1: Which botanical garden, operated by the University of Pisa, is known as the first university botanic garden in Europe?
A: Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam
B: Oxford Botanic Garden
C: Orto botanico di Pisa
D: Kew Gardens
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Orto botanico di Pisa, established in 1544, is recognized as the first university botanic garden in Europe.
2: Botanical gardens commonly have collections of living plants for which primary four purposes?
A: Recreation, commerce, decoration, and tourism
B: Scientific research, conservation, display, and education
C: Art, music, theater, and exhibitions
D: Cooking, herbal medicine, fashion, and spirituality
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Botanical gardens aim to maintain documented collections of living plants for scientific research, conservation, display, and education.
3: What type of botanical collection might you find in glasshouses or shadehouses in many botanical gardens?
A: Desert plants
B: Aquatic plants
C: Tropical and alpine plants
D: Carnivorous plants
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Glasshouses and shadehouses in botanical gardens often house collections of tropical and alpine plants.
4: What additional cultural activities might you find at many public botanical gardens?
A: Guided tours, art exhibitions, and theater performances
B: Shopping malls and cinemas
C: Zoos and amusement parks
D: Fitness centers and sports courts
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Many botanical gardens offer guided tours, art exhibitions, and open-air theatrical performances as part of their cultural programming.
5: Which notable botanical garden established in the 18th century is located near London and became the hub for economic botany?
A: Bartram’s Garden
B: Chelsea Physic Garden
C: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
D: Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, founded in 1759, became a central hub for economic botany in the late 18th century.
6: Which type of collection might be housed within the herbarium of a botanical garden?
A: Live animal exhibits
B: A library of plant books
C: Dried plant specimens
D: Aquariums
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A herbarium typically houses dried plant specimens mounted on cards for scientific study.
7: When did the focus of botanical gardens shift from medicinal plants to newly discovered plants from explorations?
A: 15th century
B: 16th century
C: 17th century
D: 19th century
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: In the 17th century, the focus of botanical gardens shifted from medicinal plants to newly discovered plants from global explorations.
8: What is one modern role of botanical gardens related to environmental issues?
A: Manufacturing gadgets
B: Organizing sports events
C: Raising awareness about plant conservation and sustainability
D: Promoting urban development
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Modern botanical gardens often play a role in raising awareness about environmental issues, such as plant conservation and sustainability.
9: Which institution defines a botanic garden as holding documented collections of living plants for scientific research, conservation, display, and education?
A: International Union of Biological Sciences
B: Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI)
C: World Health Organization
D: United Nations
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) defines a botanic garden with these purposes.
10: Where can you find the world’s oldest academic botanic garden still at its original location?
A: Florence, Italy
B: Pisa, Italy
C: Padua, Italy
D: London, England
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Botanical Garden of Padua, established in 1545, is the world’s oldest academic botanic garden still at its original location.
11: What were the primary plants collected during the botanical expeditions in the 18th century?
A: Corn and wheat
B: Tropical and exotic plants
C: Native European herbs
D: Arctic mosses
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The primary plants collected during the 18th-century botanical expeditions were tropical and exotic plants.
12: Which document listed 73 herbs to be used in the physic gardens of Emperor Charlemagne’s dominions?
A: The Capitulary de Villis
B: The Magna Carta
C: The Edict of Nantes
D: The Domesday Book
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Capitulary de Villis listed 73 herbs to be used in the physic gardens of Emperor Charlemagne’s dominions.
13: Which city is home to the Royal Botanical Garden known for its heavy influence on economic botany during the colonial period?
A: Brisbane, Australia
B: Calcutta, India
C: Singapore
D: Kew, England
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in England, played a significant role in economic botany during the colonial period.
14: What is the estimated number of visitors botanical gardens attract worldwide each year?
A: 100 million
B: 200 million
C: 300 million
D: 400 million
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Botanical gardens attract about 300 million visitors worldwide each year.
15: From which region did the first significant introductions of plants to 17th-century Western European gardens originate?
A: South America
B: The Near East and Turkey
C: Sub-Saharan Africa
D: Australia
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The first significant introductions of plants to 17th-century Western European gardens originated from the Near East and Turkey.
16: Where was the first botanical garden in the tropics established?
