1: What is the largest protected area of Chihuahuan Desert topography and ecology in the United States?
A: Yosemite National Park
B: Big Bend National Park
C: Yellowstone National Park
D: Grand Canyon National Park
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Big Bend National Park is the largest protected area of Chihuahuan Desert in the U.S.
2: In what year was Big Bend National Park established?
A: 1933
B: 1920
C: 1944
D: 1950
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Big Bend National Park was established on June 12, 1944.
3: How many species of birds are found in Big Bend National Park?
A: 250
B: 300
C: 450
D: 600
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: There are more than 450 species of birds recorded in the park.
4: What river forms part of the boundary between the U.S. and Mexico at Big Bend National Park?
A: Colorado River
B: Rio Grande
C: Mississippi River
D: Pecos River
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Rio Grande River forms a natural boundary between the U.S. and Mexico.
5: What is the highest peak in the Chisos Mountains located in Big Bend National Park?
A: Guadalupe Peak
B: Emory Peak
C: Wheeler Peak
D: Kings Peak
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Emory Peak at 7,832 feet is the highest peak in the Chisos Mountains within Big Bend National Park.
6: What type of climate does Big Bend National Park have according to the Köppen climate classification?
A: Temperate
B: Mediterranean
C: Hot arid
D: Subarctic
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Big Bend National Park has a hot arid climate classification.
7: The park is named after a large bend in which river?
A: Mississippi River
B: Colorado River
C: Columbia River
D: Rio Grande
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The park is named after a large bend in the Rio Grande River.
8: What flora is found only in the United States in Big Bend National Park?
A: Saguaro Cactus
B: Chisos Oak (Quercus graciliformis)
C: Sequoia Trees
D: Florida Palm
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Chisos Oak is unique to the United States in Big Bend National Park.
9: Which mountain range is entirely contained within Big Bend National Park?
A: Rocky Mountains
B: Appalachian Mountains
C: Sierra Nevada
D: Chisos Mountains
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The Chisos Mountains are the only range completely within the bounds of a national park in the U.S.
10: What significant historical event did the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo impact regarding Big Bend National Park?
A: Gold Rush
B: Texas Independence
C: The park’s boundary extends only to the center of the deepest river channel of the Rio Grande as it flowed in 1848.
D: Discovery of Oil
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo determined that the park’s boundary extends only to the center of the deepest river channel of the Rio Grande as in 1848.
11: What prominent landscape feature spans 801,163 acres in Big Bend National Park?
A: The Great Plains
B: The Rocky Mountains
C: Chihuahuan Desert
D: The Mojave Desert
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The park protects the largest portion of the Chihuahuan Desert landscape.
12: How high do summer temperatures often exceed in lower elevations of Big Bend National Park?
A: 80 °F
B: 90 °F
C: 100 °F
D: 110 °F
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Summer temperatures often exceed 100 °F in the lower elevations of the park.
13: Which formation in Big Bend National Park contains dinosaur bones?
A: Boone Formation
B: Javelina Formation
C: Marfa Formation
D: Chihuahua Limestone
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Javelina Formation contains dinosaur bones from the late Cretaceous period.
14: What important bird species is found in Big Bend National Park and nowhere else in the U.S.?
A: Bald Eagle
B: Colima Warbler
C: Snowy Egret
D: American Robin
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Colima Warbler is unique to Big Bend National Park in the U.S.
15: How many acres of land does Big Bend National Park encompass?
A: 500,000 acres
B: 801,163 acres
C: 1,000,000 acres
D: 250,000 acres
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Big Bend National Park encompasses 801,163 acres of land.
16: What activity is popular in Big Bend National Park due to its dark skies?
A: Surfing
B: Stargazing
C: Bird Watching
D: Fishing
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Big Bend National Park is designated as an international dark-sky park, making it perfect for stargazing.
17: How many annual visitors did Big Bend National Park report having in 2019?
