What is the name of the starling that learned to talk and enjoyed bathing?
- Dick
- Richard
- Percy
- Robert
Correct Answer: Richard
Correct Answer Explanation: Mrs. Brightwen’s starling, Richard, was a remarkable bird who learned to speak, open his cage door, and enjoyed taking baths with great enthusiasm.
Which mischievous greenfinch enjoyed pulling things down and causing a bit of trouble?
- Verdant
- Sparrow
- Finch
- Robin
Correct Answer: Verdant
Correct Answer Explanation: Verdant was a playful greenfinch who loved to misplace objects and pull out pins, creating a bit of chaos around the house.
What type of bird is known for its vibrant blue and orange plumage and swift dives into water to catch fish?
- Blue jay
- Robin
- Kingfisher
- Eagle
Correct Answer: Kingfisher
Correct Answer Explanation: Kingfishers are striking birds with their beautiful blue and orange feathers. They are known for their impressive diving abilities, which allow them to catch fish with remarkable speed and accuracy.
What is the name of the pet toad who loved to be stroked and would often stretch out his legs and lean towards his human companion?
- Sancho
- Pepe
- Toad
- Hopper
Correct Answer: Sancho
Correct Answer Explanation: Mrs. Brightwen’s pet toad, Sancho, was a surprisingly affectionate creature who enjoyed being stroked and would often lift his body off the ground in a comical display of affection.
What is the name of the mischievous and stubborn Scotch terrier puppy who was known for his numerous escapades and his loyalty to his human family?
- Rab
- Minor
- Rex
- Spot
Correct Answer: Rab
Correct Answer Explanation: Rab, a mischievous Scotch terrier puppy, was a character full of life and energy. He was known for his numerous escapades and his unwavering loyalty to his family.
What did Mrs. Brightwen’s starlings, Dick and Richard, learn to do?
- Sing opera
- Play chess
- Speak
- Fly backwards
Correct Answer: Speak
Correct Answer Explanation: Dick and Richard, Mrs. Brightwen’s starlings, were remarkably intelligent birds. They learned to speak, mimicking human sounds and even developing a sense of humor.
What type of bird is known for laying its eggs in other birds’ nests, leaving the unsuspecting foster parents to raise the cuckoo chicks?
- Owl
- Robin
- Cuckoo
- Sparrow
Correct Answer: Cuckoo
Correct Answer Explanation: Cuckoos are known for their parasitic behavior. They lay their eggs in other birds’ nests, relying on the unsuspecting foster parents to raise their young. This strategy allows them to avoid the responsibilities of raising their own chicks.
What is the name of the rare mouse species that can enter a state of torpor to survive harsh winters?
- Perognathus Pencillatus
- Mus musculus
- Rattus norvegicus
- Apodemus sylvaticus
Correct Answer: Perognathus Pencillatus
Correct Answer Explanation: Perognathus Pencillatus is a remarkable mouse species known for its adaptability. They can enter a state of torpor, slowing down their metabolism and body functions to survive harsh winters and long periods without water.
What is the name of the butterfly species that Mrs. Brightwen successfully tamed and found to be quite docile and even affectionate?
- Monarch
- Swallow-tailed
- Painted lady
- Queen butterfly
Correct Answer: Swallow-tailed
Correct Answer Explanation: Mrs. Brightwen was successful in taming several swallow-tailed butterflies, finding them to be gentle and even affectionate creatures. They would often bask in the sunbeams on her finger, showcasing their docile nature.
What is the name of the ant-lion’s trap?
- Ant-lion pit
- Ant-lion den
- Ant-lion burrow
- Ant-lion nest
Correct Answer: Ant-lion pit
Correct Answer Explanation: Ant-lions are skilled predators that create pit traps in sand to capture ants. Their pits are typically funnel-shaped, with the ant-lion hiding at the bottom, waiting for its unsuspecting prey to fall in.
What is the name of the Sacred Beetle, revered by the ancient Egyptians?
