The Pathless Trail Trivia Quiz Questions and Answers

The Pathless Trail is set in the early 20th century. What event was occurring at this time that influenced the Amazon region?

  • The discovery of gold
  • The rise of the rubber industry
  • The building of the Panama Canal
  • The outbreak of World War I

Correct Answer: The rise of the rubber industry

Correct Answer Explanation: The rubber industry boomed in the early 20th century, and the Amazon was a major source of wild rubber. This industry led to exploitation of indigenous populations and had a significant impact on the rainforest.

What dangerous river do the three American adventurers travel up in The Pathless Trail?

  • The Amazon River
  • The Orinoco River
  • The Javary River
  • The Rio Negro

Correct Answer: The Javary River

Correct Answer Explanation: The Javary River is a remote and dangerous river in the Amazon basin, flowing through dense rainforest and making navigation difficult.

What is the name of the mysterious tribe of red-skinned cannibals that the adventurers encounter?

  • The Red Bones
  • The Mayoruna
  • The Tucano
  • The Yanomami

Correct Answer: The Red Bones

Correct Answer Explanation: The Red Bones are a distinct tribe from the Mayoruna, though both are cannibalistic.

What is the name of the German explorer who is revealed to be a ruthless slaver?

  • Schwandorf
  • Von Humboldt
  • Spix
  • Martius

Correct Answer: Schwandorf

Correct Answer Explanation: Schwandorf is the main antagonist in the novel and his actions underscore the human element of danger in the Amazon.

What is the name of the indigenous group known for painting the bones of their enemies red?

  • The Red Bones
  • The Mayoruna
  • The Tucano
  • The Yanomami

Correct Answer: The Mayoruna

Correct Answer Explanation: The Mayoruna tribe is known for its practice of eating the flesh of their enemies, though they do not kill solely for food. They are also known for their unique practice of dyeing the bones of their dead enemies red.

What does the term “seringal” refer to?

  • A type of indigenous boat
  • A rubber plantation
  • A poisonous dart
  • A large communal house

Correct Answer: A rubber plantation

Correct Answer Explanation: The term “seringal” is a common word used in the Amazon to refer to a rubber plantation.

What is the name of the mysterious white man known as “The Raposa” who is encountered by the adventurers?

  • The Raposa
  • The Serpent
  • The Shaman
  • The Wanderer

Correct Answer: The Raposa

Correct Answer Explanation: The Raposa is a mysterious figure who appears to be a hermit or an outcast.

The Pathless Trail explores the dangers of prejudice and stereotypes. What is a stereotype about indigenous cultures that the novel challenges?

  • That they are all peaceful and welcoming.
  • That they are all savage and violent.
  • That they are all technologically advanced.
  • That they are all rich and powerful.

Correct Answer: That they are all savage and violent.

Correct Answer Explanation: The novel portrays the Mayoruna tribe as being more sophisticated than their reputation as savage cannibals suggests, demonstrating their customs, traditions, and fierce loyalty.

What is the name of the large, communal house used by indigenous tribes in the Amazon?

  • Maloca
  • Toldo
  • Tamba
  • Ygarapé

Correct Answer: Maloca

Correct Answer Explanation: A maloca is a communal house that can be home to hundreds of people.

What type of monkey is known for its loud, booming call, often used as a warning?

  • Howler Monkey
  • Capuchin Monkey
  • Spider Monkey
  • Titi Monkey

Correct Answer: Howler Monkey

Correct Answer Explanation: The howling monkey is a common feature of the rainforest, and its loud, booming call serves as a warning to other animals and humans.

What is the name of the deadly poison used by indigenous tribes for hunting and warfare?

  • Wurali
  • Curare
  • Strychnine
  • Cyanide

Correct Answer: Wurali

Correct Answer Explanation: The wurali vine is a poisonous plant that is used by indigenous tribes to create a deadly poison.

What is the name of the large, constricting snake that is found in the Amazon, and poses a danger to humans?