A: 100,000
B: 200,000
C: 463,832
D: 1,000,000
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The park had 463,832 visitors in the year 2019.
18: What are the Chisos Mountains referred to as due to their unique placement?
A: Hidden Peaks
B: Sky islands
C: Floating Mountains
D: Cloud Hills
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Chisos Mountains are called sky islands because they are surrounded by desert.
19: What historical path did the Comanche use that passed through Big Bend?
A: Oregon Trail
B: Santa Fe Trail
C: Silk Road
D: Comanche Trail
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The Comanche used the Comanche Trail, which passed through Big Bend National Park.
20: What is the name of the scenic drive that offers exceptional views within Big Bend National Park?
A: Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
B: Blue Ridge Parkway
C: Pacific Coast Highway
D: Great River Road
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive is known for its scenic views in Big Bend National Park.
21: What was significant about Big Bend NP in 2012 regarding environmental standards?
A: It was declared a national forest.
B: Designated an international dark-sky park.
C: Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
D: Became a wildlife refuge.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: In 2012, the park was designated an international dark-sky park.
22: What is a key tourist attraction involving hot springs in Big Bend National Park?
A: Boquillas Hot Springs
B: Old Faithful
C: Hot Springs Geyser
D: Mammoth Hot Springs
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Boquillas Hot Springs is a key tourist attraction within Big Bend National Park.
23: What unique feature is Big Bend noted for that involves three main canyons?
A: Santa Elena, Mariscal, and Boquillas Canyons
B: Grand Canyon, Canyonlands, and Bryce
C: Yosemite Valley, Zion Canyon, and Hells Canyon
D: Columbia River Gorge, Hell’s Gorge, and Snake River Canyon
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Santa Elena, Mariscal, and Boquillas are iconic canyons in Big Bend NP.
24: What is a major element of the geology observable in the Persimmon Gap area in Big Bend NP?
A: Granite cliffs
B: Paleozoic Marathon orogeny
C: Sand Dunes
D: Mud Volcanoes
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Paleozoic Marathon orogeny is a prominent geological feature in the Persimmon Gap area.
25: What kind of animal is a common sighting at night in Big Bend National Park?
A: Bison
B: Rabbits
C: Bears
D: Cougars
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Cougars are often reported sightings, especially at night in Big Bend National Park.
26: What happened to the first fossil museum built at Big Bend National Park?
A: It was relocated.
B: It burnt down.
C: It expanded.
D: It was closed.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The first fossil museum built at Big Bend National Park burnt down in 1941.
27: Who was the first American of African ancestry to graduate from West Point and serve near Big Bend NP?
A: Benjamin O. Davis, Sr.
B: Henry Ossian Flipper
C: Colin Powell
D: Charles Young
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Henry Ossian Flipper was the first African American graduate of West Point and served near Big Bend NP.
28: What is the name of the ancient language group spoken by the Chisos Indians?
A: Nahuatl
B: Uto-Aztecan
C: Algonquian
D: Aymara
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Chisos Indians spoke a language in the Uto-Aztecan family.
29: What notable war impacted the establishment of military outposts in the Big Bend area?
A: Mexican-American War
B: Civil War
C: World War I
D: World War II
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Mexican-American War occasioned military surveys and the establishment of outposts in Big Bend.
30: What is the temperature record high at Big Bend National Park as a whole?
A: 85 °F
B: 95 °F
C: 105 °F
D: 109 °F
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The record high temperature at Big Bend National Park is 109 °F.
31: When do colonized warblers typically arrive in Big Bend NP for breeding?
A: Mid March
B: Mid April
C: Early May
D: Late February
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Colima warblers arrive in Big Bend NP in mid-April for breeding.
32: What kind of dinosaur remains can be found in the Javelina Formation at Big Bend?
A: Triceratops
B: Hadrosaurs
C: Alamosaurus
D: Stegosaurus
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Hadrosaurs are among the dinosaur remains found in the Javelina Formation at Big Bend.
