1.
Which critically endangered animal is known for its distinct black and white fur?
Correct Answer
A. Sumatran tiger
Explanation
The critically endangered animal known for its distinct black and white fur is the Sumatran tiger. The Sumatran tiger is a subspecies of tiger native to the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Its unique black and white coloration sets it apart from other tiger subspecies and contributes to its striking appearance.
2.
What is the world's most critically endangered marine mammal?
Correct Answer
B. Vaquita
Explanation
The world's most critically endangered marine mammal is the Vaquita (Phocoena sinus). The vaquita is a small porpoise species that inhabits the Gulf of California. Its population has been severely impacted by illegal fishing activities, especially the use of gillnets to catch another endangered species, the totoaba fish.
3.
Which critically endangered plant is often referred to as the 'living fossil'?
Correct Answer
A. Wollemi Pine
Explanation
The critically endangered plant often referred to as the 'living fossil' is the Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis). The Wollemi Pine is a rare and ancient species of conifer that was thought to be extinct for millions of years until its discovery in the Wollemi National Park in Australia in 1994. It is often referred to as a 'living fossil' because it belongs to a botanical family that dates back to the time of the dinosaurs.
4.
Which critically endangered bird has the largest wingspan of any living bird?
Correct Answer
B. California condor
Explanation
The critically endangered bird with the largest wingspan of any living bird is the California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus). The California Condor is a vulture species native to North America and holds the record for the largest wingspan among living birds. With a wingspan that can exceed 9 feet (2.7 meters), the California Condor has an impressive and distinctive appearance.
5.
What is the world's most critically endangered primate?
Correct Answer
B. Hainan gibbon
Explanation
The world's most critically endangered primate is the Hainan Gibbon (Nomascus hainanus). The Hainan gibbon is a species of gibbon found on Hainan Island in China. It is considered the rarest primate in the world, with only a small population remaining in the wild.
6.
Which critically endangered big cat is found only on the island of Borneo?
Correct Answer
C. Bornean tiger
Explanation
The Sunda clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi) is a big cat species found on the island of Borneo. The Sunda clouded leopard is considered a vulnerable species, and it is one of the wild cats native to the Southeast Asian islands, including Borneo and Sumatra.
7.
What is the smallest and most endangered species of porpoise?
Correct Answer
C. Vaquita
Explanation
The Vaquita is a small porpoise species that is native to the Gulf of California. It is critically endangered, with a population that has declined primarily due to bycatch in illegal gillnets set for another endangered species, the totoaba fish.
8.
Which critically endangered plant is famous for its enormous flowers that emit an unpleasant odor?
Correct Answer
A. Titan arum
Explanation
The Titan Arum is also known as the "corpse flower" due to the foul smell it produces when in bloom. While the unpleasant odor serves to attract pollinators, the plant has gained attention for its distinctive appearance and the rare occurrence of its blooming.
9.
Which critically endangered bird is known for its elaborate courtship display, including booming calls?
Correct Answer
D. Kākāpō
Explanation
The critically endangered bird known for its elaborate courtship display and vibrant plumage is the Kākāpō (Strigops habroptilus). The Kākāpō, also known as the night parrot or owl parrot, is a species of large, nocturnal parrot native to New Zealand. It is famous for its unique mating behaviors, including booming calls and a display involving the inflation of a thoracic air sac.
10.
Which critically endangered plant is known for its thick trunk and ability to store water?
Correct Answer
A. Baobab tree
Explanation
The Baobab tree is known for its thick trunk and ability to store water. It is a long-lived plant, with some trees reaching ages of more than 1,000 years. However, there has been a recent and sudden die-off of many of the oldest and largest baobab trees, which is a cause for concern.