  • Anaconda
  • Boa Constrictor
  • Python
  • Cobra

Correct Answer: Anaconda

Correct Answer Explanation: The enormous anaconda is a powerful predator that preys on larger animals and can pose a danger to humans.

What is the name of the fierce and dangerous predator that is often feared by humans in the Amazon?

  • Jaguar
  • Puma
  • Leopard
  • Tiger

Correct Answer: Jaguar

Correct Answer Explanation: The jaguar is a fierce and dangerous predator that is often feared by humans.

What is the name of the large, herbivorous mammal that is native to Central and South America, and is preyed upon by jaguars?

  • Tapir
  • Peccary
  • Llama
  • Alpaca

Correct Answer: Tapir

Correct Answer Explanation: The tapir is a large, herbivorous mammal that is native to Central and South America, and is preyed upon by jaguars.

What is the name of the large, turkey-like bird that is found in the Amazon, and is a popular target for hunters?

  • Mutum
  • Rhea
  • Condor
  • Ostrich

Correct Answer: Mutum

Correct Answer Explanation: The mutum is a large, turkey-like bird that is found in the Amazon, and is a popular target for hunters.

What is the name of the small, armored mammal that is found in the Americas, and is known for its ability to roll up into a ball for protection?

  • Armadillo
  • Opossum
  • Sloth
  • Anteater

Correct Answer: Armadillo

Correct Answer Explanation: The armadillo is a small, armored mammal that is found in the Americas, and is known for its ability to roll up into a ball for protection.

What is the name of the small, nocturnal mammal that is related to the raccoon, and is often called “honey bears” due to their fondness for honey?

  • Kinkajou
  • Margay
  • Ocelot
  • Coati

Correct Answer: Kinkajou

Correct Answer Explanation: The kinkajou is a small, nocturnal mammal that is related to the raccoon, and is often called “honey bears” due to their fondness for honey.

What is the name of the large, herbivorous lizard that is found in the Americas, and is known for its colorful appearance and its ability to climb trees?

  • Iguana
  • Gecko
  • Chameleon
  • Monitor Lizard

Correct Answer: Iguana

Correct Answer Explanation: The iguana is a large, herbivorous lizard that is found in the Americas, and is known for its colorful appearance and its ability to climb trees.

What is the name of the specialized ant eater that is adapted to digging into termite mounds and other ant nests?

  • Ant Bear
  • Sloth
  • Opossum
  • Armadillo

Correct Answer: Ant Bear

Correct Answer Explanation: The ant bear is a specialized ant eater that is adapted to digging into termite mounds and other ant nests.

What is the name of the fish that has a venomous tail bone, which can be used as a weapon?

  • Araya Fish
  • Piranha
  • Electric Eel
  • Catfish

Correct Answer: Araya Fish

Correct Answer Explanation: The araya fish has a venomous tail bone that can be used as a weapon.

What is the name of the structure built by termites, which are a common sight in the Amazon rainforest?

  • Termite Mound
  • Ant Hill
  • Beehive
  • Wasp Nest

Correct Answer: Termite Mound

Correct Answer Explanation: This is a structure built by termites, and they are a common sight in the Amazon rainforest.

What is the name of the tree that is known for its large, edible nuts, and can grow to be very tall?

  • Brazil-nut Tree
  • Rubber Tree
  • Mahogany Tree
  • Palm Tree

Correct Answer: Brazil-nut Tree

Correct Answer Explanation: This tree is known for its large, edible nuts and can grow to be very tall.

What is the name of the weapon used by indigenous tribes for hunting and warfare, often employing poisoned darts?

  • Blowgun
  • Spear
  • Bow and Arrow
  • Slingshot

Correct Answer: Blowgun

Correct Answer Explanation: This is a weapon used by indigenous tribes for hunting and warfare, often employing poisoned darts.

What is the name of the large mammal that is an important food source for indigenous tribes, and is often hunted for its meat?

  • Tapir
  • Peccary
  • Deer
  • Llama

Correct Answer: Tapir

Correct Answer Explanation: This large mammal is an important food source for indigenous tribes and is often hunted for its meat.

