FREE! Click here to Join FunTrivia. Thousands of games, quizzes, and lots more!

Dugongs Trivia Quiz

Here is a quiz on dugongs.

A multiple-choice quiz by Popramah3. Estimated time: 2 mins.

Author
Popramah3

Time
2 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
416,449

Updated
Jun 19 24

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
7 / 10

Plays
131

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. What is the scientific name of the dugong? Hint

Dugong dugon

Trichechus manatus

Trichechus senegalensis

Trichechus inunguis

NEXT>

Question 2 of 10

2. Which of the following species is closely related to the dugongs? Hint

Crabs

Whales

Elephants

Dolphins

NEXT>

Question 3 of 10

3. Dugongs are endemic to the coastal waters of Australia.

True

False

NEXT>

Question 4 of 10

4. Which of the following terms describes the feeding habit of dugongs? Hint

Carnivorous

Omnivorous

Scavengers

Herbivorous

NEXT>

Question 5 of 10

5. Which adaptation does the dugong have to help in its mode of feeding? Hint

Poisonous saliva

Strong claws for food capture

Sensory bristles for food detection

Retractable claws for increased traction

NEXT>

Question 6 of 10

6. Why do dugongs prefer shallow waters to deep waters? Hint

They have poor vision

They can't dive

Food availability

They lack fins

NEXT>

Question 7 of 10

7. Dugongs can be found in freshwater environments.

True

False

NEXT>

Question 8 of 10

8. What role does the split fluke play in dugong's life?

Locomotion

Excretion

NEXT>

Question 9 of 10

9. What is the conservation implication of the belief that dugongs' bones can cure numerous diseases? Hint

Increase in dugong population

Dugong population remains stable.

Health services improvement

Decline in dugong population

NEXT>

Question 10 of 10

10. Which of these acts as an anti-predatory mechanism for the dugong? Hint

Spines

Spitting venom

Thick, tough skin

Smelly oil secretion

(Optional) Create a Free FunTrivia ID to save the points you are about to earn:

Select a User ID:

Choose a Password:

Your Email:

Most Recent Scores

Nov 18 2024 : piet: 10/10
Nov 13 2024 : sadwings: 6/10

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. What is the scientific name of the dugong?

Answer: Dugong dugon

The scientific name is derived from the generic name "Dugong" and the specific name "dugon". The species is the sole extant member of the family Dungogidae following the extinction of Steller's sea cow in 1768.

The other options are the scientific names of the dugongs' cousins, the manatee species. Trichechus senegalensis is the scientific name for the West African manatee, Trichechus manatus is the scientific name for the West Indian manatee and Trichechus inunguis is the scientific name for the Amazonian manatee.

2. Which of the following species is closely related to the dugongs?

Answer: Elephants

Elephants and dugongs are classified under the same supercohort Afrotheria "clade of African mammals," cohort Paenungulata, down to super-order Tethytheria.

Though they share the same habitat with whales, dolphins and crabs they are not related to any of these species.

3. Dugongs are endemic to the coastal waters of Australia.

Answer: False

Dugongs can be found in the coastal waters of three continents, namely Asia, Australia, and Africa. Dugongs have an extremely large range, being found from the coastal waters of East Africa to Vanuatu.

Despite the wide range, discontinuities in habitat are the major threat to the species.

4. Which of the following terms describes the feeding habit of dugongs?

Answer: Herbivorous

Dugongs are sea grass specialists, uprooting the whole plant, making them herbivores. They favor the species of two genera of sea grass, namely Halophila and Halodule.

5. Which adaptation does the dugong have to help in its mode of feeding?

Answer: Sensory bristles for food detection

Dugongs have sensory bristles on their muzzles, which are receptors that help them detect and locate seagrass in the water. These bristles are part of a system called the "vibrissae system," which is sensitive to touch, pressure, and vibration.

6. Why do dugongs prefer shallow waters to deep waters?

Answer: Food availability

Dugongs are obligate bottom feeders, and they depend primarily on sea grasses. Sea grasses are found in shallow waters since they require sunlight penetration.

7. Dugongs can be found in freshwater environments.

Answer: False

Dugongs are primarily marine mammals, unlike their cousins, manatees, which are primarily freshwater mammals.

8. What role does the split fluke play in dugong's life?

Answer: Locomotion

Dugongs have a horizontally split, paddle-like tail which provides increased maneuverability and allows them to swim and feed effectively.

9. What is the conservation implication of the belief that dugongs' bones can cure numerous diseases?

Answer: Decline in dugong population

This belief accelerates the hunting pressure the demand for dugong bones drives illegal hunting and trade, resulting in a significant decline in dugong populations.

Despite being protected by law in many countries, the illegal hunting of dugongs continues to be a significant threat.

10. Which of these acts as an anti-predatory mechanism for the dugong?

Answer: Thick, tough skin

Dugong skin is thick and tough, providing some protection against predation attempts.

Older dugongs lack natural predators, but known predators of young dugongs are killer whales, sharks, and marine crocodiles.

Source: Author Popramah3

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor rossian before going online.
Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.