A: India
B: Brazil
C: Mauritius
D: Indonesia
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The first botanical garden in the tropics was established in Mauritius in 1735.
17: Which famous British botanical garden has a 36-hectare area dedicated to a botanical garden with an additional 528 hectares of mountainside wilderness?
A: Chelsea Physic Garden
B: Edinburgh Botanic Garden
C: Kew Gardens
D: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in South Africa covers a 36-hectare area along with an additional 528 hectares of mountainside wilderness.
18: Who was the director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne, in the 19th century, known for his clear definition of the roles of botanical gardens?
A: Carl Linnaeus
B: John Bartram
C: Ferdinand von Mueller
D: Joseph Banks
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Ferdinand von Mueller was the director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne, in the 19th century, and clearly defined the roles of botanical gardens.
19: Which famous 16th-century physician and botanist is often considered the “Father of Botany”?
A: Theophrastus
B: Andreas Vesalius
C: Hippocrates
D: Dioscorides
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Theophrastus, a 4th-century BCE figure, is often considered the “Father of Botany.”
20: What type of plant collection, focusing on systematic arrangement and classification, became central to botanical gardens in the 18th century?
A: Herb gardens
B: Water gardens
C: Order beds
D: Desert gardens
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Order beds focusing on systematic arrangement and classification became central in the 18th century.
21: Which significant document from the late 20th century defined a botanical garden as a scientific institution with documented plant collections?
A: The Kyoto Protocol
B: The Botanic Gardens Conservation Strategy
C: The Rio Declaration
D: The Global Biodiversity Outlook
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Botanic Gardens Conservation Strategy (1989) defined a botanical garden as a scientific institution with documented plant collections.
22: Which famous botanic garden was established in 1962 and remains a leading institution for research and education in a temperate climate zone?
A: Uppsala University
B: Longwood Gardens
C: Brooklyn Botanic Garden
D: Missouri Botanical Garden
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Longwood Gardens, established in 1962, is a leading institution for research and education in a temperate climate zone.
23: Which major US botanical garden, known for its vast tropical plant collection, was founded in 1859?
A: New York Botanical Garden
B: Longwood Gardens
C: Missouri Botanical Garden
D: Huntington Botanical Gardens
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Missouri Botanical Garden, founded in 1859, is known for its extensive tropical plant collection.
24: Which historical figure is credited with establishing Bartram’s Garden in Philadelphia?
A: Nathaniel Ward
B: John Bartram
C: Ferdinand von Mueller
D: Philip Miller
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: John Bartram founded Bartram’s Garden in Philadelphia in 1728.
25: The Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney, Australia, was founded in which year?
A: 1816
B: 1855
C: 1880
D: 1901
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney, founded in 1816, is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Australia.
26: What important horticultural tool, used historically for documenting and exchanging seeds among botanical gardens, is still in practice today?
A: Herbarium catalogs
B: Seed lists (Indices Seminum)
C: Greenhouse blueprints
D: Botanical encyclopedias
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Seed lists, known historically as Indices Seminum, are still used today for documenting and exchanging seeds among botanical gardens.
27: The Chelsea Physic Garden in London was founded primarily for what purpose?
A: Growing ornamental plants
B: Studying extraterrestrial life
C: Cultivating medicinal plants
D: Developing new plant hybrids
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Chelsea Physic Garden was founded in 1673 primarily for cultivating medicinal plants.
28: Which city houses the Botanical Garden of Padua, noted for being the oldest academic botanic garden still at its original location?
A: Rome
B: Venice
C: Milan
D: Padua
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The Botanical Garden of Padua, established in 1545, is the oldest academic botanic garden still at its original location.
29: What key function, especially emphasized in contemporary botanical gardens, involves the reintroduction of plants to their natural habitats?
A: Seed trading
B: Conservation
C: Landscaping
D: Pest control
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Conservation, especially reintroducing plants to their natural habitats, is a key function in contemporary botanical gardens.
30: Which feature did many botanical gardens incorporate in the 19th century to house sensitive plants during winter?
A: Rock gardens
B: Waterfalls
C: Heated conservatories or glasshouses
D: Outdoor terraces
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Heated conservatories or glasshouses were incorporated in many botanical gardens during the 19th century to protect sensitive plants during winter.
