1: What is the common name for Hedera helix?
A: Bindweed
B: Lovestone
C: English Ivy
D: Groundcover
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Hedera helix is commonly known as English ivy.
2: What is the conservation status of English ivy according to the IUCN?
A: Endangered
B: Critically Endangered
C: Least Concern
D: Vulnerable
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: English ivy is listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, indicating it is not currently at risk of extinction.
3: To which family does English ivy belong?
A: Rosaceae
B: Fabaceae
C: Araliaceae
D: Asteraceae
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: English ivy belongs to the Araliaceae family.
4: What are the small structures that help English ivy cling to surfaces?
A: Thorns
B: Rootlets
C: Tendrils
D: Hooks
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: English ivy uses rootlets with matted pads to cling to surfaces.
5: Which continent is NOT part of the native range of English ivy?
A: Europe
B: Asia
C: Africa
D: All of the above
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: English ivy is native to Europe and parts of western Asia but not Africa.
6: What soil pH range does English ivy generally thrive in?
A: 4.5 – 5.5
B: 5.5 – 6.5
C: 6.5 – 7.5
D: 7.5 – 8.5
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: English ivy generally thrives in soil with a pH of 6.5.
7: During which seasons do English ivy flowers typically bloom?
A: Spring
B: Summer to Autumn
C: Winter
D: Year-round
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The flowers of English ivy bloom from late summer until late autumn.
8: What color are the berries of English ivy when they ripen?
A: Red
B: Purple-black to orange-yellow
C: Blue
D: Green
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The berries of English ivy ripen to a color ranging from purple-black to orange-yellow.
9: How many seeds are typically found in each English ivy berry?
A: 1
B: 2-3
C: 4-5
D: 1-5
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Each English ivy berry contains one to five seeds.
10: Which feature distinguishes the subspecies H. h. poetarum of English ivy?
A: Rhizomatous plants
B: Orange-yellow ripe fruit
C: Climbing behavior
D: Variegated leaves
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The subspecies H. h. poetarum (Italian ivy) is characterized by orange-yellow ripe fruit.
11: Where is English ivy native to?
A: North America
B: Europe and parts of western Asia
C: Australia
D: Africa
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: English ivy is native to most of Europe and parts of western Asia.
12: How tall can English ivy grow when climbing on surfaces such as trees, cliffs, and walls?
A: 10-15 m
B: 20-30 m
C: 5-10 m
D: 1-2 m
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: English ivy can grow to 20-30 meters high when climbing suitable surfaces.
13: What color are the flowers of English ivy?
A: White
B: Greenish-yellow
C: Red
D: Blue
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The flowers of English ivy are greenish-yellow.
14: Which range has English ivy become naturalized outside of its native range?
A: Australia
B: North America
C: New Zealand
D: All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: English ivy has become naturalized in places like Australia, North America, and New Zealand.
15: What is one cultural use of English ivy in Europe?
A: Cooking spice
B: Herb for medicinal uses
C: Decoration and building insulation
D: None of the above
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: In Europe, English ivy is used for decoration and building insulation.
16: Which English ivy cultivar is known for its slow, dwarfed growth?
A: ‘Shamrock’
B: ‘Sagittifolia’
C: ‘Midas Touch’
D: ‘Duckfoot’
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The ‘Duckfoot’ cultivar of English ivy is known for its slow, dwarfed growth.
17: What is a risk when letting English ivy climb building facades?
A: It will grow flowers
B: It will block sunlight
C: It could damage brickwork and gutters
D: It will rot the building
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: English ivy can damage brickwork, gutters, and hide structural faults if grown on buildings.
18: Which component of English ivy extract is present at the highest concentration?
A: Chlorogenic acid
B: Rutin
C: Hederacoside C
D: Falcarinol
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Hederacoside C is the component found at the highest concentration (15.69%).
19: How is English ivy’s nano composite adhesive described?
A: Fiber-like
B: Liquid polymer with uniform nanoparticles
C: Metal-infused gel
D: Sandpaper-like
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: English ivy’s adhesive is a liquid polymer matrix with uniform spherical nanoparticles.
20: Where is English ivy listed as an environmental weed since 1990?
A: Australia
B: Canada
C: New Zealand
D: United States
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: English ivy has been listed as an environmental weed in New Zealand since 1990.
21: In which U.S. state is the sale or import of Hedera helix banned?
A: California
B: Florida
C: Oregon
D: Texas
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: In the state of Oregon, the sale or import of Hedera helix is banned.
22: What happens when birds eat English ivy berries in spring?
A: They get poisoned immediately
B: They sing louder
C: They lose toxicity and eat more berries
D: They turn blue
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: In the spring, English ivy berries lose some of their toxicity, allowing birds to eat them in larger quantities.