What is the name of the indigenous person who acts as a lookout on a canoe?

  • Puntero
  • Popero
  • Bogas
  • Caucheros

Correct Answer: Puntero

Correct Answer Explanation: This person is responsible for keeping a lookout for dangers, obstacles, and wildlife.

What is the name of the indigenous person who steers a canoe?

  • Puntero
  • Popero
  • Bogas
  • Caucheros

Correct Answer: Popero

Correct Answer Explanation: This person is responsible for navigating the canoe and keeping it on course.

What is the name of the indigenous person who paddles a canoe?

  • Puntero
  • Popero
  • Bogas
  • Caucheros

Correct Answer: Bogas

Correct Answer Explanation: This person is responsible for paddling the canoe and propelling it through the water.

What is the name of the indigenous person who works on a rubber plantation?

  • Puntero
  • Popero
  • Bogas
  • Caucheros

Correct Answer: Caucheros

Correct Answer Explanation: This person is responsible for harvesting rubber and processing it for sale.

What is the name of the small creek or stream in the Amazon?

  • Ygarapé
  • Picada
  • Toldo
  • Tamba

Correct Answer: Ygarapé

Correct Answer Explanation: These are common features of the Amazon landscape and are often used as pathways for travel.

What is the name of a hunter’s track or trail?

  • Ygarapé
  • Picada
  • Toldo
  • Tamba

Correct Answer: Picada

Correct Answer Explanation: This is often a narrow and winding path that is used by hunters to follow their prey.

What is the name of an awning or shelter made of canvas?

  • Ygarapé
  • Picada
  • Toldo
  • Tamba

Correct Answer: Toldo

Correct Answer Explanation: This is a common type of shelter in the Amazon and can be used for protection from the elements.

What is the name of a thatched shelter?

  • Ygarapé
  • Picada
  • Toldo
  • Tamba

Correct Answer: Tamba

Correct Answer Explanation: This is a traditional type of shelter built by indigenous tribes in the Amazon and is made from natural materials.

What was the price of a ton of rubber in 1910?

  • $6,500
  • $10,000
  • $15,000
  • $20,000

Correct Answer: $6,500

Correct Answer Explanation: The price of rubber was much higher in 1910, but dropped significantly in the 1920s due to the rise of rubber plantations in Southeast Asia.

What was the price of a ton of rubber in 1920?

  • $500
  • $1,000
  • $1,500
  • $2,000

Correct Answer: $500

Correct Answer Explanation: The price of rubber in 1920 was only 1/13th of what it was in 1910, which had a significant impact on the rubber industry.

What is the approximate population of the Mayoruna tribe?

  • 500
  • 1,000
  • 1,500
  • 2,000

Correct Answer: 500

Correct Answer Explanation: The Mayoruna tribe is a large group with multiple villages.

What is the approximate population of the Red Bones tribe?

  • 500
  • 1,000
  • 1,500
  • 2,000

Correct Answer: 500

Correct Answer Explanation: The Red Bones are also a large tribe known for their cruelty.

What percentage of South America does the Amazon rainforest cover?

  • 20%
  • 30%
  • 40%
  • 50%

Correct Answer: 40%

Correct Answer Explanation: This is one of the largest and most important rainforests on Earth.

What percentage of the world’s known species is found in the Amazon rainforest?

  • 5%
  • 10%
  • 15%
  • 20%

Correct Answer: 10%

Correct Answer Explanation: This is a biodiversity hotspot, with a rich variety of plants, animals, and insects.

Approximately how many acres of rainforest are lost to deforestation each year?

  • 500,000 acres
  • 1 million acres
  • 1.5 million acres
  • 2 million acres

Correct Answer: 1.5 million acres

Correct Answer Explanation: This is a significant threat to the ecosystem and its inhabitants.

What is the name of the mosquito that spreads malaria?

