Top of the Food Chain Quiz | Carnivores

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Which of these African cats, though recognized as the fastest land animal, frequently loses its kill to other predators?

Answer: cheetah

The cheetah can, in short bursts, reach speeds of between 112 and 120 km/h (70-75 mph), with a possible acceleration of just three seconds. However, they will relinquish their kill to other intruding predators rather than fight. A cheetah maimed in a fight would quite possibly not be able to reach the speeds necessary to kill more prey.

2. The species Puma concolor ranges throughout the Americas and has been given many names. Which of these is NOT one of this cat's names?

Answer: tabby

The cougar is also called a puma, mountain cat, and panther. They are recognizable by their plain coat, though shades of color vary by climate from reddish-brown to silver-gray.

One tale states that the name "mountain lion" was derived from a Native American joke. When the settlers asked why only female skins were traded (i.e., no mane), they were told the males lived far away in the mountains.

3. The largest of the cat species can reach eleven feet in length, and have canines up to four inches long. Which of these cats might be found cooling off in a pool during the hottest days?

Answer: tiger

Though three of the tiger subspecies (Bali, Caspian and Javan) are extinct, there are six other subspecies that are currently listed as endangered. Though they once lived from Turkey to the east of Russia, their habitat is now severely reduced.

The distinctive stripes are found not only in fur coloration, but should a tiger be shaved, they are also found on the skin. A tiger's stripes are unique and can be used to identify and track individual tigers.

4. One of these big cats is graced with a long furry tail which can be used to provide warmth during the coldest seasons or used to provide balance on leaps up to 15 meters (50 feet) away. Which of these predators adapted to life in the snowy mountains of central Asia with thick fur which provides camouflage on the peaks where it hunts?

Answer: snow leopard

A big cat, the Panthera uncia or Uncia uncia, has been on the endangered list since 1972. It's estimated that there are less than 7,000 remaining in the wild, though it's hard to get an accurate count as these are shy creatures living in remote and often inhospitable areas. There are several groups working to conserve the snow leopard and their habitat.

5. The lynx is short-tailed wildcat of several species. Which of the lynx species has been classified as endangered due to loss of habitat and their normal prey, rabbits?

Answer: Iberian lynx

The Iberian lynx was classified as an endangered species in 1986. Their populations declined with the spread of disease in the rabbits that are a staple of their diet. Loss of habitat is also a contributing factor, and in 2007, only two breeding lynx populations had been located on the Iberian peninsula. SOS Lynx was founded in 2000 to help with conservation efforts for the Iberian lynx.

6. Scientists believe that during Pleistocene epoch this cat's Asian ancestors crossed Beringia to the Americas. Which of these spotted cats now only survives in the Americas?

Answer: jaguar

The jaguar can be found from the Southern United States to Argentina. The jaguar will often prey on larger animals, killing with their bite, the most forceful of all cats.

The jaguar is classified as near threatened due to many factors. A large part of their habitat has been lost to human expansion. In addition, though many humans brought cattle which the jaguar could prey on, the humans often reacted by hunting them down.

7. In southeast Asia and China, which of these large cats, which was named for its large fur color patches, has been observed climbing trees while upside down?

Answer: clouded leopard

These animals are rarely seen in the wild and little is known for sure about their habits. The captive animals have been seen climbing trees upside down, hanging upside down using their tail for balance, and running down trees head first.

Although the Sunda clouded leopard was once considered to be the same species, it was classified as separate in 2005. The Sunda clouded leopard can be found in Borneo and Sumatra.

8. One of the big cats found in Africa and Asia, which of these is easily identified by the male's mane?

Answer: lion

While this might be one of the easier questions, I felt it was worthy of attention because the lion's mane is a unique feature for cats. The male's mane can vary in length and color due to genetics, age and the environment. The mane gives the male the appearance of being a much larger animal and adds to his ability to intimidate smaller competitors such as the spotted hyena. Some research seems to indicate that the color and length of the mane also determine the male's status within the pride.

9. Which of these spotted cats, found in Africa and southern Asia, can be identified by their habit of climbing a tree to partake of their kill?

Answer: leopard

The leopard is a very agile climber and known to take a recent kill into the tree to frustrate other predators such as lions or hyenas. They can easily kill prey larger than themselves, but will also eat smaller animals.

The leopard and the jaguar both have spotted coats, and probably a common ancestor, but today their differences outnumber the similarities.

10. The opposite of albinism, a melanistic coat coloration produces a dark skin. Which of these is used to refer to a melanistic big cat?

Answer: black panther

A black panther refers to any of the big cats with totally black coloring, such as black leopards, black jaguars, possibly black cougars.

Black leopards and black jaguars have been seen and documented. However, none of the sightings of black cougars have been authenticated.

Source: Author mlcmlc

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Tizzabelle before going online.
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Top of the Food Chain Trivia Quiz

All of these cats are listed as apex predators, meaning that once they reach maturity they are not preyed upon by others. These graceful animals represent some of those at the "Top of the Food Chain".

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