What was the name of the staple food that Dr. Frederick A. Cook took with him on his expedition to the North Pole?
- Hardtack
- Pemmican
- Trail Mix
- Canned Goods
Correct Answer: Pemmican
Correct Answer Explanation: Pemmican, a mixture of dried meat, fat, and berries, was a key food source for explorers in the Arctic. It provided a concentrated source of calories and nutrients, making it ideal for long journeys. It was a food source commonly used by Native Americans, but Dr. Cook found it to be a superior food for his expedition.
What was the primary method that Cook used to confirm his location at the North Pole?
- Stargazing
- Compass Navigation
- Satellite Positioning
- Shadow Method
Correct Answer: Shadow Method
Correct Answer Explanation: Cook utilized a unique shadow method, not used by any other explorer, to help confirm his location at the Pole. He observed the sun at noon and measured the length of the shadow cast by a vertical object to determine his position. Since the sun would be at the zenith at the North Pole, a vertical object would cast no shadow at all, a crucial piece of information for Cook in confirming his arrival at the Pole.
What unique Arctic phenomenon is characterized by shimmering veils of color in the sky?
- The Midnight Sun
- Iceblink
- Water Sky
- The Aurora Borealis
Correct Answer: The Aurora Borealis
Correct Answer Explanation: The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is a mesmerizing display of light caused by charged particles from the sun interacting with Earth’s atmosphere. It is a common sight in the Arctic and is often mentioned in accounts of explorers like Cook, who witnessed its captivating beauty.
What is the name of the large open space of water in the ice pack that can be extremely dangerous for explorers?
- The Big Lead
- The Ice Foot
- The Paleocrystic Ice
- The Hummock
Correct Answer: The Big Lead
Correct Answer Explanation: The Big Lead is a large, open area of water in the ice pack, created as ice melts or moves. It is a significant danger for explorers as it can widen unexpectedly, making it difficult to cross. Cook was very cautious of the Big Lead.
What is the name of the dome-shaped shelter built from snow blocks that is essential for survival in the Arctic?
- Tipi
- Tent
- Igloo
- Bivouac
Correct Answer: Igloo
Correct Answer Explanation: The Igloo is a traditional shelter used by the Inuit people of the Arctic. It is built by carefully packing snow blocks together, forming a dome-shaped structure. Igloos are incredibly efficient for retaining heat in the frigid Arctic environment. Cook encountered many igloos built by the Eskimo people.
What term describes a temporary campsite often found in the lee of hummocks for shelter?
- Camp
- Bivouac
- Shelter
- Resting Place
Correct Answer: Bivouac
Correct Answer Explanation: A Bivouac refers to a temporary campsite, often used by explorers for short-term shelter during challenging conditions. It is commonly set up in a location protected from wind and other elements, such as the lee of a hummock (a mound of ice).
What is the name of the rendered fat of animals used as fuel and sometimes eaten by the Eskimos?
- Grease
- Tallow
- Lard
- Butter
Correct Answer: Tallow
Correct Answer Explanation: Tallow is the rendered fat of animals, particularly beef, sheep, or other animals, used for various purposes. In the Arctic, it was a crucial source of fuel for lamps and cooking, and Eskimos would sometimes eat it as a source of calories and essential fatty acids. Cook and his men would use the fat of musk oxen, walrus, and other arctic wildlife for this purpose.
What type of ice is very thick and difficult to break, forming in the Arctic sea and often drifting south?
- Pack Ice
- Paleocrystic Ice
- Land-Adhering Ice
- Iceblink
Correct Answer: Paleocrystic Ice
Correct Answer Explanation: Paleocrystic ice is ancient ice that forms in the Arctic sea and can be very thick, often difficult to break. It is made up of ice crystals that have been compressed and frozen over many years, giving it its distinctive character. This type of ice is not found near the coastline but is often found drifting south by the ocean currents.
What is the name of the silvery reflection of sunlight from snow and ice that can be seen in the sky, providing a visual cue for the presence of land or ice?
- Water Sky
- Iceblink
- Mirage
- Midnight Sun
Correct Answer: Iceblink
Correct Answer Explanation: Iceblink is a silvery reflection of sunlight off of snow and ice, seen in the sky. It is an important visual cue for explorers, as it can indicate the presence of land or ice, even in areas where the land or ice is not visible on the horizon. Iceblink provides a useful way to spot land or ice at a distance, especially in foggy conditions.
What is the name of the dark, smoky cloud that often indicates the presence of open water or very thin ice?