31: The first floating cloud forest in a large-scale glasshouse will be part of which upcoming botanical garden?
A: Botanical Garden of Paris
B: Hainan Botanical Garden
C: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
D: Oman Botanical Garden
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The upcoming Oman Botanical Garden is set to feature the first floating cloud forest in a large-scale glasshouse.
32: The Palm House at Kew Gardens was built between which years?
A: 1700-1704
B: 1740-1744
C: 1844-1848
D: 1900-1904
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Palm House at Kew Gardens was built between 1844-1848 by architect Decimus Burton and iron-founder Richard Turner.
33: What does the Millennium Seed Bank at Kew focus on?
A: Storing animal DNA
B: Conserving endangered plant seeds
C: Producing medicinal herbs
D: Creating hybrid plants
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Millennium Seed Bank at Kew focuses on conserving seeds of endangered plant species.
34: What activity is common in many botanical gardens to engage the public and generate support?
A: Fundraising galas
B: Cooking shows
C: Art exhibitions and music concerts
D: Sports tournaments
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Art exhibitions and music concerts are common activities in many botanical gardens to engage the public and generate support.
35: In which country is the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, known for its extensive biodiversity, located?
A: Australia
B: Brazil
C: South Africa
D: India
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is located in South Africa and is known for its extensive biodiversity.
36: The term “hortus siccus” refers to what kind of botanical collection?
A: Dried plant specimens
B: Succulent plants
C: Water lilies collection
D: Medicinal plant gardens
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: “Hortus siccus” refers to dried plant specimens, typically used in herbaria.
37: How do botanical gardens contribute to global strategies for plant conservation?
A: By launching space missions
B: Through collecting and sharing plant genetic materials
C: Using solely outdoor ornamental gardening
D: Focusing exclusively on local wildlife
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Botanical gardens contribute to global plant conservation strategies by collecting and sharing plant genetic materials.
38: Which ancient civilization’s royal gardens are among the earliest known examples of botanical gardens?
A: Roman
B: Egyptian
C: Viking
D: Incan
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The ancient Egyptian royal gardens are among the earliest known examples of botanical gardens.
39: What was a primary driver for the establishment of botanical gardens during European colonization?
A: Naval training exercises
B: Economic botany and plant introduction
C: Military fortification
D: Creating recreational parks
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Economic botany and the introduction of new plant species were primary drivers for establishing botanical gardens during European colonization.
40: The earliest known Japanese botanical garden, now part of the Tokyo Imperial University, is known as?
A: Kyoto Botanical Garden
B: Koishikawa Botanical Garden
C: Rikugien Garden
D: Sankeien Garden
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Koishikawa Botanical Garden, established during the Tokugawa shogunate, is now part of the Tokyo Imperial University.
41: The term “order beds” in botanical gardens historically referred to:
A: Terraced flower arrangements
B: Systematically arranged plant beds demonstrating classification systems
C: Raised vegetable plots
D: Aquatic plant sections
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: “Order beds” referred to systematically arranged plant beds demonstrating botanical classification systems.
42: Which organization oversees the network and coordination of botanical gardens globally?
A: International Red Cross
B: World Health Organization
C: Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI)
D: UNESCO
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) oversees the network and coordination of botanical gardens globally.
43: Which garden is recognized as the first major botanical garden in the United States?
A: Brooklyn Botanic Garden
B: Longwood Gardens
C: Missouri Botanical Garden
D: Bartram’s Garden
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Bartram’s Garden, founded by John Bartram in 1728 near Philadelphia, is recognized as the first major botanical garden in the United States.
44: How many botanical gardens and arboreta are estimated to exist worldwide?
A: 500
B: 1,200
C: 1,800
D: 2,500
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: There are an estimated 1,800 botanical gardens and arboreta worldwide.
45: During which century did the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, experience a golden age of plant hunting?
A: 16th century
B: 17th century
C: 18th century
D: 20th century
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, experienced a golden age of plant hunting in the 18th century.
46: The famous Chelsea Physic Garden seed-exchange program was established in which year?