23: What role does Hedera helix play regarding leaf scorch bacteria?
A: It kills the bacteria
B: It multiplies the bacteria
C: It colors the bacteria
D: It acts as a reservoir
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Hedera helix is thought to be a reservoir for leaf scorch bacteria.
24: How does English ivy affect young or small trees in non-native areas?
A: Helps them grow faster
B: Climbs into the canopy causing trees to fall from weight
C: Protects them from diseases
D: None of the above
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: In non-native areas, English ivy can climb into the canopy of young or small trees and cause them to fall over from the weight.
25: What does the name “Hedera” mean from its Classical Latin origin?
A: Poisonous
B: Leafy
C: Ivy
D: Rough
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The genus name “Hedera” is the Classical Latin word for “ivy”.
26: What type of climatic condition does English ivy generally avoid?
A: Dry soil
B: Direct sunlight
C: High altitude
D: Humid environment
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: English ivy generally avoids direct sunlight to prevent drying out in winter.
27: Which country recommends growing ivy on buildings for insulation and cooling?
A: USA
B: Germany
C: Japan
D: Canada
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Bavarian government in Germany recommends growing ivy on buildings for its insulation and cooling properties.
28: What historical use did the herbalist John Gerard recommend for ivy leaves?
A: Cooking
B: Washing sore or watering eyes
C: Making rope
D: Creating perfumes
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: British herbalist John Gerard recommended using water infused with ivy leaves as a wash for sore or watering eyes.
29: What is the primary dietary benefit of English ivy berries to birds?
A: Hydration
B: Vitamin C
C: Important winter food source
D: Protein-rich seeds
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: English ivy berries ripen in late winter, providing an important food source for many birds.
30: What specific ivy cultivar is known for its variegated leaves?
A: ‘Parsley Crested’
B: ‘Shamrock’
C: ‘White Knight’
D: ‘Glacier’
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The ‘Glacier’ cultivar is known for its variegated leaves.
31: At what temperature does English ivy survive in USDA Zone 6a?
A: -10 °C
B: -15 °C
C: -20 °C
D: -23.3 °C
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: English ivy is winter-hardy and survives temperatures as low as -23.3 °C (USDA Zone 6a).
32: Which of the following areas is English ivy absent from in Britain?
A: Scotland
B: Ireland
C: Isle of Man
D: South of England
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: In Britain, English ivy is absent from the Isle of Man and Channel Islands.
33: What kind of dermatitis can English ivy leaves cause in some people?
A: Type I hypersensitivity
B: Type II hypersensitivity
C: Type III hypersensitivity
D: Type IV hypersensitivity
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: English ivy leaves can cause severe contact dermatitis in some people, which is a type IV hypersensitivity.
34: Which protein is largely responsible for the adhesive properties of English ivy?
A: Collagen
B: Actin
C: Arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs)
D: Keratin
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) largely contribute to the adhesive properties of English ivy.
35: How does English ivy affect the sun exposure needed by trees for photosynthesis?
A: Enhances sun exposure
B: Reduces sun exposure
C: Neutral effect
D: Makes trees photosensitive
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: English ivy can block the sun from trees, reducing their necessary exposure for photosynthesis.
36: In which Australian state is English ivy considered a weed?
A: Queensland
B: Western Australia
C: Victoria
D: New South Wales
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: In the Australian state of Victoria, English ivy is considered a weed.
37: What substance in ivies contributes to their mild toxicity to animals like rabbits?
A: Alkaloids
B: Saponins
C: Tannins
D: Flavonoids
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Saponins in the leaves and fruits of English ivy contribute to its mild toxicity, which can cause anemia in animals like rabbits.
38: What method of climbing does English ivy employ to adhere to surfaces?
A: Suckers
B: Thorns
C: Root hairs with glue-like substances
D: Tendrils
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: English ivy uses root hairs that secrete a nano composite adhesive to adhere strongly to surfaces.
39: What bird activity contributes to the spread of English ivy outside cultivation areas?
A: Egg laying
B: Nest building
C: Seed dispersal
D: Singing
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Birds disperse the seeds after eating the berries, which helps spread English ivy outside cultivated areas.
40: What governmental recommendations exist regarding English ivy in Europe?
A: Ban on planting
B: Use for medicinal purposes
C: Growth on buildings for insulation and cooling
D: None
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Bavarian government in Germany recommends growing ivy on buildings for insulation and cooling benefits.
41: What type of habitats does English ivy typically colonize when planted in gardens?
A: Flower beds
B: Lawns
C: Tree trunks, walls, and fences
D: Water features
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: English ivy typically grows on tree trunks, walls, and fences in gardens.
42: English ivy prefers soil with what specific soil condition?