33: How are desert shrubland and montane woodland related to Big Bend NP?
A: They are hiking trails.
B: They are bird species.
C: They are predominant land-cover types.
D: They are canyon names.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Desert shrubland and montane woodland are among the land-cover types in Big Bend NP.
34: Which forces significantly affected the geological structure of Big Bend NP between the Triassic and Cretaceous periods?
A: Glacial movements
B: Tectonic rifting
C: Volcanic activity
D: Wind erosion
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Tectonic rifting significantly influenced the geology of Big Bend between the Triassic and Cretaceous periods.
35: What kind of environmental zones does the Rio Grande riparian zone include?
A: Grasslands
B: Alpine zones
C: Desert shrubland and woodland
D: Wetlands
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Rio Grande’s riparian zone includes desert shrubland and woodland in Big Bend NP.
36: What mammal microfossils were found that highlight Big Bend’s past underwater conditions?
A: Early primates
B: Marine reptiles like plesiosaurs and pliosaurs
C: Giant sloths
D: Mammoths
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Plesiosaurs and pliosaur fossils indicate that Big Bend was once underwater.
37: What prominent event did fossil hunters in Big Bend National Park contribute significantly to our understanding of?
A: Ice Age extinction
B: K-T Mass extinction
C: The Cambrian explosion
D: First land vertebrates
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Fossil discoveries at Big Bend shed light on the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-T) extinction event.
38: Which groups of people historically farmed and mined in the area now known as Big Bend NP?
A: Primarily Native Americans only
B: Primarily European settlers only
C: Spanish, Mexican, Anglo, and Irish settlers
D: African Slaves
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Spanish, Mexican, Anglo, and Irish settlers farmed, ranched, and mined in the area.
39: What is the name of the Texas town nearest to Big Bend National Park?
A: Marfa
B: Terlingua
C: Alpine
D: Marathon
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Alpine is the nearest city to Big Bend National Park.
40: What notable predator can be found in the mountainous regions of Big Bend NP, sometimes mistakenly thought extinct?
A: Cougar
B: Mexican Black Bear
C: Grey Wolf
D: Bobcat
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Mexican Black Bear, once thought extinct, is present in Big Bend NP.
41: What is necessary to legally collect fossils from Big Bend NP?
A: Monetary Payment
B: Written Application
C: Government Permit
D: Park Membership
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A permit is required to legally collect fossils from Big Bend National Park.
42: What large-scale fossil was partially discovered by Barnum Brown and R.T. Bird in Big Bend NP?
A: Mammoth
B: Quetzalcoatlus
C: Tyrannosaurus Rex
D: Alamosaurus
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Part of an Alamosaurus neck vertebra was found by Brown and Bird in Big Bend NP.
43: What kind of drive is the 30-mile Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive in Big Bend NP known for?
A: Urban Experience
B: Scenic Views
C: Historic landmarks
D: Amusement rides
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive is renowned for its scenic views of Big Bend NP.
44: What is the significance of the Maderas del Carmen area south of Big Bend NP?
A: It holds numerous volcano formations.
B: It’s another U.S. National Park.
C: Protected flora and fauna regions.
D: Site of ancient battlefields.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Maderas del Carmen is a protected area for flora and fauna, located south of Big Bend NP.
45: How does Big Bend National Park administer the 118 miles of the Rio Grande?
A: By establishing hydroelectric plants
B: By providing river tours and requiring permits
C: By restricting all access to the public
D: By building dams
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The park administers 118 miles of the Rio Grande by providing tours and requiring permits for personal boat use.
46: What desert shrub adds color and contrast with its bright flowers in Big Bend NP?
A: Desert Marigold
B: California Poppy
C: Fireweed
D: Cacti
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The desert marigold adds vibrant color to the arid landscape of Big Bend NP.
47: What activity do thousands of stars, bright planets, and the Milky Way enable in Big Bend NP?
