What small British quadruped is known for its unique prehensile tail, allowing it to hang from cornstalks?
- Mole
- Harvest Mouse
- Shrew Mouse
- Water Rat
Correct Answer: Harvest Mouse
Correct Answer Explanation: The harvest mouse is the smallest British quadruped, and its prehensile tail makes it unique, allowing it to hang from stalks and move about in a way other mice can’t.
Which of these is a misconception about the relationship between sparrows and martins?
- Sparrows often drive martins from their nests.
- Sparrows are often preyed upon by martins.
- Sparrows are known to cooperate with martins in raising their young.
- Sparrows often compete with martins for food resources.
Correct Answer: Sparrows often drive martins from their nests.
Correct Answer Explanation: This is a common misconception. Sparrows are often blamed for driving out martins from their nests, but this is usually due to the sparrows themselves being poisoned by humans, making them weak and vulnerable.
Which of these animals is NOT mentioned in “Wee Tim’rous Beasties”?
- Black Rat
- Purple Emperor Butterfly
- Water Spider
- Red Squirrel
Correct Answer: Red Squirrel
Correct Answer Explanation: The book focuses on creatures found in Britain, and although the Red Squirrel is native to the UK, it’s not featured in English’s essays.
What is the main reason why the Black Rat is mostly extinct in Britain?
- Climate change
- Habitat loss
- Competition with the Brown Rat
- Disease
Correct Answer: Competition with the Brown Rat
Correct Answer Explanation: The Black Rat was prevalent in Britain for centuries, but its dominance was challenged by the Brown Rat. The Brown Rat, a larger and more aggressive species, outcompeted the Black Rat for resources and territory, leading to its decline.
The Shrew Mouse is known for its high metabolism and its voracious appetite. How many times its weight in insects does a shrew mouse eat each day?
- 1-2 times
- 2-3 times
- 3-4 times
- 4-5 times
Correct Answer: 2-3 times
Correct Answer Explanation: Shrew mice are incredibly active, and their metabolism requires them to constantly eat. They have been observed to consume 2-3 times their body weight in insects every day.
What is the name of the elaborate network of tunnels that a mole creates?
- Burrow
- Warren
- Run
- Lair
Correct Answer: Run
Correct Answer Explanation: Moles are known for their incredible burrowing abilities. They create extensive tunnel systems called runs, which serve as their home, foraging ground, and escape routes.
What is the primary defense mechanism of a hedgehog?
- Venom
- Camouflage
- Spines
- Smell
Correct Answer: Spines
Correct Answer Explanation: Hedgehogs are known for their sharp spines, which they use as a primary defense mechanism. When threatened, they curl up into a ball, presenting their spines to potential predators.
What makes the Purple Emperor butterfly so rare?
- It has a short lifespan.
- It has specific habitat requirements.
- It is hunted by many predators.
- It is highly vulnerable to climate change.
Correct Answer: It has specific habitat requirements.
Correct Answer Explanation: The Purple Emperor butterfly is a rare sight because it requires very specific habitats, mainly mature oak woodlands, to thrive.
What is the purpose of the water spider’s underwater bubble?
- To store food
- To lay eggs
- To hide from predators
- To act as a diving bell
Correct Answer: To act as a diving bell
Correct Answer Explanation: The water spider is unique in its ability to create a bubble home underwater. This bubble acts as a diving bell, allowing the spider to breathe air while submerged.
What is the name of the state of deep sleep that dormice enter to survive the winter months?
- Torpor
- Hibernation
- Aestivation
- Diapause
Correct Answer: Hibernation
Correct Answer Explanation: Dormice are known for their ability to hibernate for long periods, sometimes up to nine months, during the winter. This allows them to conserve energy and survive when food is scarce.
What is the primary way a stoat catches and kills its prey?
- Venom
- Constriction
- Sharp claws
- Biting
Correct Answer: Constriction
Correct Answer Explanation: The stoat is a highly efficient predator known for its hunting skills. While it uses its sharp teeth and claws, its main hunting strategy is to constrict its prey, suffocating it until death.
What is the term for a type of caterpillar that moves by looping its body?
- Inchworm
- Caterpillar
- Larva
- Loopers
Correct Answer: Loopers
Correct Answer Explanation: Loopers are a type of caterpillar that have a distinct way of moving. They loop their bodies, extending their front legs and then pulling their rear legs up to meet them.
What is the name of the aquatic larva that lives in a protective case made of sticks, stones, or other materials?
- Tadpole
- Caddisworm
- Branchiopod
- Lamborn
Correct Answer: Caddisworm
Correct Answer Explanation: Caddisworms are the larvae of caddis-flies. They are known for creating protective cases out of materials found in their aquatic environment, which helps them avoid predators.
Which of these is NOT a strategy used by caterpillars to deter predators?