A: Very dry soils
B: Very wet soils
C: Moist, shady locations
D: High saline soil
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: English ivy generally prefers moist, shady locations to thrive.
43: What notable effect can English ivy have when growing on the outside of buildings?
A: Alters color of the building
B: Insulates the building in winter and cools it in summer
C: Prevents the spread of insects
D: Strengthens the structure
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: English ivy insulates buildings in winter and cools them in summer when grown on the exterior.
44: Which potentially harmful pests can English ivy harbour?
A: Beetles
B: Mice
C: Fish
D: Spiders
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: English ivy can harbor mice and other creatures when grown densely.
45: What is mechanically required for proper English ivy management on buildings?
A: Watering regularly
B: Regular pruning
C: Fertilizing every month
D: Treating with insecticides
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Regular pruning is essential to manage English ivy properly on buildings.
46: What did Proto-Indo-European term *gʰed- to which ‘Hedera’ derived, mean?
A: To water
B: To seize, grasp, take
C: To light
D: To bond
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Proto-Indo-European term *gʰed- means “to seize, grasp, take,” from which ‘Hedera’ is derived.
47: What Julius Caesar-era herbal remedy included uses of ivy leaves?
A: Poultice for wounds
B: Tonic for strength
C: Water infusion for washing eyes
D: Drink for fever
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Julius Caesar-era herbal remedies included using water infused with ivy leaves for washing sore eyes.
48: Hedera hibernica differs from Hedera helix in what key aspect?
A: Flower color
B: Chromosome number
C: Leaf shape
D: Fruit size
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Hedera hibernica differs from Hedera helix primarily in chromosome number.
49: Ivy-covered entrance of which castle in Poland is a significant architectural feature?
A: Wawel Castle
B: Malbork Castle
C: Royal Castle
D: Pieskowa Skala
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The ivy-covered entrance to Malbork Castle in Poland is a significant architectural feature.
50: What was larvae density experiment hypothesize about English ivy?
A: Thinner leaves
B: Denser structure destroys local habitats
C: Speedier growth
D: Change in leaf color
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Experiments show that English ivy’s dense structure can destroy native habitats by crowding out other plant species.
51: What are the key public actions proposed by councils in parts of Australia to manage English ivy?
A: Providing removal services
B: Importing more species
C: Creating botanical gardens
D: Selling the plants widely
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Councils in parts of Australia provide information and removal services to manage English ivy.
52: English ivy berries in winter serve what specific ecological function?
A: Providing a source of moisture
B: Protecting leaves
C: Providing a crucial winter food source
D: Attracting bees
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: English ivy berries provide a crucial food source for many birds in the winter.
53: What range of altitudes is English ivy inhabiting successfully?
A: Sea level
B: Below 100 meters
C: Moderate altitudes including some high terrains
D: Only desert regions
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: English ivy can inhabit moderate altitudes and thrives in varied elevation terrains.
54: What invasive problem does English ivy pose to native forests in Oregon and Washington?
A: Changes soil composition
B: Crowds out native species, creating “ivy deserts”
C: Alters weather patterns
D: Destroys waterways
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: English ivy crowds out native species, creating “ivy deserts,” thus posing an invasive problem in Oregon and Washington forests.
55: English ivy’s nano composite adhesive performs robustly due to the presence of which particles?
A: Metal particles
B: Spherical nanoparticles
C: Calcium clusters
D: Probiotics
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The nano composite adhesive of English ivy contains robust spherical nanoparticles.
56: Hedera helix is associated with which historical and cultural symbols?
A: Happiness
B: Resistance
C: Eternal life and fidelity
D: Royalty
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Hedera helix, or English ivy, is often associated with symbolism of eternal life and fidelity.
57: What is the texture preferred by English ivy for maximal rooting and adherence?
A: Smooth surfaces
B: Shiny metal
C: Non-reflective, darker, rough surfaces
D: Sandy grounds
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: English ivy prefers non-reflective, darker, and rough surfaces for optimal rooting and adherence.
58: What regulatory laws exist for English ivy in parts of the United States?
A: Encouraged planting
B: Banned sale and import
C: Limited usage in city parks
D: Permits required for growth
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: In parts of the United States, notably Oregon, the sale and import of English ivy are banned.
59: What is a recommended method for dealing with established English ivy in forests?
A: Ignoring it
B: Mechanical and chemical removal
C: Encouraging wildlife to consume it
D: Setting controlled fires
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Mechanical and chemical removal are recommended methods for dealing with established English ivy in forests.
60: How long can English ivy’s aerial rootlets typically grow?
A: 10-100 μm
B: 100-200 μm
C: 200-400 μm
D: Over 1 mm
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The aerial root hairs of English ivy range from 20 to 400 μm in length.