- Water Sky
- Iceblink
- Mirage
- Midnight Sun
Correct Answer: Water Sky
Correct Answer Explanation: A Water Sky is a dark, smoky cloud that often appears in the sky when open water or very thin ice is present. It forms as a result of the different temperatures and moisture content of the air above water compared to the air above ice or land. Seeing a Water Sky was an important indication for explorers to take extra caution in their travel.
What was the name of Cook’s primary rival who claimed to have reached the North Pole before him?
- Roald Amundsen
- Robert Peary
- Ernest Shackleton
- Fridtjof Nansen
Correct Answer: Robert Peary
Correct Answer Explanation: Robert Peary was Cook’s main rival in the race to the North Pole, and a fierce debate raged over who was the first to reach the top of the world. Cook’s claim to have reached the North Pole a year before Peary, in 1908, was highly controversial, and Peary was a fierce critic of Cook’s claim. Peary claimed he was the first to reach the North Pole in 1909. Both men claimed to have reached the North Pole, but Peary’s claim was ultimately accepted by the National Geographic Society. Peary’s claim is now questioned by historians and scientists.
What was the lowest temperature recorded during Cook’s journey to the North Pole?
- 0° Fahrenheit
- 10° Fahrenheit
- 48° Fahrenheit
- 60° Fahrenheit
Correct Answer: 48° Fahrenheit
Correct Answer Explanation: During his expedition, Cook and his team braved incredibly harsh temperatures, with the lowest recorded temperature reaching 48° Fahrenheit below zero. This emphasizes the immense challenges Cook and his team faced in reaching the North Pole and underlines their resilience in enduring such extreme conditions.
What was the approximate number of dogs that Cook used to pull his sleds during his expedition?
- 10 dogs
- 50 dogs
- 103 dogs
- 200 dogs
Correct Answer: 103 dogs
Correct Answer Explanation: Cook’s expedition relied heavily on dog sleds to transport supplies and navigate the challenging terrain of the Arctic. He used an impressive number of dogs – 103 in total – for this purpose, highlighting the importance of animal power in Arctic exploration.
What is the name of the unique animal prized for its meat, fat, and skin, known for its defensive capabilities?
- Polar Bear
- Musk Ox
- Walrus
- Arctic Fox
Correct Answer: Musk Ox
Correct Answer Explanation: The Musk Ox is a unique animal found in the Arctic region, known for its distinctive appearance with its long, shaggy coat and large horns. It was prized by Cook and the Eskimos for its meat, fat, and skin, which were valuable resources in the harsh Arctic environment. Musk Oxen are also known for their formidable defensive capabilities, as they can use their horns to protect themselves from predators and can be dangerous to humans if they are provoked.
How many miles did Cook’s expedition cover in total, including the journey to the North Pole and the return journey?
- 500 miles
- 1,000 miles
- 2,000 miles
- 3,000 miles
Correct Answer: 2,000 miles
Correct Answer Explanation: Cook’s expedition covered a significant distance, traveling over 2,000 miles in total, which included the journey to the North Pole and the return journey back to civilization. This emphasizes the scale of Cook’s expedition and the immense distances covered in the harsh Arctic environment.
What was the estimated value of the furs and ivory taken from Cook by his rival, Robert Peary?
- $1,000
- $5,000
- $35,000
- $100,000
Correct Answer: $35,000
Correct Answer Explanation: Cook believed that Peary, in a move of underhanded sabotage, had taken over $35,000 in valuable furs and ivory from Cook’s expedition. This illustrates the contentious nature of the rivalry between these two explorers and the tactics they were willing to use against each other. Cook believed this was part of a larger pattern of sabotage that Peary used against him to discredit him and take the credit for Cook’s achievements.
What is the name of the bird that is a delicacy for the Eskimos and is adapted to the Arctic environment, changing color from brown in summer to white in winter?
- Snow Goose
- Arctic Tern
- Ptarmigan
- Snow Bunting
Correct Answer: Ptarmigan
Correct Answer Explanation: The Ptarmigan is a bird found in the Arctic region, known for its ability to adapt to the changing seasons. It changes its plumage from brown in the summer to white in the winter, providing excellent camouflage against the snowy backdrop. It was a source of food for the Eskimos and was also important for the ecosystem in the Arctic.
What is the name of the small rodent that is an important part of the Arctic ecosystem, providing food for predators?
- Lemming
- Arctic Hare
- Ground Squirrel
- Marmot
Correct Answer: Lemming
Correct Answer Explanation: The Lemming is a small rodent found in the Arctic, playing an essential role in the ecosystem. It is a food source for various predators, including foxes, wolves, and owls. Lemmings are known for their periodic population fluctuations, leading to mass migrations that can impact the Arctic environment.