- Camouflage
- Mimicry
- Warning colors
- Venom
Correct Answer: Venom
Correct Answer Explanation: Caterpillars have a variety of strategies to avoid predators, including camouflage, mimicry, and warning colors. However, venomous caterpillars are not known to exist.
What is the approximate lifespan of a hedgehog?
- 1-2 years
- 2-3 years
- 3-4 years
- 4-5 years
Correct Answer: 2-3 years
Correct Answer Explanation: The average lifespan of a hedgehog in the wild is 2-3 years. However, they can live longer in captivity if they are well-cared for.
What is the term for a type of eel that lives in freshwater?
- Lamborn
- Caddis-fly
- Branchiopod
- Noctule
Correct Answer: Lamborn
Correct Answer Explanation: The term “lamborn” is used to refer to a type of freshwater eel that is found in Britain.
How much damage are sparrows estimated to cause to crops in Britain every year?
- £770,094
- £1,770,094
- £2,770,094
- £3,770,094
Correct Answer: £770,094
Correct Answer Explanation: Sparrows, despite being valuable insect predators, can also cause damage to crops, and the estimated annual cost of this damage in Britain is £770,094.
What is the name of the type of bat that is large and active at night?
- Noctule
- Caddis-fly
- Ichneumon
- Lamborn
Correct Answer: Noctule
Correct Answer Explanation: Noctules are a large species of bat that are active at night. They are known for their distinctive calls and their ability to navigate in the dark.
Which of these is a type of crustacean that lives in fresh water?
- Branchiopod
- Ichneumon
- Caddis-fly
- Lamborn
Correct Answer: Branchiopod
Correct Answer Explanation: Branchiopods are a group of crustaceans that are adapted to live in freshwater environments. They have a variety of forms, including some that resemble shrimp.
What is the name of the parasitic wasp that lays its eggs in other insects?
- Branchiopod
- Caddis-fly
- Ichneumon
- Lamborn
Correct Answer: Ichneumon
Correct Answer Explanation: Ichneumon wasps are parasitic insects that lay their eggs in other insects. The wasp larvae then hatch and feed on the host insect, eventually killing it.
What is the name of the prickly shrub that is often found in Britain?
- Gorse
- Lamborn
- Noctule
- Caddis-fly
Correct Answer: Gorse
Correct Answer Explanation: Gorse is a type of prickly shrub that is common in Britain. It has bright yellow flowers and is a valuable source of food and shelter for wildlife.
Which of these is a unique swimming technique used by the water-rat?
- Backstroke
- Freestyle
- Dog Paddle
- Breaststroke
Correct Answer: Dog Paddle
Correct Answer Explanation: The water-rat is a semi-aquatic rodent, and while it can swim in a variety of ways, its signature style is the dog paddle.
Which of these is a characteristic that the mole-cricket shares with the mole?
- It has a high metabolism.
- It has a prehensile tail.
- It possesses similar burrowing abilities.
- It lays numerous eggs.
Correct Answer: It possesses similar burrowing abilities.
Correct Answer Explanation: The mole-cricket, despite its name, is not a cricket but a relative of the mole. It shares the mole’s ability to burrow underground, creating tunnels for shelter and foraging.
What is the defense mechanism of a toad?
- Venom
- Camouflage
- Spines
- Sticky substance
Correct Answer: Sticky substance
Correct Answer Explanation: Toads, while not poisonous, have a defense mechanism that involves secreting a sticky, foul-tasting substance from their skin when threatened.
Which of these animals is NOT mentioned in “Wee Tim’rous Beasties”?
- Black Rat
- Water Spider
- Purple Emperor Butterfly
- Red Squirrel
Correct Answer: Red Squirrel
Correct Answer Explanation: The book focuses on the animals found in Britain, and although the Red Squirrel is native to the UK, it’s not featured in English’s essays.
How many litters of offspring can a female water-rat produce in a year?
- 1-2
- 2-4
- 4-6
- 6-8
Correct Answer: 2-4
Correct Answer Explanation: Female water-rats can produce multiple litters of offspring each year, typically 2-4 litters.
What is the average lifespan of a Purple Emperor butterfly?
- 3-4 months
- 6-8 months
- 9-12 months
- 12-18 months
Correct Answer: 9-12 months
Correct Answer Explanation: The Purple Emperor butterfly, while considered a rare sight, has a relatively long lifespan compared to other butterfly species. It typically lives for 9-12 months.
Which of these is a type of insect that is NOT mentioned in “Wee Tim’rous Beasties”?
- Caddis-fly
- Ichneumon fly
- Mosquito
- Loopers
Correct Answer: Mosquito
Correct Answer Explanation: Mosquitoes are not mentioned in English’s essays, although the book does explore various other types of insects.
Which of these is NOT a defense mechanism used by animals to deter predators?
- Mimicry
- Camouflage
- Warning colors
- Venom
- Size
Correct Answer: Size
Correct Answer Explanation: While size can play a role in deterring some predators, it’s not a specific defense mechanism like mimicry, camouflage, warning colors, or venom.
