Journals of Two Expeditions of Discovery in North-West and Western Australia, Volume 1 Trivia Quiz Questions and Answers

What is the name of the river discovered by George Grey during his expeditions in Western Australia?

  • The Murray River
  • The Glenelg River
  • The Swan River
  • The Darling River

Correct Answer: The Glenelg River

Correct Answer Explanation: George Grey’s expeditions led to the discovery of the Glenelg River, a significant freshwater source flowing through a fertile region.

Which of these is NOT a unique feature of the Western Australian landscape documented by Grey?

  • Sandstone pillars resembling ruins
  • Lush rainforests teeming with wildlife
  • Vast plains covered in spinifex
  • Gouty-stemmed trees with edible fruit

Correct Answer: Lush rainforests teeming with wildlife

Correct Answer Explanation: While Western Australia boasts diverse ecosystems, lush rainforests are not a prominent feature of the landscape described in Grey’s journals.

What is the name given by Aboriginal people to white men?

  • Djanga
  • Kileys
  • Merro
  • Wilgey

Correct Answer: Djanga

Correct Answer Explanation: The term “Djanga” was used by Aboriginal tribes in Western Australia to refer to white people.

What is the name of the throwing stick used by Aboriginals to launch spears?

  • Kileys
  • Merro
  • Wilgey
  • Boomer

Correct Answer: Merro

Correct Answer Explanation: The “Merro” was a specialized throwing stick used by Aboriginal people to launch spears with greater force and accuracy.

What is the estimated height of the sandstone cliffs observed by Grey in Western Australia?

  • 100-200 feet
  • 300-400 feet
  • 500-600 feet
  • 700-800 feet

Correct Answer: 300-400 feet

Correct Answer Explanation: Grey documented sandstone cliffs in Western Australia reaching heights of 300-400 feet, showcasing the dramatic scale of the region’s natural formations.

What is the approximate tide rise and fall in the Glenelg River, as observed by Grey?

  • 5-10 feet
  • 15-20 feet
  • 25-30 feet
  • 35-40 feet

Correct Answer: 15-20 feet

Correct Answer Explanation: The Glenelg River experienced a significant tide rise and fall of 15-20 feet, reflecting its connection to the ocean and the influence of tidal forces.

How many ponies did Grey acquire in Roti for his expeditions?

  • 16 ponies
  • 26 ponies
  • 36 ponies
  • 46 ponies

Correct Answer: 26 ponies

Correct Answer Explanation: Grey acquired a total of 26 ponies in Roti to aid his expeditions, providing much-needed transportation and mobility in the challenging terrain.

What was the primary motive for the expeditions led by George Grey?

  • To establish trade routes with the Aboriginal tribes
  • To discover a great river or inland water inlet
  • To map the coastline of Western Australia
  • To explore the potential for mineral resources

Correct Answer: To discover a great river or inland water inlet

Correct Answer Explanation: Driven by the desire to find a significant water source, Grey’s expeditions focused on exploring the interior of Western Australia, hoping to uncover a major river or inland lake.

What was the estimated temperature in Grey’s camp tent during his expeditions?

  • 90 degrees Fahrenheit
  • 110 degrees Fahrenheit
  • 130 degrees Fahrenheit
  • 150 degrees Fahrenheit

Correct Answer: 130 degrees Fahrenheit

Correct Answer Explanation: The heat in Western Australia was intense, with temperatures inside Grey’s camp tent reaching as high as 130 degrees Fahrenheit, highlighting the harsh conditions faced by the explorers.

What is the name of the prickly grass that is common in Australia?

  • Spinifex
  • Eucalyptus
  • Mangrove
  • Pandanus

Correct Answer: Spinifex

Correct Answer Explanation: Spinifex is a prickly grass that is widespread in Australia, often forming dense and impenetrable scrublands.

What is the name of the unique species of Capparis with a gouty trunk and edible fruit?

  • Eucalyptus
  • Pandanus
  • Spinifex
  • Mangrove

Correct Answer: Eucalyptus

Correct Answer Explanation: Grey’s expeditions documented the presence of a unique Eucalyptus species with a gouty trunk and edible fruit, contributing to the diverse botanical discoveries made during his explorations.

What is the estimated distance Grey traveled in search of Mr. Elliott?

  • 60 miles
  • 90 miles
  • 120 miles
  • 150 miles

Correct Answer: 120 miles

Correct Answer Explanation: Grey undertook a long and arduous journey of approximately 120 miles in search of Mr. Elliott, showcasing the lengths to which explorers went to ensure the safety and well-being of their companions.

What is the estimated width of the Glenelg River?

  • 1-2 miles
  • 3-4 miles
  • 5-6 miles
  • 7-8 miles

Correct Answer: 3-4 miles

Correct Answer Explanation: The Glenelg River, a significant discovery, was noted to have a width of 3-4 miles, indicating its substantial size and potential as a major waterway.

What is the estimated circumference of a gouty-stemmed tree?

  • 18 feet, 6 inches
  • 28 feet, 6 inches
  • 38 feet, 6 inches
  • 48 feet, 6 inches

Correct Answer: 28 feet, 6 inches

Correct Answer Explanation: The girth of the gouty-stemmed trees discovered by Grey was recorded as 28 feet, 6 inches, highlighting their unique and imposing size.