What is the name of the trap used by the Eskimos to secure fox pelts for clothing?
- Fox Trap
- Snare
- Net
- Box Trap
Correct Answer: Fox Trap
Correct Answer Explanation: Fox Traps were an essential tool for Eskimos, enabling them to hunt foxes for their valuable fur. Fox pelts were highly prized for warmth and were often used for clothing in the harsh Arctic environment.
What is the name of the bird that is a symbol of hope and a welcome sign of life in the Arctic?
- Snow Goose
- Arctic Tern
- Ptarmigan
- Snow Bunting
Correct Answer: Snow Bunting
Correct Answer Explanation: The Snow Bunting is a small bird found in the Arctic region, known for its cheerful song and its appearance in the harsh winter months. It is often seen as a symbol of hope and resilience, bringing a touch of color and life to the desolate Arctic landscape. This bird was a welcome sight for explorers and was associated with the coming of spring in the Arctic.
What was the estimated amount of pemmican that Cook took with him on his expedition?
- 100 pounds
- 500 pounds
- 1,000 pounds
- 2,000 pounds
Correct Answer: 1,000 pounds
Correct Answer Explanation: Cook was a strong believer in the importance of pemmican, and he brought an impressive amount of it on his expedition to the North Pole. He took over 1,000 pounds of pemmican, a vital food source for the harsh journey. He knew that the pemmican would need to provide the energy and sustenance that he and his men needed to reach the Pole and return.
What was the name of the instrument Cook used to measure altitude?
- Barometer
- Hypsometer
- Altimeter
- Thermometer
Correct Answer: Hypsometer
Correct Answer Explanation: A hypsometer is a specialized instrument used to measure altitude by determining the boiling point of water. Since the boiling point of water decreases with altitude, Cook used this instrument to monitor their progress in the Arctic.
What type of boat proved invaluable for navigating open water and navigating through ice?
- Kayak
- Canoe
- Rowboat
- Sled
Correct Answer: Canvas Canoe
Correct Answer Explanation: Cook and his team utilized a canvas canoe, a lightweight and adaptable vessel, for navigating open water and maneuvering through ice. It proved to be an invaluable tool for exploration, offering flexibility and maneuverability in the challenging Arctic environment.
What natural phenomenon provides continuous daylight for months during the summer, impacting life in the Arctic?
- The Aurora Borealis
- The Midnight Sun
- Iceblink
- Water Sky
Correct Answer: The Midnight Sun
Correct Answer Explanation: The Midnight Sun is a natural phenomenon experienced in the Arctic region during the summer months. The sun remains above the horizon for 24 hours, providing continuous daylight. This unique condition has a significant impact on life in the Arctic, affecting the behavior of animals, the growth of plants, and the daily routines of people living in the region.
What unique atmospheric condition of the Arctic can create mirages that often deceive explorers?
- Iceblink
- Water Sky
- Mirage
- Midnight Sun
Correct Answer: Mirage
Correct Answer Explanation: Mirages are an optical illusion caused by the bending of light rays as they pass through layers of air with different temperatures. In the Arctic, the unique atmospheric conditions can create mirages that often deceive explorers, making objects appear to be closer or farther away than they actually are.
What is the term for ice that is frozen to the land?
- Pack Ice
- Land-Adhering Ice
- Paleocrystic Ice
- Iceblink
Correct Answer: Land-Adhering Ice
Correct Answer Explanation: Land-adhering ice is a type of sea ice that is frozen to the land, typically forming along coastlines. This type of ice is relatively stable and can provide a solid platform for travel, though it can be susceptible to breaking up as temperatures fluctuate. Cook and his team would often travel over land-adhering ice along the coast.
What is the term for ice that is formed from the freezing of seawater and then drifts?
- Pack Ice
- Land-Adhering Ice
- Paleocrystic Ice
- Iceblink
Correct Answer: Pack Ice
Correct Answer Explanation: Pack ice is a type of sea ice that forms when seawater freezes and then drifts with ocean currents. It is often found in large, expansive sheets and can be incredibly challenging to navigate due to its constantly shifting nature. This was a major challenge for Cook and his team.
What was the lowest body temperature that Cook recorded during his return journey?