- Scarab
- Dung beetle
- Pill beetle
- Hercules beetle
Correct Answer: Scarab
Correct Answer Explanation: The Scarab beetle, revered by the ancient Egyptians, plays a significant role in their mythology and symbolism. It is often depicted rolling dung balls, a behavior associated with the cycle of life and renewal. The Scarab is seen as a symbol of creation, transformation, and resurrection.
What type of insect is known for its meticulous care of its eggs, constantly rearranging them and ensuring their safety?
- Earwig
- Praying mantis
- Grasshopper
- Ladybug
Correct Answer: Earwig
Correct Answer Explanation: Earwig mothers are dedicated to caring for their eggs. They meticulously rearrange them, ensuring their safety and maintaining optimal conditions for incubation. This parental care highlights their remarkable maternal instincts.
What is the name of the large black spider that spun intricate webs and carefully guarded her egg sac?
- Tegenaria
- Argiope
- Latrodectus
- Araneus
Correct Answer: Tegenaria
Correct Answer Explanation: Tegenaria, a large black spider, is known for its intricate webs and meticulous care for its egg sac. It carefully guards its offspring, ensuring their safety until they are ready to emerge.
What is the name of the state of lowered activity and metabolism often triggered by cold temperatures or food scarcity?
- Hibernation
- Torpor
- Aestivation
- Diapause
Correct Answer: Torpor
Correct Answer Explanation: Torpor is a state of lowered activity and metabolism often triggered by cold temperatures or food scarcity. It allows animals to conserve energy and survive challenging conditions.
What is the name of the thin, hard, lid-like structure that seals the opening of certain snails’ shells during hibernation?
- Operculum
- Mantle
- Shell
- Foot
Correct Answer: Operculum
Correct Answer Explanation: The operculum is a thin, hard, lid-like structure found in certain snails that seals the opening of their shells during hibernation. It helps to prevent moisture loss and protects the snail from predators.
What is the name of the long, tube-like mouthpart of an insect, like a butterfly, used for sucking up liquids?
- Proboscis
- Mandibles
- Maxillae
- Labium
Correct Answer: Proboscis
Correct Answer Explanation: The proboscis is a long, tube-like mouthpart found in insects like butterflies, moths, and some flies. It allows them to suck up liquids, such as nectar from flowers or sap from trees.
What is the name of the hard, protective wing covers of beetles?
- Elytra
- Wings
- Halteres
- Pronotum
Correct Answer: Elytra
Correct Answer Explanation: The elytra are the hard, protective wing covers of beetles. They protect the beetle’s delicate wings and help to conserve moisture.
What are the mouthparts of insects used for biting and chewing?
- Mandibles
- Maxillae
- Labium
- Proboscis
Correct Answer: Mandibles
Correct Answer Explanation: Mandibles are the strong, biting mouthparts of insects. They are used for chewing food, defending themselves, and constructing nests.
What are the pincer-like appendages at the end of the earwig’s abdomen?
- Forceps
- Cerci
- Antennæ
- Maxillae
Correct Answer: Forceps
Correct Answer Explanation: Earwigs have distinctive pincer-like appendages at the end of their abdomen called forceps. These appendages are used for defense, mating, and manipulating objects.
What are the long, sensory appendages on the heads of insects?
- Antennæ
- Cerci
- Legs
- Wings
Correct Answer: Antennæ
Correct Answer Explanation: Antennæ are long, sensory appendages located on the heads of insects. They are used for detecting smells, touch, and vibrations.
What are the small, silk-producing organs located at the end of a spider’s abdomen?
- Spinnerets
- Pedipalps
- Chelicerae
- Legs
Correct Answer: Spinnerets
Correct Answer Explanation: Spinnerets are small, silk-producing organs located at the end of a spider’s abdomen. They produce silk threads that are used for building webs, wrapping prey, and creating egg sacs.
What is the inactive, pupal stage of a butterfly or moth?