  • Anopheles
  • Stegomyia
  • Culex
  • Aedes

Correct Answer: Anopheles

Correct Answer Explanation: This mosquito is a significant danger for those traveling in the Amazon rainforest.

What is the name of the mosquito that spreads yellow fever?

  • Anopheles
  • Stegomyia
  • Culex
  • Aedes

Correct Answer: Stegomyia

Correct Answer Explanation: This deadly disease is a constant threat in the Amazon region.

What disease is caused by a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1)?

  • Beriberi
  • Scurvy
  • Pellagra
  • Rickets

Correct Answer: Beriberi

Correct Answer Explanation: This debilitating illness can lead to paralysis and death.

The Pathless Trail begins with the disappearance of David Dawson Rand. What is the approximate year that he disappeared?

  • 1910
  • 1915
  • 1917
  • 1920

Correct Answer: 1917

Correct Answer Explanation: The novel states that Rand disappeared five years prior to the start of the story, which is 1922.

Which of the following is NOT a danger that the adventurers face in the Amazon rainforest?

  • Poisoned arrows
  • Wild animals
  • Cannibal tribes
  • Earthquakes

Correct Answer: Earthquakes

Correct Answer Explanation: Earthquakes are not a common occurrence in the Amazon region. The other dangers are all real and significant threats.

What is the name of the protagonist in The Pathless Trail?

  • Roderick McKay
  • Meredith Knowlton
  • Timothy Ryan
  • David Dawson Rand

Correct Answer: Roderick McKay

Correct Answer Explanation: Roderick McKay is one of the three American adventurers who sets out to find David Dawson Rand.

What is the name of the two other American adventurers who join McKay in his quest?

  • Meredith Knowlton and Timothy Ryan
  • John Smith and Jane Doe
  • George Washington and Thomas Jefferson
  • Andrew Jackson and Abraham Lincoln

Correct Answer: Meredith Knowlton and Timothy Ryan

Correct Answer Explanation: These three adventurers work together to navigate the dangers of the rainforest.

What is the name of the animal that is known for its loud, booming call, often used as a warning?

  • Howler Monkey
  • Capuchin Monkey
  • Spider Monkey
  • Titi Monkey

Correct Answer: Howler Monkey

Correct Answer Explanation: The howling monkey’s call is a distinctive and powerful sound that can be heard throughout the rainforest.

What type of snake is known for its enormous size and ability to constrict its prey?

  • Anaconda
  • Boa Constrictor
  • Python
  • Cobra

Correct Answer: Anaconda

Correct Answer Explanation: The anaconda is one of the largest snakes in the world and is a fearsome predator in the Amazon rainforest.

What type of animal is the tapir?

  • A large, herbivorous mammal
  • A carnivorous predator
  • A type of bird
  • A type of fish

Correct Answer: A large, herbivorous mammal

Correct Answer Explanation: The tapir is a large mammal that is often hunted for its meat by indigenous tribes in the Amazon.

What is the name of the large, communal house that is often used by indigenous tribes in the Amazon?

  • Maloca
  • Toldo
  • Tamba
  • Ygarapé

Correct Answer: Maloca

Correct Answer Explanation: The maloca is a large, communal dwelling that can house many people and is an important part of indigenous culture in the Amazon.

What is the name of the small, armored mammal that is known for its ability to roll up into a ball for protection?

  • Armadillo
  • Opossum
  • Sloth
  • Anteater

Correct Answer: Armadillo

Correct Answer Explanation: The armadillo’s shell provides a unique form of protection from predators.

What type of animal is the kinkajou?

  • A small, nocturnal mammal
  • A large, herbivorous mammal
  • A type of bird
  • A type of fish

Correct Answer: A small, nocturnal mammal

Correct Answer Explanation: The kinkajou is known for its sweet tooth and its fondness for honey.

What type of lizard is known for its colorful appearance and its ability to climb trees?

  • Iguana
  • Gecko
  • Chameleon
  • Monitor Lizard

Correct Answer: Iguana

Correct Answer Explanation: The iguana is a distinctive lizard that is common in the Amazon rainforest.