- 90° Fahrenheit
- 96° Fahrenheit
- 100° Fahrenheit
- 105° Fahrenheit
Correct Answer: 96° Fahrenheit
Correct Answer Explanation: Cook and his team experienced incredibly low body temperatures, with the lowest recorded temperature reaching 96° Fahrenheit below zero. This highlights the extreme conditions they endured and their resilience in overcoming such challenges. They had to battle both the cold outside and the cold within their bodies, which was a major challenge for their survival.
What was the estimated area of new land that Cook discovered during his journey?
- 10,000 square miles
- 20,000 square miles
- 30,000 square miles
- 40,000 square miles
Correct Answer: 30,000 square miles
Correct Answer Explanation: Cook’s expedition not only reached the North Pole but also discovered new land in the Arctic region, estimated at 30,000 square miles. This discovery further highlights the importance of Cook’s expedition and its contributions to our understanding of the Arctic. Cook believed the land he found was not a part of Greenland, as Peary believed. He argued that this was a new discovery, even though Peary disagreed.
What was the approximate distance covered by Cook’s expedition each day during the return journey?
- 5 miles
- 10 miles
- 15 miles
- 20 miles
Correct Answer: 15 miles
Correct Answer Explanation: Cook’s expedition covered an average of 15 miles each day during their return journey from the North Pole. This emphasizes the logistical challenges of travel in the Arctic and the difficulty of navigating treacherous terrain. They had to contend with difficult ice conditions, as well as the threat of starvation.
What was the altitude of the sun at noon when Cook reached the North Pole?
- 12° above the horizon
- 24° above the horizon
- 36° above the horizon
- 48° above the horizon
Correct Answer: 12° above the horizon
Correct Answer Explanation: At the North Pole, the sun is always at a low angle in the sky, even at noon. This is due to the Earth’s axial tilt. When Cook reached the North Pole, the sun was 12° above the horizon, a distinctive characteristic of the location.
What was the amount of money that Cook received for his narrative story?
- $10,000
- $25,000
- $50,000
- $100,000
Correct Answer: $25,000
Correct Answer Explanation: Cook’s story of his expedition to the North Pole was a commercial success. He received $25,000 for his narrative account, demonstrating the public’s interest in his story and the significance of his achievement. This was a significant sum of money for the time.
What was the amount of money that Peary’s press agent offered to send an expedition to Alaska to discredit Cook?
- $1,000
- $3,000
- $10,000
- $50,000
Correct Answer: $3,000
Correct Answer Explanation: Peary’s press agent, seeking to discredit Cook’s claims, offered a considerable sum of $3,000 to send an expedition to Alaska to try to disprove Cook’s narrative and find evidence to discredit him. This further illustrates the contentious nature of the rivalry between Cook and Peary and the lengths to which they were willing to go to defend their claims.
What was the anticipated length of Cook’s journey to the Pole and back to land?
- 30 days
- 60 days
- 80 days
- 100 days
Correct Answer: 80 days
Correct Answer Explanation: Cook had carefully planned his expedition and estimated that his journey to the North Pole and back to land would take approximately 80 days. This showcases his meticulous planning and his understanding of the challenges and time constraints involved in Arctic exploration.
What is the name of the sling used by Eskimos to hunt birds?
- Slingshot
- Bow and Arrow
- Spear
- Net
Correct Answer: Slingshot
Correct Answer Explanation: Eskimos traditionally used slingshots, a simple but effective weapon, to hunt birds. The slingshot was a crucial hunting tool for the Eskimos, allowing them to catch small game for food and for their feathers.
What is the name of the type of snare used by Eskimos to catch birds and sometimes even larger animals?
- Loop Line
- Net
- Trap
- Snare
Correct Answer: Loop Line
Correct Answer Explanation: A Loop Line is a type of snare used by Eskimos to catch birds and sometimes even larger animals. This snare is made from a loop of rope or hide, with a noose that is tightened around the animal’s neck or legs when it is caught. This was a traditional method for trapping small animals for food.
What was the total estimated value of book, magazine, and lecture offers that Cook received?
- $100,000
- $500,000
- $1.5 million
- $5 million
Correct Answer: $1.5 million
Correct Answer Explanation: Cook’s claim to have reached the North Pole made him a celebrity and generated a huge amount of interest. He received offers for books, magazine articles, and lectures that totaled over $1.5 million, a testament to his fame and the public’s interest in his story. This was a massive amount of money for the time.
What was the amount of money that Whitney paid to Peary to remain at the “Relief Station”?
