1.
What are Superior, Huron, Michigan, Erie and Ontario?
Correct Answer
D. The Great Lakes
Explanation
Superior, Huron, Michigan, Erie, and Ontario are collectively known as the Great Lakes. They are a group of five interconnected freshwater lakes located in North America, straddling the border between the United States and Canada. These lakes are the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world by total area and contain about 84% of North America's fresh surface water. The Great Lakes are important for various reasons, including transportation, recreation, and as a source of drinking water for millions of people.
2.
The sun and moon cause what changes in sea level?
Correct Answer
B. Tides
Explanation
The sun and moon cause changes in sea level known as tides. Tides are the periodic rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational pull of the sun and moon on the Earth's oceans. As the moon orbits the Earth and the Earth rotates on its axis, the gravitational forces exerted by these celestial bodies create a bulge of water on the side of the Earth facing the moon and on the opposite side. This results in the regular rise and fall of sea levels, known as high and low tides, respectively.
3.
What water movements does wind blowing on water cause?
Correct Answer
A. Waves
Explanation
Wind blowing on water causes the movement of waves. Waves are formed when the wind transfers its energy to the surface of the water, causing it to ripple and create a series of crests and troughs. The size and strength of the waves depend on factors such as the speed and direction of the wind, the distance over which it blows, and the depth of the water. Waves play a crucial role in shaping coastlines, transporting sediment, and providing habitat for marine organisms. They are also important for recreational activities such as surfing and sailing.
4.
What marine creature is the world's largest animal?
Correct Answer
B. Blue Whale
Explanation
The Blue Whale is the correct answer because it is the largest animal in the world. It can grow up to 100 feet long and weigh around 200 tons. Its size is even larger than the largest dinosaurs that ever existed. Blue Whales are found in oceans all around the world and are known for their massive size and unique feeding habits. They primarily feed on tiny shrimp-like animals called krill, consuming up to 4 tons of krill in a single day.
5.
What South American fish can generate a 600-volt shock?
Correct Answer
C. Electric Eel
Explanation
The correct answer is Electric Eel because it is well-known for its ability to generate a 600-volt shock. This unique feature is used by the Electric Eel for hunting prey, self-defense, and communication. It has specialized organs called electrocytes that produce electricity, allowing it to stun or immobilize its prey. The shock generated by the Electric Eel is powerful enough to potentially harm or kill small animals and is one of the highest voltage shocks produced by any animal in the world.
6.
What fish is named for its long, sharp, toothless jaw?
Correct Answer
B. Swordfish
Explanation
Swordfish is named for its long, sharp, toothless jaw. The name "swordfish" comes from the fish's distinctive bill, which resembles a sword or a long, sharp weapon. This bill is used by the swordfish to slash and stun its prey, making it easier to catch. The swordfish's jaw does not have teeth, but instead relies on its speed and strength to capture its food. Therefore, the correct answer is Swordfish.
7.
In swimming, what is a flutter?
Correct Answer
B. A Kick
Explanation
A flutter in swimming refers to a specific type of kick. It is a continuous, rapid movement of the legs that propels the swimmer forward. This kick is commonly used in various swimming strokes, such as freestyle and backstroke, to generate propulsion and maintain a streamlined body position in the water. It involves the alternating movement of the legs, where one leg kicks downward while the other leg recovers towards the surface. The flutter kick is an essential technique in swimming and is often taught to beginners to develop their leg strength and improve their overall swimming performance.
8.
What animal group includes clams, snails and squid?
Correct Answer
C. Mollusks
Explanation
Clams, snails, and squid are all examples of mollusks. Mollusks are a diverse group of invertebrates that typically have soft bodies and hard shells. They can be found in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. Insects, fish, and mammals are not part of the same animal group as clams, snails, and squid.
9.
Bivalves like clams and oysters have how many shells?
Correct Answer
B. Two
Explanation
Bivalves like clams and oysters have two shells. Bivalves are a type of mollusk that have a hinged, two-part shell. These shells are called valves and are connected by a flexible ligament. The two shells provide protection and support for the soft body of the bivalve.
10.
What jewel starts as sand in an oyster's shell?
Correct Answer
B. Pearl
Explanation
Pearls start as sand in an oyster's shell. When a foreign object, such as a grain of sand, enters an oyster's shell, it irritates the oyster. In response, the oyster secretes a substance called nacre to coat the irritant, layer by layer, eventually forming a pearl. This process can take several years. Therefore, the correct answer is Pearl.
11.
What mollusk has eight arms and no shell?
Correct Answer
D. Octopus
Explanation
Octopus is the correct answer because it is a mollusk that has eight arms and no shell. Unlike clams, which have shells, and shrimp, which have multiple legs, octopuses have eight arms and a soft body without a protective shell. Jellyfish, on the other hand, are not mollusks and have a gelatinous body with tentacles instead of arms. Therefore, the octopus is the only option that fits the given description.
12.
Which mollusk has eight arms and two tentacles?
Correct Answer
D. Squid
Explanation
A squid is a mollusk that has eight arms and two tentacles. This characteristic distinguishes it from the other options. Hermit crabs have legs, not arms or tentacles. Barnacles have feathery appendages called cirri, not arms or tentacles. Clams have a muscular foot for movement, not arms or tentacles. Therefore, the correct answer is squid.
13.
What animal moves to a bigger shell when it grows?
Correct Answer
C. Hermit Crab
Explanation
Hermit crabs are known for their unique behavior of moving to a bigger shell as they grow. They do not have a hard protective shell of their own, so they use empty shells of other animals like snails for protection. As the hermit crab grows, it needs to find a larger shell to accommodate its increasing size. It will leave its current shell and search for a suitable new one, often competing with other hermit crabs for the best options. This behavior allows the hermit crab to continue growing while staying protected inside its shell.
14.
What eyeless, flat sea creature is named for money?
Correct Answer
D. Sand Dollar
Explanation
Sand Dollar is the correct answer because it is a flat sea creature that resembles a coin or a "dollar." It is called "sand" dollar because it is often found in sandy areas or on the ocean floor. The name "sand dollar" is a combination of its appearance and the association with money, as it is round and flat like a coin.