A: 1500
B: 1650
C: 1682
D: 1760
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Chelsea Physic Garden’s seed-exchange program was established in 1682 and continues today.
47: What is the primary mission of the International Association of Botanic Gardens?
A: To promote urban development
B: To secure plant diversity for the well-being of people and the planet
C: To establish national parks
D: To cultivate ornamental flowers
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The primary mission of the International Association of Botanic Gardens is to secure plant diversity for the well-being of people and the planet.
48: What kind of garden is Dunedin Botanic Gardens, founded in 1863, in New Zealand?
A: Desert garden
B: Tropical garden
C: University botanic garden
D: Sub-Antarctic garden
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Dunedin Botanic Gardens, founded in 1863 in New Zealand, is a university botanic garden.
49: In which city can you find the Jardín Botánico de Quito, a prominent botanical garden that houses plants of Ecuador’s rich flora?
A: Buenos Aires
B: Lima
C: Quito
D: Bogota
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Jardín Botánico de Quito, located in Quito, Ecuador, houses a vast collection of the country’s rich flora.
50: Which renowned botanical garden is known for its glass-and-metal architecture, specifically designed for housing tropical plants in France?
A: Jardin des Plantes, Paris
B: Montjuïc Botanical Garden, Barcelona
C: Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix
D: Botanical Garden of Rome
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Jardin des Plantes in Paris is known for its glass-and-metal architecture designed for housing tropical plants.
51: The Botanic Gardens of Australia and New Zealand (BGANZ) serve which primary purpose?
A: Organizing sports tournaments
B: Coordinating plant conservation efforts in Australasia
C: Selling exotic pets
D: Promoting urbanization
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Botanic Gardens of Australia and New Zealand (BGANZ) coordinate plant conservation efforts in Australasia.
52: What significant role did botanical gardens play in the introduction of crops such as rubber, tea, and cotton to new regions?
A: Hosting public fairs
B: Conducting religious ceremonies
C: Trialling and distributing economically important plants
D: Creating theme parks
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Botanical gardens trialled and distributed economically important plants like rubber, tea, and cotton to new regions.
53: Where is the United States Botanic Garden, established in 1820, located?
A: Philadelphia
B: Washington, D.C.
C: New York City
D: Boston
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The United States Botanic Garden, established in 1820, is located in Washington, D.C.
54: Which famous garden in the United Kingdom, known for its extensive rose collection and horticultural exhibits, was established in the early 20th century?
A: Eden Project
B: Chelsea Physic Garden
C: Sissinghurst Castle Garden
D: Kew Gardens
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Sissinghurst Castle Garden in the United Kingdom, known for its extensive rose collection and horticultural exhibits, was established in the early 20th century.
55: Which city’s botanical garden is known for the iconic Palm House, a marvel of Victorian engineering?
A: Edinburgh
B: Glasgow
C: Liverpool
D: Belfast
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is known for its iconic Palm House, a marvel of Victorian engineering.
56: Botanical Garden Conservation International (BGCI) has over how many members globally?
A: 100
B: 300
C: 500
D: 700
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: BGCI has over 700 members globally, mostly botanical gardens.
57: What is the World Flora Online initiative, supported by multiple botanical organizations, aimed to achieve?
A: Mapping the world’s oceans
B: Digitally cataloging all known plants
C: Building botanical museums
D: Promoting digital currency
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The World Flora Online initiative aims to digitally catalog all known plants.
58: Which Hong Kong park, renamed in 1975, combines botanical and zoological elements?
A: Kowloon Walled City Park
B: Victoria Park
C: Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens
D: Nan Lian Garden
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, renamed in 1975, combines botanical and zoological elements.
59: Which famous English tropical botanical garden was founded in 1822 and has a significant impact on the region’s agriculture?
A: Cambridge Botanic Garden
B: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
C: Oxford Botanic Garden
D: Singapore Botanic Gardens
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The Singapore Botanic Gardens, founded in 1822, has had a significant impact on the region’s agriculture.
60: The Jardin des Plantes in Paris had its golden age of new plant introductions during which century?
A: 15th century
B: 16th century
C: 17th century
D: 18th century
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The Jardin des Plantes in Paris saw its golden age of new plant introductions during the 18th century.