- $1,000
- $5,000
- $10,000
- $25,000
Correct Answer: $10,000
Correct Answer Explanation: Whitney was an investor in Peary’s expedition, and he paid Peary $10,000 to stay at the “Relief Station” in the Arctic, to ensure that Peary would remain there in case Cook needed help or support. Cook believed that Whitney was trying to sabotage his expedition, by using Peary to keep an eye on him and try to prove that Cook was not telling the truth.
What was the amount of money that Peary received for selling the Eskimos’ “Iron Stone”?
- $1,000
- $10,000
- $40,000
- $100,000
Correct Answer: $40,000
Correct Answer Explanation: Peary purchased valuable “Iron Stone” from the Eskimos at a very low price, then sold it to a museum for $40,000, making a significant profit. This transaction was seen by Cook as another example of Peary’s unfair treatment of the Eskimos and his desire to exploit them for his own financial gain.
What was the amount of money that Peary received for selling the Eskimos’ furs and ivory?
- $1,000
- $5,000
- $10,000
- $25,000
Correct Answer: $10,000
Correct Answer Explanation: Peary, again taking advantage of the Eskimos, purchased furs and ivory from them at a low price and then sold them for $10,000, making a significant profit. Cook believed that this was a pattern of behavior that Peary used to take advantage of the Eskimos and enrich himself.
What was the name of the Eskimo who Cook claims was the first person to reach the North Pole with him?
- Ah-pah-lah-kay
- E-tah
- Oo-tah
- Ma-nee
Correct Answer: Ah-pah-lah-kay
Correct Answer Explanation: Ah-pah-lah-kay was a member of Cook’s expedition team, and Cook claims that he was the first to reach the North Pole, along with Cook himself. This detail of Cook’s expedition highlights the role of the Eskimo guides in assisting Cook on his journey.
What was the name of the Eskimo who Cook believed to have been killed by Peary’s men?
- Ah-pah-lah-kay
- E-tah
- Oo-tah
- Ma-nee
Correct Answer: Oo-tah
Correct Answer Explanation: Oo-tah was a prominent Eskimo, who Cook believed was killed by Peary’s men. This was a major point of contention between Cook and Peary, with Cook accusing Peary of violence and cruelty in his treatment of the Eskimos.
What was the name of the Eskimo who was forced to sign a false affidavit about the location of Mt. McKinley?
- Ah-pah-lah-kay
- E-tah
- Oo-tah
- Ma-nee
Correct Answer: E-tah
Correct Answer Explanation: E-tah was a respected Eskimo who was pressured by Peary’s expedition to sign a false affidavit about the location of Mt. McKinley. Cook believed this was another example of Peary’s unethical actions, as he used his influence to force the Eskimos to lie to gain an advantage.
What was the name of the Eskimo widow who defied tradition to seek help from her former husband?
- Ah-pah-lah-kay
- E-tah
- Oo-tah
- Ma-nee
Correct Answer: Ma-nee
Correct Answer Explanation: Ma-nee was a widow with two disabled children who defied Eskimo customs to seek help from her former husband, Ik-wa. Cook describes this act of defiance as a strong example of the determination and spirit of the Eskimos.
What was the amount of Peary’s annual pension?
- $1,000
- $2,000
- $6,000
- $10,000
Correct Answer: $6,000
Correct Answer Explanation: Peary received a pension of $6,000 per year from the United States government for his claimed achievement in reaching the North Pole. This pension was a source of controversy for Cook, who believed that Peary’s claim was a fraud and that he didn’t deserve the reward.
What was the name of the Eskimo who was forced to give up his furs and ivory to Peary?
- Ah-pah-lah-kay
- E-tah
- Oo-tah
- Francke
Correct Answer: Francke
Correct Answer Explanation: Francke was an Eskimo who was forced to give up his furs and ivory to Peary, according to Cook. Cook believed that Peary took advantage of the Eskimos, forcing them to give up their possessions to enrich himself.
What was the name of the Eskimo who was the “leading spirit” of the Eskimos?
- Ah-pah-lah-kay
- E-tah
- Oo-tah
- Ik-wa
Correct Answer: Ik-wa
Correct Answer Explanation: Ik-wa was a leading Eskimo who Cook believed to be a strong and capable man. Cook trusted Ik-wa and considered him to be a valuable asset to his expedition team.
How many degrees below zero Fahrenheit was the lowest body temperature that Cook recorded?
- 96°
- 98°
- 100°
- 102°
Correct Answer: 96°
Correct Answer Explanation: Cook’s expedition endured incredibly harsh temperatures, and the lowest body temperature recorded was 96° Fahrenheit below zero, highlighting the extreme conditions they faced and their resilience in overcoming such challenges.