Come Play the "Whaddayaget" Game! Quiz

Answer: A 'Moosequito'

Recognized for the palm-like antlers on the males (compared to the 'twig' type antlers of other species), the moose is actually known as 'elk' in Europe. While the plural form of the similar-sounding 'goose' is geese, the plural for the moose is still 'moose' (not meese, or mooses).

The adult females of certain mosquito species are responsible for transmitting diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever and elephantiasis (to name a few), affecting millions of people throughout the world on a yearly basis.

Answer: A 'Pandaconda'

In the wild, the giant panda is found in several mountain ranges in central and western China, and is still classified as an endangered species. While the panda's diet consists of approximately 99% bamboo, it actually receives very little protein from the plant, so it must eat constantly to stay full, and limits its range of movement to conserve energy.

The giant anaconda (or green anaconda), native to South America, is considered to be the largest species of snake in terms of weight and diameter, and can grow to a length of 20 feet (or possibly more) and weight of 550 pounds. A member of the boa family, the anaconda does not use venom to kill its prey (which can include animals as large as goats), but will crush its meal in its coils and swallow it whole.

Answer: A 'Hawkodile'

The term 'hawk' is used throughout the world to describe a variety of birds of prey (or 'raptors', meaning 'to seize'). The many species of goshawks and sparrowhawks are among those considered 'true' hawks, and all share visual abilities several times that of human beings.

Scientists believe that crocodiles date as far back as 200 million years, and have changed very little throughout the course of time. Found in fresh and salt water environments all over the world, crocodiles feed primarily on mammals (even humans), fish and other reptiles, and some species can grow to a length of over 15 feet and weigh over 2,500 pounds.

Answer: A 'Badgeraffe'

Badger burrows (known as setts) can be very large, and can accomodate a clan that can number as many as 15 animals. Badgers are known to be very aggressive when protecting their young, and are capable of fighting off predators much larger than themselves if necessary.

Giraffes live in the savannas and grasslands of central and south Africa, and adults average in height from 14 to 17 feet tall. They are herbivores (plant-eaters), and are able to go for long periods of time without water.

Answer: A 'Fladingo'

Flamingos feed on algae and brine shrimp, which their beaks filter from mud and silt. Their pinkish color comes from the beta carotene and bacteria that is in their food, and would indicate good health; a flamingo which is pale would probably be undernourished or sick. Young flamingos are grey after hatching.

Dingoes are considered to be the top terrestrial predator in Australia, and they are not well thought of by the sheep industry, even though domesticated livestock makes up only a small part of the dingoes' diet (dusky rats, red kangaroos, swamp wallabies and common brushtail possums, among others, seem to be their preferred game). While many people believe that dingoes are incapable of barking, this is not true. Dingoes do not have as many 'barking variations' as other dogs, and they do not tend to bark as frequently as other canine species, but they do have the ability to do so.

Answer: A 'Hareacuda'

One of the main differences between hares and rabbits is that while rabbits bear their young underground in burrows, infant hares are born in nests or shallow depressions above ground. Normally larger than rabbits, hares are born with fur and open eyes to quickly adapt to their above-ground lifestyle. Common hare species include the jackrabbit, the snowshoe hare and the European brown hare.

Barracudas can be found in tropical and subtropical oceans throughout the world, and are known for being not only scavengers, but formidable predators as well. While adult barracudas generally live and hunt alone, younger members of the species often get together in groups (known as a battery). Barracudas can reach a length of approximately six feet, and should be avoided if at all possible, as the fish has been known to attack swimmers (mistaking them for prey).

Answer: A "Kangagnu"

Kangaroos are found only on the Australian continent, and they are one of Australia's national symbols. It is the only larger animal known to propel itself by means of hopping, and can reach speeds of up to 44 mph (70 km/h) over short distances. A baby kangaroo (known as a 'joey') will develop primarily in its mother's pouch after birth, and is normally ready to leave the pouch after approximately eight months.

Gnus are also known as wildebeests, and are native to Africa, living mostly in open woodland or grassy plains environments. Gnus are well known for their annual need to migrate to other feeding areas, and as the herds usually have to cross rivers to get to where they are going, they are a favorite prey of crocodiles. Gnus also fall prey to lions, cheetahs and hyenas, but use the sheer numbers of the herd to protect their young.

Answer: A "Bacoon"

Baboons are also known as 'Old World monkeys', which are native to Africa and parts of Asia. All baboons may be distinguished by their long muzzles (much like a dog's) as well as the callused skin pads on their backsides, which provides the baboon comfort while sitting. Baboons are social primates, and live in groups (called troops or congresses) from five to up to over 200 animals, but normally numbering about 50.

Racoons were originally native only to North America, but due to human introductions or accidental escape from captivity, they now range throughout Europe, Japan and parts of Asia. Because of their facial 'mask', high degree of intelligence, and dexterous front paws, racoons have reputations of being sly 'trouble-makers' among humans. This perception has been enhanced by several of the myths and legends concerning racoons passed down from certain Native American tribes.

Answer: A 'Shrimpanzee'

Shrimp are crustaceans which can be found both in salt and fresh water, and are usually considered 'bottom-feeders'. They are very resistant to the poisons in polluted waters, and as they are a very important food source to larger animals (including humans), they are possible contributors to the high toxin levels in the animals that eat them. However, shrimp (as well as the larger-sized prawns) are also farmed for human consumption, which lessens the possibility of poisoning.

The boundary of the habitat of the two existing species of chimpanzee (native only to Africa) is formed by the Congo River, which separates the common chimpanzee living in Central and West Africa from the bonobo, which live in the forests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Closely related to orangutans, gorillas and (according to evolutionary history) humans, chimpanzees are highly intelligent, but can also be extremely aggressive, and have been known to kill one another over territorial disputes.

Answer: A 'Toadrunner'

The main difference between toads and frogs is generally associated with habitat, as toads are more adapted to drier environments, while frogs are usually semi-aquatic. Most toads also have a brownish skin color for camouflage purposes, while many frogs can be very multi-colored. 'True' toads will only eat live food (primarily insects), and are native to every continent on Earth with the exceptions of Antartica and Australia.

There are two species of roadrunner; the greater roadrunner, which can be found in the southwestern portion of the United States, and the lesser roadrunner, living in Mexico and Central America. Roadrunners prefer running (and can reach speeds up to 20mph) to flying, but are able to fly to escape danger. They are omnivores (eating both meat and plants), and are a predator of both rattlesnakes and tarantula hawk wasps, as well as a variety of insects, tarantulas and scorpions.