northern' snakes are found well below the 60th parallel.

5. Adult bald eagles are easily recognized by their whiteheads. Their Latin name, Haliacetus Leucocephalus, means sea eagle with a white head. How did they get their common name?

The Old English word balde meant white not lack of hair

To differentiate them from golden eagles which were named first

From a distance, they looked bald

After the eaglets who are hatched with soft, grayish-white down but looked bald

The common name "bald eagles" originated from the Old English word "balde," which meant white, not lack of hair. This name was given to them because of their distinctive white heads, which easily distinguish them from other eagles.

Explanation

The common name "bald eagles" originated from the Old English word "balde," which meant white, not lack of hair. This name was given to them because of their distinctive white heads, which easily distinguish them from other eagles.

6. The NWT has bison in four distinct bison herd. Which of the following is not a Territorial bison herd?

Liard River Valley

Hay Zama

Slave River Lowland

Mackenzie

The NWT has four distinct bison herds, namely Liard River Valley, Slave River Lowland, and Mackenzie. Therefore, the answer "Hay Zama" is not a Territorial bison herd.

Explanation

The NWT has four distinct bison herds, namely Liard River Valley, Slave River Lowland, and Mackenzie. Therefore, the answer "Hay Zama" is not a Territorial bison herd.

7. How many ravens were recorded during Yellowknife's 2010/2011 Christmas Bird Count?

1 256

2 613

3 441

4 001

Also recorded during the January 2, 2011 count:
255 willow ptargmigans
1 northern goshawk
2 downy woodpeckers
17 gray jays
46 black-billed magpies
8 boreal chickadees
5 common redpolls
108 redpolls sp.
4 house sparrows

Explanation

Also recorded during the January 2, 2011 count:
255 willow ptargmigans
1 northern goshawk
2 downy woodpeckers
17 gray jays
46 black-billed magpies
8 boreal chickadees
5 common redpolls
108 redpolls sp.
4 house sparrows

8. What is the approximate maximum diving potential for a ringed seal?

30 metres and 15 minutes

50 metres and 25 minutes

90 metres and 45 minutes

120 metres and 60 minutes

The approximate maximum diving potential for a ringed seal is 90 metres and 45 minutes. This means that the seal is capable of diving as deep as 90 metres underwater and staying submerged for up to 45 minutes.

Explanation

The approximate maximum diving potential for a ringed seal is 90 metres and 45 minutes. This means that the seal is capable of diving as deep as 90 metres underwater and staying submerged for up to 45 minutes.

9. What country has the largest population of polar bears?

Canada

Russia

Norway

Greenland

There are an estimated 22,000-27,000 animals globally. Canada has the largest population with an estimated 15,000 polar bears.

Explanation

There are an estimated 22,000-27,000 animals globally. Canada has the largest population with an estimated 15,000 polar bears.

10. At 22 months, elephants have the longest gestation period of any land animal. Fortunately, our northern animals don't have to wait so long. Which of the following is not the correct gestation period for the animal?

Lynx = 30 - 50 days

Wolverine = 30 - 40 days

Chipmunk = 30 days

Muskrat = 22 - 30 days

The gestation period of a lynx is actually 9 weeks (or 63 days).

Explanation

The gestation period of a lynx is actually 9 weeks (or 63 days).

11. ...area or type of site where a species or an individual of a species of wildlife naturally occurs or on which it depends, directly or indirectly, to carry out its life processes; (habitat). The above definition of habitat comes from which piece of ENR legislation?

The existing Wildlife Act

The proposed new Widlife Act

Forest Management Act

Environmental Rights Act

not-available-via-ai

Explanation

not-available-via-ai

12. Southwestern NWT is rich in bat life - 7-8 species call the South Nahanni Watershed home. The rest of the Territory should be so lucky: bats can consume their own body weight in inesects each night, including mosquitos. The little brown bat consumes how many mosquito-sized insects every hour:

300

400

500

600

Bats are known for their ability to consume large amounts of insects, including mosquitoes. The question asks about the number of mosquito-sized insects that a little brown bat consumes every hour. The correct answer is 600, indicating that the little brown bat can consume a significant number of mosquitoes in a short amount of time. This highlights the important role that bats play in controlling mosquito populations and potentially reducing the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

Explanation

Bats are known for their ability to consume large amounts of insects, including mosquitoes. The question asks about the number of mosquito-sized insects that a little brown bat consumes every hour. The correct answer is 600, indicating that the little brown bat can consume a significant number of mosquitoes in a short amount of time. This highlights the important role that bats play in controlling mosquito populations and potentially reducing the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.