How many sheep did Grey lose during his expeditions?

  • 18 sheep
  • 28 sheep
  • 38 sheep
  • 48 sheep

Correct Answer: 28 sheep

Correct Answer Explanation: Grey lost a significant portion of his sheep during the expeditions, highlighting the challenges of maintaining livestock in the harsh conditions of Western Australia.

What is the name of the throwing stick used by Aboriginals as a boomerang?

  • Merro
  • Kileys
  • Wilgey
  • Boomer

Correct Answer: Kileys

Correct Answer Explanation: The “Kileys” were boomerangs or throwing sticks used by Aboriginal tribes, renowned for their skilled craftsmanship and ability to return to the thrower.

What is the estimated number of native huts found in a single location?

  • 6 huts
  • 12 huts
  • 18 huts
  • 24 huts

Correct Answer: 12 huts

Correct Answer Explanation: Grey observed clusters of Aboriginal huts, with as many as 12 huts found in a single location, offering insights into the communal living arrangements of the indigenous people.

What is the name of the red earth used by Aboriginals for ceremonial purposes?

  • Wilgey
  • Kileys
  • Merro
  • Boomer

Correct Answer: Wilgey

Correct Answer Explanation: The Aboriginal people used a special red earth known as “Wilgey” in their ceremonies and rituals, highlighting the significance of this natural resource in their culture.

What is the approximate height of the sandhills near Kolaina Plains?

  • 200 feet
  • 300 feet
  • 400 feet
  • 500 feet

Correct Answer: 400 feet

Correct Answer Explanation: Grey encountered sandhills near Kolaina Plains reaching heights of approximately 400 feet, showcasing the dramatic and ever-changing nature of the Western Australian landscape.

What is the name of the genus of tropical plants with spiky leaves and edible fruit?

  • Eucalyptus
  • Spinifex
  • Pandanus
  • Mangrove

Correct Answer: Pandanus

Correct Answer Explanation: The Pandanus genus encompasses tropical plants with spiky leaves and edible fruit, a common sight in the coastal regions of Western Australia.

What is the name of the old male kangaroo?

  • Boomer
  • Kileys
  • Merro
  • Wilgey

Correct Answer: Boomer

Correct Answer Explanation: An old male kangaroo is known as a “Boomer” in Aboriginal language, reflecting their knowledge and understanding of the local wildlife.

What is the approximate length of the Gascoyne River channel?

  • 3 miles
  • 5 miles
  • 7 miles
  • 9 miles

Correct Answer: 7 miles

Correct Answer Explanation: Grey’s observations of the Gascoyne River revealed a channel stretching for approximately 7 miles, showcasing its importance as a significant water source.

What is the name of the type of tree that thrives in coastal salt-water environments?

  • Eucalyptus
  • Mangrove
  • Spinifex
  • Pandanus

Correct Answer: Mangrove

Correct Answer Explanation: Mangrove trees are uniquely adapted to thrive in coastal salt-water environments, providing a critical habitat for numerous species of marine life.

What is the approximate number of native huts found north of the Gascoyne River?

  • 3 huts
  • 5 huts
  • 7 huts
  • 9 huts

Correct Answer: 7 huts

Correct Answer Explanation: North of the Gascoyne River, Grey documented the presence of approximately 7 Aboriginal huts, suggesting a scattering of settlements along the river’s banks.

What is the name of the tracks or footprints left by animals?

  • Boomer
  • Spoor
  • Wilgey
  • Kileys

Correct Answer: Spoor

Correct Answer Explanation: “Spoor” refers to the tracks or footprints left by animals, a crucial tool for explorers to follow and understand the movement of wildlife.

What is the estimated number of slaves in Bahia?

  • 50,000 slaves
  • 75,000 slaves
  • 100,000 slaves
  • 125,000 slaves

Correct Answer: 100,000 slaves

Correct Answer Explanation: Bahia, in Brazil, was a hub of the slave trade, with an estimated 100,000 slaves, compared to only 12,000 white residents, illustrating the scale of slavery in the region.

What is the estimated price of a good slave in Bahia?

  • 60-70 pounds
  • 80-90 pounds
  • 90-100 pounds
  • 100-110 pounds

Correct Answer: 90-100 pounds

Correct Answer Explanation: The price of a good slave in Bahia was a substantial sum of 90-100 pounds, highlighting the financial importance of the slave trade.

What was the estimated height of Mount Lyell?

  • 800 feet
  • 1000 feet
  • 1200 feet
  • 1400 feet

Correct Answer: 1200 feet

Correct Answer Explanation: Grey’s observations estimated the height of Mount Lyell at a minimum of 1200 feet, revealing its imposing stature and prominence in the landscape.

What is the name of the species of fish that can walk on mud using its elbows?

  • Chironectes
  • Salpa
  • Pachyptila vittata
  • Mangrove

Correct Answer: Chironectes

Correct Answer Explanation: The genus Chironectes encompasses fish species possessing the remarkable ability to walk on mud using their elbows, showcasing the extraordinary adaptations found in the natural world.