A: Daytime Hiking
B: Night Sky Photography
C: Bird Watching
D: Desert Exploration
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The dark skies of Big Bend make it an excellent location for night sky photography.
48: What historical aspect makes the hot springs site in Big Bend NP distinctive before its establishment as a national park?
A: Ice Age Glaciers
B: Long-standing tourist attraction with spa facilities
C: Ancient Native American settlement
D: A vast gold mining operation
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The hot springs were a major tourist attraction with spa facilities even before the national park was established.
49: What is the critical role of the Rio Grande riparian zone in Big Bend NP?
A: It powers all the hydroelectric plants.
B: It includes numerous plant and animal species.
C: It is the only freshwater source in the region.
D: It acts as the main camping ground.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Rio Grande riparian zone is ecologically productive, including numerous plant and animal species.
50: Which scale ranks the sky of Big Bend as the darkest in the contiguous United States?
A: Silver Tier
B: Platinum Rank
C: Gold Tier
D: Emerald Rank
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Big Bend NP was awarded the Gold Tier designation by the International Dark-Sky Association.
51: What is notable about the Bonne Spring cactus species in Big Bend NP?
A: It’s the tallest cactus species in the park.
B: It blooms exclusively at night.
C: It is also known as pitaya and adds unique color.
D: It emits a strong fragrance during spring.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Bonne Spring cactus, also known as pitaya, adds unique color to the park.
52: What historical raid in 1916 led to significant national attention and actions regarding Big Bend NP?
A: Presidio Conflict
B: Glenn Springs Raid
C: Mexican-American War
D: Indian Rebellion
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Glenn Springs Raid resulted in national attention, leading to heightened military involvement in the region.
53: What environmental system classification does Panther Junction in Big Bend belong to?
A: Arid Desert
B: Humid Subtropical
C: Mediterranean Climate
D: Boreal Forest
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Panther Junction has a hot arid climate classification.
54: What kind of ecosystem encounter is highlighted by the delta formed at Big Bend during a historical period?
A: Marshland Dwellers
B: Tundra Flora
C: Dinosaur Fossils and Aquatic Life
D: Woodland Animals
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The delta revealed dinosaur fossils and aquatic life during the transitional geological period.
55: Who are the primary operators managing Big Bend National Park?
A: State Park Authorities
B: National Park Service
C: Private Landowners
D: Rangers of Brewster County
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The National Park Service operates and manages Big Bend National Park.
56: Why is Big Bend National Park considered one of the least-visited in the contiguous United States?
A: It has the harshest environment.
B: It is highly remote and one of the largest national parks.
C: It has restricted visitor access.
D: It has fewer advertising efforts.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Due to its remote location and large size, the park attracts fewer visitors compared to other national parks in the contiguous United States.
57: What organization awarded the international dark-sky park designation to Big Bend NP?
A: World Wildlife Fund
B: International Union for Conservation of Nature
C: International Dark-Sky Association
D: United Nations
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The International Dark-Sky Association designated Big Bend NP as an international dark-sky park.
58: What region south of Big Bend NP is also known for its environmental protection efforts?
A: Sierra Nevada
B: Black Hills
C: Maderas del Carmen
D: Appalachian Mountains
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Maderas del Carmen region in Mexico is known for environmental conservation efforts and lies south of Big Bend NP.
59: What are the Mescalero Apaches known for concerning the Big Bend region’s historical context?
A: They introduced large-scale agriculture.
B: They built the first European settlements.
C: They began to invade the Big Bend region and displaced the Chisos Indians.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Mescalero Apaches invaded the Big Bend region and displaced the Chisos Indians.
60: Which of the following species of cactus is NOT found in Big Bend National Park?
A: Prickly Pear
B: Claretcup
C: Saguaro
D: Pitaya
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Saguaros, iconic to Arizona, are not found in Big Bend National Park, which features Prickly Pear, Claretcup, and Pitaya cacti.
Source: