1.
Which animal is NOT becoming extinct because it is being killed for its meat?
Correct Answer
A. Orangutan
Explanation
Wildlife trade involves the capture of animals for pets, zoo specimens, and research subjects, and the killing of animals for their fur or other body parts. The capture of wild animals for commercial use has endangered many species. For example, the Spix's macaw, a parrot of Brazil, is nearly extinct in the wild because so many have been captured for private bird collectors. Many primates, including the orangutan, have become endangered by the illegal killing of the mothers to capture their babies for zoos and pet dealers. Gorillas, chimpanzees, and other primates are killed for their meat, which is sold in African markets.
2.
This carnivorous plant is endangered.
Correct Answer
A. Pitcher plant
Explanation
Endangered plant: Green pitcher plant Sarracenia oreophila Alabama, Georgia Overcollection; habitat destruction
3.
This endangered big cat is also called the ounce.
Correct Answer
C. Snow leopard
Explanation
Snow leopard, sometimes called the ounce, is a large cat that lives high in the mountains of central Asia. A snow leopard has thick, pale gray fur that may show hints of tan. The fur is sprinkled with black spots. A snow leopard uses its long, fluffy tail to help maintain balance on steep, rocky slopes.
4.
These animals are hunted because some people believe that the horn has magical powers
Correct Answer
B. Rhinoceroses
Explanation
Protecting the rhinoceros. All species, especially the Javan, Sumatran, and black rhinoceroses, are nearly extinct. The growth and spread of the human population has destroyed much of the animal's habitat. Rhinoceroses are threatened by poachers—people who illegally hunt animals. Poachers kill rhinoceroses and sell their horns and skin. Many Asian people believe the powdered horn of the rhinoceros has healing qualities and can be used to cure lung and chest illnesses. Some people believe the horn has magical powers. Asian people also use the skin, blood, and urine of rhinoceroses to cure illnesses. For all these reasons, thousands of rhinoceroses have been needlessly killed.
5.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora was first supported by how many countries, but now has the support of 170.
Correct Answer
A. 9
Explanation
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is a treaty that aims to control trade in wild animals and plants, their parts, and products derived from them. Over 170 countries around the world have joined the treaty. . Nine countries became the first official parties to the treaty on July 1, 1975. They were Chile, Cyprus, Ecuador, Nigeria, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, the United States, and Uruguay.
6.
What was the world's first national park?
Correct Answer
A. Yellowstone
Explanation
Effective wildlife conservation in the United States began in the late 1800's. Congress established Yellowstone National Park, the world's first national park, in 1872.
7.
What is the primary reason orangutans are hunted?
Correct Answer
B. To collect their babies as pets
Explanation
Orangutans once lived throughout southern China and Southeast Asia. Today, they live on only two islands and are in danger of becoming extinct. The chief threats to orangutans include deforestation and hunting. Most hunting is of females to collect their babies for sale as pets. Laws protect the remaining orangutans and preserve their habitat. However, these laws are rarely enforced.
8.
What did the International Whaling Commission put a moritorium on in 1982
Correct Answer
B. Commercial whaling
Explanation
The IWC permits native peoples who have traditionally depended on whales for food to continue hunting whales. These peoples include the Inuit (sometimes called Eskimos) of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Russia. They eat whale blubber, meat, and skin. The commission regulates which whales these people may hunt and the hunting methods used. The IWC also permits the killing of whales for scientific research, a practice that has stirred controversy. In 1982, the IWC voted for a moratorium (temporary halt) on commercial whaling. The moratorium began with the 1985 and the 1986 hunting seasons.
9.
This largest living lizard is also endangered
Correct Answer
A. Komodo dragon
Explanation
Komodo, «kuh MOH doh», dragon is the largest living lizard. Komodo dragons have become endangered because people destroyed the lizards' habitat or overhunted their prey.
10.
What poses the greatest threat to the survival of a wild species?
Correct Answer
C. Loss of habitat
Explanation
Loss of habitat poses the greatest threat to the survival of wild species. Most animals and plants are specially adapted to live and reproduce in a specific environment or habitat and cannot survive when it is destroyed.