- Chrysalis
- Larva
- Pupa
- Imago
Correct Answer: Chrysalis
Correct Answer Explanation: The chrysalis is the inactive, pupal stage of a butterfly or moth. It is a resting stage during which the insect undergoes metamorphosis, transforming from a larva into an adult.
What is a state of dormancy during the winter months, characterized by decreased metabolism and body temperature?
- Hibernation
- Torpor
- Aestivation
- Diapause
Correct Answer: Hibernation
Correct Answer Explanation: Hibernation is a state of dormancy that some animals enter during the winter months. It is characterized by a decrease in metabolic rate, body temperature, and activity levels.
How many caterpillars can a single pair of Blue Tits consume in a week?
- 357
- 3,570
- 35,700
- 357,000
Correct Answer: 3,570
Correct Answer Explanation: A single pair of Blue Tits can consume a remarkable number of caterpillars in a week: 3,570! Their voracious appetite makes them important natural pest control agents.
How long can a female spider spin silk at a time?
- 15 yards
- 150 yards
- 1,500 yards
- 15,000 yards
Correct Answer: 150 yards
Correct Answer Explanation: A female spider can spin a remarkable amount of silk at a time: 150 yards! It takes approximately 450 spiders to produce a single yard of silk.
What is the approximate weight of two Roman snails?
- 1/2 ounce
- 1 ounce
- 2 ½ ounces
- 5 ounces
Correct Answer: 2 ½ ounces
Correct Answer Explanation: Two Roman snails, despite their small size, can weigh a surprising 2 ½ ounces! This is a testament to their surprisingly dense bodies.
How many eggs does an earwig mother typically lay?
- 13 eggs
- 26 eggs
- 52 eggs
- 104 eggs
Correct Answer: 26 eggs
Correct Answer Explanation: Earwig mothers typically lay around 26 eggs. They meticulously care for their eggs, ensuring their safety and maintaining optimal conditions for incubation.
What is the estimated lifespan of a perfect ant-lion?
- 1 week
- 2 weeks
- 4 weeks
- 8 weeks
Correct Answer: 4 weeks
Correct Answer Explanation: The estimated lifespan of a perfect ant-lion is about 4 weeks. Their life cycle is short but fascinating, with their pit traps playing a crucial role in their survival.
Out of 90 children, how many had ever seen a dead mole?
- 3 children
- 15 children
- 30 children
- 45 children
Correct Answer: 15 children
Correct Answer Explanation: Out of 90 children, only 15 had ever seen a dead mole, showcasing the relative rarity of encounters with these subterranean creatures.
Out of 90 children, how many had ever seen a live mole?
- 1 child
- 3 children
- 10 children
- 20 children
Correct Answer: 3 children
Correct Answer Explanation: Out of 90 children, only 3 had ever seen a live mole, emphasizing the elusive nature of these subterranean creatures. Their subterranean lifestyle makes them rarely seen above ground.
What is the size of a large “Mygale” spider with its legs outstretched?
- 3 inches
- 6 inches
- 12 inches
- 18 inches
Correct Answer: 6 inches
Correct Answer Explanation: A large “Mygale” spider, with its legs outstretched, can reach a size of 6 inches, making it a formidable-looking creature.
What is the length of a large Egyptian lizard?
- 7 inches
- 10 inches
- 14 inches
- 18 inches
Correct Answer: 14 inches
Correct Answer Explanation: A large Egyptian lizard can reach a length of 14 inches, making it a striking and often overlooked creature.
In “Wild Nature Won By Kindness”, what did Mrs. Brightwen use to help raise a young starling named Dick?
- A cat
- A dog
- A squirrel
- A robin
Correct Answer: A cat
Correct Answer Explanation: In her book, Mrs. Brightwen recounts a surprising and heartwarming story of a cat helping to raise a young starling named Dick. This unlikely pairing highlights the unexpected kindness and nurturing instincts found in the animal world.