Here there be Dragons! Trivia Quiz

Answer: False

While the name 'Komodo dragon' is drawn from the Indonesian island Komodo - indeed, one name of the species is 'Komodo Island monitor' - it can also be found on nearby islands Rincah, Flores, Padar, Gili Dasami and Gili Motang, and a number of smaller islands.

Protected under Indonesian law, the Komodo National Park was established in 1980 to provide a protected habitat for the gigantic lizard. It encompasses the islands of Komodo, Padar and Rincah, plus 26 smaller islands.

Answer: Land crocodile

Komodo dragons prefer hot and dry terrain, thus are often found in open grassland, savannah, and tropical forest. They are mostly active during the daytime, and are largely solitary creatures.

An adult Komodo dragon in the wild typically grows to about 150 pounds (70 kg) in weight, and the largest ever (verified) wild Komodo dragon was measured at 10 feet 3 inches (3.13 m) in length and weighed 370 pounds (166 kg). In the wild, Komodo dragons can live anywhere between 30 and 50 years, if not prematurely killed.

Answer: Flying dragons

The membranes that enable the Draco lizards to glide through the air are known as patagial membranes. This is the same name for the similar bodily structures of other animals known to glide, such as flying squirrels, as well as bats, who actually do fly with their patagial membranes.

Answer: False

In fact, there are over 30 identified species within the Draco genus (according to Wikipedia). The original classification of Draco as a genus name was made by Linnaeus in 1758.

Answer: True

Of the several species of bearded dragons known to exist, the most commonly known is Pogona vitticeps, or central bearded dragon. This species is the one most commonly found in pet stores around the world, although other species have also been 'domesticated'. Their distinctive spiky ridges make them look quite ferocious.

Answer: Australia

Bearded dragons prefer the dry climate prevalent over much of Australia. They enjoy sunning on rocks in the heat of the day, and are also avid climbers, so can be found in open woodlands as well as semi-desert areas. Beardies enjoy eating insects and worms, but also will eat greenery and fruit as part of their diet.

Answer: Any of these

Green water dragon is yet another name by which Physignathus cocincinus is also known. That said, the most commonly used of the four names is Chinese water dragon. The lizard can be found in southeast Asia, is primarily green in colour, and grows to be approximately one metre in length.

Answer: Submerge itself under water

Chinese/Asian/Thai/Green water dragons are very at home in the water, but even so they spend the majority of their time in trees. They enjoy hot and humid climates, living near lakes and streams. Their primary sustenance consists of instects and small animals, but they will also eat plants.

When threatened, they can spend a long time under water, with various sources giving periods of 25 to 90 minutes.

Answer: Run on two legs

A member of the agamid family of lizards (like the flying dragon), the frill-necked dragon (or frill-necked lizard) will gape open its mouth and extend its frills to discourage predators or to attract a mate. They can stand on their hind legs, as well as walk and run on two feet. While a number of lizard species do manage bipedal motion at accelerated speeds, scientists are still studying the phenomenon to find commonalities between all lizard species that manage it.

As with most lizards, the frill-necked dragon primarily enjoys insects in its diet, although these lizards are especially fond of butterflies.

Answer: Australia

Native to New Guinea in addition to Australia, the frill-necked dragon (or lizard) has nevertheless achieved more Australian fame through its use as the mascot of the 2000 Paralympic Games. It was also chosen as the emblem of an Australian military unit because of its speed, aggression and its ability to blend into its surroundings.

Australia's 2-cent coin was introduced in 1966, and withdrawn from circulation in 1992 (after stopping production in 1991), along with the 1-cent coin.