What is the name of the whale-bird?

  • Salpa
  • Pachyptila vittata
  • Chironectes
  • Mangrove

Correct Answer: Pachyptila vittata

Correct Answer Explanation: The whale-bird, scientifically known as Pachyptila vittata, is a unique species that feeds on the wing and is constantly on the move.

What is the name of the genus of marine organisms that possess electrical properties?

  • Salpa
  • Pachyptila vittata
  • Chironectes
  • Mangrove

Correct Answer: Salpa

Correct Answer Explanation: Certain species within the Salpa genus possess electrical properties, demonstrating the diverse and remarkable capabilities of marine life.

What is the name of the type of red earth used by Aboriginals for ceremonial purposes?

  • Wilgey
  • Merro
  • Kileys
  • Boomer

Correct Answer: Wilgey

Correct Answer Explanation: Aboriginal people utilized a specific red earth known as “Wilgey” in their ceremonial practices, highlighting its importance in their cultural traditions.

What is the name of the type of tree with a gouty trunk and edible fruit?

  • Eucalyptus
  • Spinifex
  • Pandanus
  • Mangrove

Correct Answer: Eucalyptus

Correct Answer Explanation: Grey’s expeditions discovered a unique species of Eucalyptus with a gouty trunk and edible fruit, contributing to the diverse botanical discoveries of his explorations.

What is the estimated number of sheep lost during Grey’s expeditions?

  • 18 sheep
  • 28 sheep
  • 38 sheep
  • 48 sheep

Correct Answer: 28 sheep

Correct Answer Explanation: Grey’s expeditions faced challenges in maintaining livestock, with 28 sheep lost due to the harsh conditions of Western Australia.

What is the name of the type of throwing stick used by Aboriginals to launch spears?

  • Kileys
  • Merro
  • Boomer
  • Wilgey

Correct Answer: Merro

Correct Answer Explanation: The “Merro” was a specialized throwing stick used by Aboriginal people to launch spears with greater accuracy and force.

What is the estimated number of native huts found in a single location?

  • 6 huts
  • 12 huts
  • 18 huts
  • 24 huts

Correct Answer: 12 huts

Correct Answer Explanation: Grey’s observations revealed clusters of Aboriginal huts, with as many as 12 huts in a single location, providing insights into their communal living arrangements.

What is the name of the throwing stick used by Aboriginals as a boomerang?

  • Kileys
  • Merro
  • Boomer
  • Wilgey

Correct Answer: Kileys

Correct Answer Explanation: “Kileys” were boomerangs used by Aboriginal tribes, known for their skilled craftsmanship and ability to return to the thrower.

What is the estimated height of the sandhills near Kolaina Plains?

  • 200 feet
  • 300 feet
  • 400 feet
  • 500 feet

Correct Answer: 400 feet

Correct Answer Explanation: Grey’s expeditions encountered sandhills near Kolaina Plains reaching heights of approximately 400 feet, showcasing the dramatic and ever-changing nature of the Western Australian landscape.

What is the name of the genus of tropical plants with spiky leaves and edible fruit?

  • Eucalyptus
  • Spinifex
  • Pandanus
  • Mangrove

Correct Answer: Pandanus

Correct Answer Explanation: The Pandanus genus encompasses tropical plants with spiky leaves and edible fruit, a common sight in the coastal regions of Western Australia.

What is the estimated height of Mount Lyell?

  • 800 feet
  • 1000 feet
  • 1200 feet
  • 1400 feet

Correct Answer: 1200 feet

Correct Answer Explanation: Grey’s observations estimated the height of Mount Lyell at a minimum of 1200 feet, revealing its imposing stature and prominence in the landscape.

What is the name of the species of fish that can walk on mud using its elbows?

  • Chironectes
  • Salpa
  • Pachyptila vittata
  • Mangrove

Correct Answer: Chironectes

Correct Answer Explanation: The genus Chironectes encompasses fish species possessing the remarkable ability to walk on mud using their elbows, showcasing the extraordinary adaptations found in the natural world.

What is the name of the whale-bird?

  • Salpa
  • Pachyptila vittata
  • Chironectes
  • Mangrove

Correct Answer: Pachyptila vittata

Correct Answer Explanation: The whale-bird, scientifically known as Pachyptila vittata, is a unique species that feeds on the wing and is constantly on the move.

What is the name of the genus of marine organisms that possess electrical properties?

  • Salpa
  • Pachyptila vittata
  • Chironectes
  • Mangrove

Correct Answer: Salpa

Correct Answer Explanation: Certain species within the Salpa genus possess electrical properties, demonstrating the diverse and remarkable capabilities of marine life.

Learn more

Jessmyn Solana

Jessmyn Solana is the Digital Marketing Manager of Interact, a place for creating beautiful and engaging quizzes that generate email leads. She is a marketing enthusiast and storyteller. Outside of Interact Jessmyn loves exploring new places, eating all the local foods, and spending time with her favorite people (especially her dog).

Make a quiz for your business with AI

Use our AI quiz maker to create a beautiful quiz for your brand in a minute.

Make a quiz - for free