Which of these is a true statement about squirrels?
- They have a prehensile tail.
- They are nocturnal.
- They are omnivorous.
- They are poisonous.
Correct Answer: They are omnivorous.
Correct Answer Explanation: Squirrels are known to be omnivorous, meaning they consume both plant and animal matter.
Which of these is a type of eel that lives in salt water?
- Lamborn
- Caddis-fly
- Branchiopod
- Noctule
Correct Answer: Lamborn
Correct Answer Explanation: The Lamborn, a type of eel, can be found in both freshwater and saltwater environments, depending on the species.
How many insects can a sparrow eat in a single day?
- 300
- 1000
- 3000
- 5000
Correct Answer: 3000
Correct Answer Explanation: Sparrows, despite being known for seed-eating, are also valuable insect predators. They can eat up to 3000 insects in a day.
Which of these is NOT a characteristic of the mole-cricket?
- It is a relative of the mole.
- It possesses powerful burrowing abilities.
- It has a high metabolism.
- It is a cricket.
Correct Answer: It is a cricket.
Correct Answer Explanation: The mole-cricket is not a true cricket, but a relative of the mole. It shares similar burrowing capabilities with the mole, but its diet and lifestyle differ.
What is the name of the state of deep sleep that insects enter to survive the winter months?
- Hibernation
- Torpor
- Aestivation
- Diapause
Correct Answer: Diapause
Correct Answer Explanation: Insects enter a state of diapause to survive harsh conditions like winter. It’s a period of suspended development, similar to hibernation, but not as deep a sleep.
Which of these is NOT a type of insect mentioned in “Wee Tim’rous Beasties”?
- Caddis-fly
- Ichneumon fly
- Loopers
- Praying Mantis
Correct Answer: Praying Mantis
Correct Answer Explanation: Although English’s essays cover a variety of insects, the Praying Mantis is not among them.
What is the primary defense mechanism of a frog?
- Venom
- Camouflage
- Spines
- Sticky substance
Correct Answer: Venom
Correct Answer Explanation: Frogs, while not all species are venomous, can have a defense mechanism that involves releasing toxins from their skin when threatened.
Which of these is a type of spider that is NOT mentioned in “Wee Tim’rous Beasties”?
- Water spider
- Garden spider
- Orb-weaver spider
- Black widow spider
Correct Answer: Black widow spider
Correct Answer Explanation: The book explores various spiders, but the Black Widow spider, while known for its venom, is not featured in English’s essays.
What is the approximate number of eggs a toad can lay at a time?
- 100-200
- 500-1000
- 1000-2000
- 2000-5000
Correct Answer: 2000-5000
Correct Answer Explanation: Toads are known for laying a massive number of eggs, often thousands, to ensure that at least some of them survive.
What is the term for a group of voles?
- Herd
- Pack
- Colony
- Flock
Correct Answer: Colony
Correct Answer Explanation: Voles are known for living in colonies, sharing burrows and resources.
Which of these is NOT a characteristic of the harvest mouse?
- It has a prehensile tail.
- It is the smallest British quadruped.
- It is primarily active at night.
- It is a member of the rodent family.
Correct Answer: It is primarily active at night.
Correct Answer Explanation: While the harvest mouse is often active at dusk and dawn, it’s not primarily nocturnal like some other rodent species.
What is the name of the bird that is often blamed for driving out martins from their nests?
- Sparrow
- Blackbird
- Robin
- Starling
Correct Answer: Sparrow
Correct Answer Explanation: Sparrows, while not always the culprits, are often blamed for driving out martins from their nests, although the real cause is often poisoning.
Which of these is NOT a type of butterfly mentioned in “Wee Tim’rous Beasties”?
- Purple Emperor butterfly
- Monarch butterfly
- Peacock butterfly
- Red Admiral butterfly
Correct Answer: Monarch butterfly
Correct Answer Explanation: The book explores various British butterflies, but the Monarch butterfly, while common in other parts of the world, is not found in Britain.
What is the approximate length of tunnels a mole can create in a single day?
- 20 meters
- 50 meters
- 100 meters
- 200 meters
Correct Answer: 200 meters
Correct Answer Explanation: Moles are powerful diggers, and they can create an impressive network of tunnels, often exceeding 200 meters in a single day.
Which of these is NOT a characteristic of the black rat?
- It is a rodent.
- It was once the dominant rat species in Britain.
- It is smaller than the brown rat.
- It is highly intelligent.
Correct Answer: It is highly intelligent.
Correct Answer Explanation: While Black Rats are known for their adaptability and survival instincts, they are not considered highly intelligent in the way that some other species are.
What is the term for a type of spider that captures its prey in webs?
- Carnivore
- Predator
- Omnivore
- Herbivore
Correct Answer: Predator
Correct Answer Explanation: Spiders, while not carnivores, are predators. They capture their prey in webs or using other hunting techniques.