What type of animal is the ant bear?

  • A specialized ant eater
  • A carnivorous predator
  • A type of bird
  • A type of fish

Correct Answer: A specialized ant eater

Correct Answer Explanation: The ant bear is adapted to digging into termite mounds and other ant nests.

What is the name of the fish that has a venomous tailbone, which can be used as a weapon?

  • Araya Fish
  • Piranha
  • Electric Eel
  • Catfish

Correct Answer: Araya Fish

Correct Answer Explanation: The araya fish is a unique fish that uses its venomous tailbone to defend itself.

What type of bird is the mutum?

  • A large, turkey-like bird
  • A small, songbird
  • A bird of prey
  • A water bird

Correct Answer: A large, turkey-like bird

Correct Answer Explanation: The mutum is a common game bird in the Amazon rainforest and is often hunted for its meat.

What is the name of the structure built by termites, which are a common sight in the Amazon rainforest?

  • Termite Mound
  • Ant Hill
  • Beehive
  • Wasp Nest

Correct Answer: Termite Mound

Correct Answer Explanation: Termite mounds are a common feature of the Amazon rainforest.

What type of tree is the Brazil-nut tree known for?

  • Its large, edible nuts
  • Its beautiful wood
  • Its rubber production
  • Its medicinal properties

Correct Answer: Its large, edible nuts

Correct Answer Explanation: Brazil-nut trees are known for their large, edible nuts that are a valuable source of food and income.

What type of weapon is the blowgun?

  • A weapon that uses poisoned darts
  • A type of spear
  • A type of bow and arrow
  • A type of slingshot

Correct Answer: A weapon that uses poisoned darts

Correct Answer Explanation: The blowgun is a powerful weapon used by indigenous tribes in the Amazon rainforest.

What type of animal is the tapir?

  • A large, herbivorous mammal
  • A carnivorous predator
  • A type of bird
  • A type of fish

Correct Answer: A large, herbivorous mammal

Correct Answer Explanation: The tapir is a large mammal that is often hunted for its meat by indigenous tribes in the Amazon.

What is the name of the indigenous person who acts as a lookout on a canoe?

  • Puntero
  • Popero
  • Bogas
  • Caucheros

Correct Answer: Puntero

Correct Answer Explanation: The puntero is responsible for keeping a lookout for dangers and obstacles.

What is the name of the indigenous person who steers a canoe?

  • Puntero
  • Popero
  • Bogas
  • Caucheros

Correct Answer: Popero

Correct Answer Explanation: The popero is responsible for navigating the canoe and keeping it on course.

What is the name of the indigenous person who paddles a canoe?

  • Puntero
  • Popero
  • Bogas
  • Caucheros

Correct Answer: Bogas

Correct Answer Explanation: The bogas are responsible for paddling the canoe and propelling it through the water.

What is the name of the indigenous person who works on a rubber plantation?

  • Puntero
  • Popero
  • Bogas
  • Caucheros

Correct Answer: Caucheros

Correct Answer Explanation: The caucheros are responsible for harvesting rubber and processing it for sale.

What is the name of the small creek or stream in the Amazon?

  • Ygarapé
  • Picada
  • Toldo
  • Tamba

Correct Answer: Ygarapé

Correct Answer Explanation: The ygarapé is a common feature of the Amazon landscape and is often used as pathways for travel.

What is the name of a hunter’s track or trail?

  • Ygarapé
  • Picada
  • Toldo
  • Tamba

Correct Answer: Picada

Correct Answer Explanation: The picada is a narrow and winding path that is often used by hunters to follow their prey.

What is the name of an awning or shelter made of canvas?

  • Ygarapé
  • Picada
  • Toldo
  • Tamba

Correct Answer: Toldo

Correct Answer Explanation: The toldo is a common type of shelter in the Amazon and can be used for protection from the elements.

What is the name of a thatched shelter?

