The Big Five - Plus Five Trivia Quiz

Answer: False

Both sexes of the African buffalo, also called the Cape buffalo, have horns, although those of the bull have a heavy boss and upward curve. The lion is one of their main predators, however, a herd of buffalo working together can successfully defend itself against an entire pride of lions.

It is said that buffalo look at people as if we owe them money; a wounded buffalo male is considered to be most dangerous by hunters. That is one of the reasons they made the Big Five list!

Answer: Females

The lioness, who is responsible for finding food, usually hunts at night or early in the morning, however she will hunt whenever the opportunity presents itself. They aren't the fastest animals, but some of the animals they hunt, such as wildebeest, are. Consequently, hunting takes planning and coordinated effort. Either they stalk and then pounce with a sudden burst of speed, or they simply hide near a watering hole and wait. What helps them most is that lions are usually patient, and are smarter than the animals they hunt.

Their prey consists of wildebeest, zebras, buffalo and warthog, although they won't pass up most food when available.

Answer: An old female.

Elephants live in family groups of cows, calves, and young offspring that are led by an old female. Because most elephant behavior has to be learned, the male offspring stay with the herd until sometime between the ages of twelve to fifteen, while the female offspring simply become part of the herd.

It was once thought that male bulls became the leaders, however, it has been found that they are often solitary.

Answer: Second

There are "big cats", including the lion, leopard and cheetah, and "small cats", including the African wild cat, black-footed cat, caracal, and servals. The leopard can be found in a wide variety of habitats; all they need is some type of cover like rocks or thick brush. Nocturnal hunters, the leopard usually kills large prey by asphyxiation, while smaller animals are killed with a bite that severs the spinal cord.

Answer: Color

Actually both are the same color; the difference is in the shape of the mouth. The white rhino has a wider mouth that is well suited to its preferred method of eating, which is grazing. A black rhino has a hooked mouth, which is more suited to browsing.

The white rhino is also larger than the black rhino. In the Kruger National Park, the white rhino lives in the woodlands, while the black rhino lives in dense brush.

Answer: Because of its savage attacks on whales.

Called "Ballena asesina", or "assassin whale" by the Spanish, orcas were called "whale killers" by sailors who saw their attacks on whales larger than themselves. Technically a dolphin, the orca is known to hunt large whales in packs, earning them the nickname "Wolves of the Sea". Orcas have never been known to attack humans in the wild; it is believed that we are just not tasty enough, as they are rather picky eaters.

The only instance of orcas attacking humans has happened at aquatic parks; some scientists believe that those attacks were not malicious, but maybe an example of play getting too rough, while others believe the pressure of captivity might have caused the attacks.

As far as attacking each other is concerned, it is believed that in the wild orcas abide by social rules that prohibit violence against each other. If, for some reason, there is a disagreement, they simply flee and give each other some needed space!

Answer: South America

An extremely adaptable animal, the wild boar can be found in many different habitats. Commonly known as European wild pigs, hogs or boars, they can run fast and swim well. They will eat almost anything! Extremely dangerous to hunt, it is very important to know their habits.

For example, it is said of many animals that nothing is more dangerous than a mother protecting its young. When finding piglets in the wild, don't pick them up! They will squeal, and their mother will come running at a full charge! Not only are they very strong, but they also have razor-sharp tusks!

Answer: Grizzly bear cubs are born while the mother is sleeping.

Grizzly bear cubs are born while the mother is hibernating. Usually born in pairs, they are born blind, hairless, and toothless. They snuggle with their mother and nurse for 2-3 months before spring comes. By then they are ready to leave the den with their mother.

Grizzly bears are intelligent and believed to have good memories. They will eat a variety of food including salmon, berries, nuts, leaves, and roots, among others. Over land they can run at speeds as high as 35 mph, so it won't be possible for human to run away from one. As with other animals, a mother whose cubs are threatened can be very aggressive. It is estimated that they account for approximately 70% of fatal bear injuries to humans.

Answer: True

The devil's body structure enables it to have one of the strongest bites per unit body mass of any land predator. With a large head and neck and a powerful jaw, it is considered by some to have the most powerful bite force relative to its body size. Known for its willingness to eat just about anything, devils will eat an entire animal, including bones, fur, and intestines.

It will also eat carcasses and live in the body cavity until they are finished eating!

Answer: Stalk

With a relatively weak sense of smell in comparison to other canines, the gray wolf is likely to locate prey through a chance encounter or by tracking. Next, they stalk. While trying to conceal themselves, they attempt to get as close as possible to their prey before stage three, which is encountering. Once the prey knows the wolves are there, it can either stand its ground, run away, or approach. Larger animals usually stand their ground, which actually might bode well for their survival, as wolves require the stimulus of a running animal to proceed with an attack.

The fourth stage is the rush. If the prey runs, it is important for the wolves to respond quickly. They may not be able to catch up with prey that runs fast! Considered to be a continuation of the rush, stage five, the chase, hopefully (for the wolf) ends with the kill. Humans are not considered part of the wolf's natural prey, however, for centuries "big bad wolves" have been feared!