Deadly Predators Trivia Quiz

Answer: Great horned owl

This predatory owl is a silent killer that swoops down out of the darkness to attack its prey, which includes rabbits, squirrels, and skunks. It weighs 2-3 pounds and stands over 1½ feet tall. Its wingspan can reach up to five feet. Most of these owls live in abandoned nests, trees or even caves. The coloration of their feathers provides excellent camouflage.

Answer: Cheetah

In order to catch its prey, this predator will creep stealthily through the grass and, once it's close enough, launch a high speed attack. The cheetah's habitat is the African grasslands. This cat weighs between 75 and 155 pounds. Cheetahs prefer to hunt at sunrise or sunset, their prey being small mammals and, if hunting in pairs, zebras.

Answer: Coyote

This highly efficient predator hunts day and night and usually does so alone, not in packs. Prey includes rabbits, squirrels, birds, and snakes. A coyote's main weapon is its sharp teeth, four of which are long and pointed canine teeth.

Answer: Orca (Killer whale)

Orcas are fast swimmers and usually hunt in small groups called pods. The killer whale measures about 23 feet and can weigh up to 20,000 pounds. Although it has about forty sharp, pointed teeth, it can't chew so it swallows its prey whole. Its prey mostly includes fish but it will hunt squid, seals, penguins, and sea lions.

Answer: Palestine scorpion

Depending upon the source, this scorpion is sometimes referred to as the most deadly of all scorpions. One fact is certain: its venom kills. Its habitat includes the deserts of the Middle East and North Africa. Its pale coloration allows it to blend perfectly into the sand, where it hides. The scorpion's stinger is located on its tail and is used as an effective weapon against prey.

Answer: Beaked sea snake

Besides the waters of the Persian Gulf, this reptile can be found in the waters surrounding the Philippines and North Australia. Being that these sea snakes are quite comfortable in water, they can dive 328 ft. under water and remain submerged for five hours at a time. Sea snakes have shorter fangs than their land counterparts but their venom is far more deadly.

Some people have caught these snakes in fishing nets and tried to retrieve them. Big mistake. The beaked sea snake accounts for half of all sea snake bites.

Answer: Funnel-web

The funnel-web spider can reach the size of 2.8 inches. Like many spiders, the male lies in wait until it feels a pulling at the threads of its web, then springs into action. This spider's fangs are so sharp they can penetrate clothing. The Sydney funnel-web spider has its own unique venom. Once the venom enters the bloodstream, death can result within 15 minutes.

Although it has been known to attack humans, the funnel-web spider normally feeds on snails, beetles and small lizards.

Answer: Polar bear

Although polar bears feed mostly on seals, they have been known to prey on reindeer and walruses. Their long sharp claws are meant to tear through skin and muscle while their powerful jaws can crunch through bones. This powerful predator can weigh up to 1,800 pounds and will run across snow and ice at speeds of 25 mph.

Answer: Sea wasp jellyfish

The sea wasp is also known as 'box jellyfish.' It feeds on shrimp and small fish. Each tentacle contains 500,000 stinging cells. Sea wasps can grow to twelve inches with tentacles that are as long as ten feet. Because it is colorless, this jellyfish is difficult to spot underwater which makes it that much more dangerous.

Answer: Anopheles mosquito

This species of mosquito contains a small microbe in its body. It is this microbe that passes on the disease malaria. The females drink the blood of mammals to provide nourishment for their eggs, and humans just happen to make a great target. These insects don't actually have teeth to bite.

They use a hollow feeding tube, insert it into the skin of the prey, and then suck out the blood. Besides preying on humans, mosquitos feed on flower nectar and the juices of fruits.