1.
Which of the following is NOT classified as a carnivore (meat-eater)?
Correct Answer
A. Cow
Explanation
A cow is not classified as a carnivore because it is a herbivore, meaning it primarily eats plants. Lions, polar bears, and humans are all classified as carnivores because they primarily consume meat.
2.
Which of the following does NOT have a backbone?
Correct Answer
C. Octopus
Explanation
The correct answer is Octopus. Octopuses do not have a backbone or a vertebral column, making them the only option among the given choices that does not possess this characteristic. Wolves and parrots are both vertebrates and have backbones.
3.
What are the only creatures that have placentas?
Correct Answer
A. Mammals
Explanation
Mammals are the only creatures that have placentas. Placentas are a unique organ found in mammals that allows for the exchange of nutrients and waste between the mother and developing fetus. This organ is essential for the development and nourishment of the fetus during pregnancy. Reptiles and birds, on the other hand, do not have placentas. While they may have other reproductive adaptations, such as laying eggs, they do not rely on placentas for the development of their young. Therefore, the correct answer is mammals.
4.
Birds are most closely related to which reptile?
Correct Answer
B. Alligators
Explanation
Birds are most closely related to alligators because both birds and alligators belong to the class of reptiles called Archosauria. This group includes crocodiles, alligators, and birds. They share common ancestry and have similar characteristics, such as scales, a four-chambered heart, and laying eggs. This evolutionary relationship is supported by genetic and anatomical evidence.
5.
Which mammals have returned to living their entire lives in the water?
Correct Answer
B. Cetaceans
Explanation
Cetaceans are mammals that have returned to living their entire lives in the water. This group includes whales, dolphins, and porpoises. They have evolved to have streamlined bodies, flippers, and a blowhole on the top of their heads to adapt to life in the water. They are highly adapted for swimming and diving, and rely on the ocean for feeding, reproduction, and social interactions. Cetaceans are well-known for their intelligence, communication skills, and complex social structures, making them fascinating creatures that have fully embraced an aquatic lifestyle.
6.
___________ are the only creatures that walk on four legs.
Correct Answer
C. Both of these
Explanation
Quadrupeds, deriving from the Latin words "quattuor" for "four" and "pes, pedis" for "foot," typically maintain a four-legged posture and utilize all four limbs for movement. They can be observed across various species, including both vertebrates and invertebrates.
7.
How many fish species are there?
Correct Answer
D. More than 34,300
Explanation
The answer "More than 34,300" suggests that there are more than 34,300 fish species. This indicates that there is a wide variety of fish species in existence, exceeding the other options provided.
8.
World's largest fish is
Correct Answer
A. Whale shark
Explanation
The correct answer is Whale shark because it is known to be the largest fish in the world. It can grow up to a length of 40 feet or more and can weigh up to 20 tons. The whale shark is a filter feeder, feeding mainly on plankton and small fish. It is a gentle giant and poses no threat to humans.
9.
Do fishes really sleep?
Correct Answer
A. No, they do rest.
Explanation
Fishes do not sleep in the same way that humans do. They do not have eyelids to close and they do not have a specific sleep cycle. However, fishes do rest by reducing their activity levels and finding a safe spot to hide or rest in. During this time, their metabolism slows down and they may appear motionless. This resting period allows fishes to conserve energy and rejuvenate their bodies. Therefore, while fishes do not sleep in the traditional sense, they do take periods of rest.
10.
Vertebrates belong to subphylum _____________.
Correct Answer
A. Vertebrata
Explanation
Vertebrates belong to the subphylum Vertebrata. This subphylum includes animals with a backbone or spinal column, such as mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Lancelet and Tunicate belong to the subphylum Cephalochordata and subphylum Tunicata respectively. Hexapoda refers to the subphylum of insects. Therefore, the correct answer is Vertebrata.
11.
What group of vertebrates is a mouse?
Correct Answer
A. Mammals
Explanation
A mouse belongs to the group of vertebrates called mammals. Mammals are characterized by having hair or fur, giving birth to live young, and producing milk to nourish their offspring. Mice, along with other animals such as dogs, cats, and humans, are mammals. They have a backbone, internal skeleton, and are warm-blooded.
12.
This group of vertebrates are robins and owls.
Correct Answer
A. Birds
Explanation
Robins and owls are both types of birds. Birds are a group of vertebrates characterized by having feathers, beaks, laying hard-shelled eggs, and possessing the ability to fly. Robins and owls belong to the avian family and share common characteristics such as having wings, hollow bones, and a specialized respiratory system. Therefore, the correct answer is birds.
13.
This word describes the different stages of an animal's life.
Correct Answer
A. Life cycle
Explanation
The term "life cycle" refers to the various stages that an animal goes through during its lifetime, from birth or hatching to growth, reproduction, and eventually death. It encompasses the different developmental phases and changes that an organism undergoes, such as infancy, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. The life cycle is a fundamental concept in biology and helps us understand the processes and patterns of growth and development in living organisms.
14.
All basal vertebrates breathe with ___________.
Correct Answer
B. Gills
Explanation
Basal vertebrates, which include fish and some amphibians, have gills as their respiratory organs. Gills are specialized structures that allow these organisms to extract oxygen from water. They consist of thin, feathery filaments that are rich in blood vessels. As water passes over the gills, oxygen diffuses into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide is released. This adaptation enables basal vertebrates to efficiently extract oxygen from their aquatic environment, allowing them to survive and thrive underwater.
15.
Which of the following are mammalian traits?
Correct Answer
D. All of these
Explanation
All of the given options are mammalian traits. Mammals are characterized by having four limbs, a 4 chambered heart, and the presence of mammary glands. These traits are unique to mammals and distinguish them from other animal groups. The presence of four limbs allows mammals to have a wide range of mobility and adaptability. The 4 chambered heart is a specialized organ that allows for efficient circulation of oxygenated blood throughout the body. The presence of mammary glands enables mammals to produce milk, which is used to nourish their offspring. Therefore, all of these traits are specific to mammals.