  • Ygarapé
  • Picada
  • Toldo
  • Tamba

Correct Answer: Tamba

Correct Answer Explanation: The tamba is a traditional type of shelter built by indigenous tribes in the Amazon.

What was the price of a ton of rubber in 1910?

  • $6,500
  • $10,000
  • $15,000
  • $20,000

Correct Answer: $6,500

Correct Answer Explanation: The price of rubber was much higher in 1910, but dropped significantly in the 1920s due to the rise of rubber plantations in Southeast Asia.

What was the price of a ton of rubber in 1920?

  • $500
  • $1,000
  • $1,500
  • $2,000

Correct Answer: $500

Correct Answer Explanation: The price of rubber in 1920 was only 1/13th of what it was in 1910, which had a significant impact on the rubber industry.

What is the approximate population of the Mayoruna tribe?

  • 500
  • 1,000
  • 1,500
  • 2,000

Correct Answer: 500

Correct Answer Explanation: The Mayoruna tribe is a large group with multiple villages.

What is the approximate population of the Red Bones tribe?

  • 500
  • 1,000
  • 1,500
  • 2,000

Correct Answer: 500

Correct Answer Explanation: The Red Bones are also a large tribe known for their cruelty.

What percentage of South America does the Amazon rainforest cover?

  • 20%
  • 30%
  • 40%
  • 50%

Correct Answer: 40%

Correct Answer Explanation: This is one of the largest and most important rainforests on Earth.

What percentage of the world’s known species is found in the Amazon rainforest?

  • 5%
  • 10%
  • 15%
  • 20%

Correct Answer: 10%

Correct Answer Explanation: This is a biodiversity hotspot, with a rich variety of plants, animals, and insects.

Approximately how many acres of rainforest are lost to deforestation each year?

  • 500,000 acres
  • 1 million acres
  • 1.5 million acres
  • 2 million acres

Correct Answer: 1.5 million acres

Correct Answer Explanation: This is a significant threat to the ecosystem and its inhabitants.

What is the name of the mosquito that spreads malaria?

  • Anopheles
  • Stegomyia
  • Culex
  • Aedes

Correct Answer: Anopheles

Correct Answer Explanation: This mosquito is a significant danger for those traveling in the Amazon rainforest.

What is the name of the mosquito that spreads yellow fever?

  • Anopheles
  • Stegomyia
  • Culex
  • Aedes

Correct Answer: Stegomyia

Correct Answer Explanation: This deadly disease is a constant threat in the Amazon region.

What disease is caused by a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1)?

  • Beriberi
  • Scurvy
  • Pellagra
  • Rickets

Correct Answer: Beriberi

Correct Answer Explanation: This debilitating illness can lead to paralysis and death.

The Pathless Trail begins with the disappearance of David Dawson Rand. What is the approximate year that he disappeared?

  • 1910
  • 1915
  • 1917
  • 1920

Correct Answer: 1917

Correct Answer Explanation: The novel states that Rand disappeared five years prior to the start of the story, which is 1922.

Which of the following is NOT a danger that the adventurers face in the Amazon rainforest?

  • Poisoned arrows
  • Wild animals
  • Cannibal tribes
  • Earthquakes

Correct Answer: Earthquakes

Correct Answer Explanation: Earthquakes are not a common occurrence in the Amazon region. The other dangers are all real and significant threats.

What is the name of the protagonist in The Pathless Trail?

  • Roderick McKay
  • Meredith Knowlton
  • Timothy Ryan
  • David Dawson Rand

Correct Answer: Roderick McKay

Correct Answer Explanation: Roderick McKay is one of the three American adventurers who sets out to find David Dawson Rand.

What is the name of the two other American adventurers who join McKay in his quest?

  • Meredith Knowlton and Timothy Ryan
  • John Smith and Jane Doe
  • George Washington and Thomas Jefferson
  • Andrew Jackson and Abraham Lincoln

Correct Answer: Meredith Knowlton and Timothy Ryan

Correct Answer Explanation: These three adventurers work together to navigate the dangers of the rainforest.

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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).

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