Rocket-ing Animals Trivia Quiz

Answer: Ostrich

If you've seen a picture of an ostrich, you will know that it has very long legs. It is the largest type of bird, and also lays the biggest eggs. Ostriches can run as fast as 70 kilometres per hour (43 miles per hour). They could finish a marathon distance of 26 miles in about 40 minutes.

Question by Rockette: rossian

Answer: Hare

In the story 'The Tortoise and the Hare', the hare was over-confident in his ability to beat the tortoise and stopped mid-race for a rest. He then lost when tortoise kept going and overtook him. In real life, it's unlikely that any of the species of hare mentioned would lose a race to a tortoise as they are generally capable of reaching speeds of up to 80 kilometres per hour (50 miles per hour).

Question by Rockette: Fifiona81

Answer: Swordfish

Along with the sailfish, the swordfish is one of the fastest fish in the world, and can reach speeds of around 60 mph. They use their speedy abilities to catch their prey, which includes mackerel, herring and squid (yum!). Although they are not eaten by many other marine animals, swordfish have been known to fall prey to the killer whale.

Question by Rockette: pagea

Answer: Leatherback sea turtle

These beautiful animals swim mostly in the world's southern waters. Their back is made of a very thick skin. They have very long fins which help them swim at speeds over 30 kilometres per hour (20 miles per hour).

Question by Rockette: mlcmlc

Answer: Peregrine falcon

The peregrine falcon can be found in the skies above most parts of the world. It is a bird of prey and generally eats other, smaller (and slower) birds, as well as mice and other rodents. The peregrine falcon has been measured flying at over 320 kilometres per hour (equivalent to over 200 miles per hour).

Question by Rockette: Fifiona81

Answer: Greyhound

Greyhounds are the fastest dog breed in the world, with top speeds of 40 mph not uncommon. During a greyhound race the dogs chase a 'lure' which is made to look something like a rabbit, though the lure always gets to the finish first. After a greyhound has finished their racing career, it is very important for someone to adopt them and give them a loving home.

Question by Rockette: pagea

Answer: Cheetah

The cheetah will stalk its prey until ready, and then sprint over the remaining distance until they catch the prey or give up the chase. They have semi-retractable claws which allow them to firmly grip the ground. In captivity, they have been recorded at speeds over 90 kilometres per hour (55 miles per hour).

Question by Rockette: mlcmlc

Answer: Horse-fly

Horse-flies are sometimes also known as gadflies and can inflict a nasty bite on you. While they mainly eat nectar from flowers and plants, they need to get a meal of blood from another creature to help them reproduce. They get their name from the fact that horses and other large mammals are their favourite source of that blood. Apparently they can also fly at speeds of up to 145 kilometres per hour (or 90 miles per hour).

Question by Rockette: Fifiona81

Answer: Wildebeest

The wildebeest is also known as a gnu, and forms huge herds when the animals migrate to find fresh grazing. The animals need to run fast to escape from predators like hyenas.

Question by Rockette: rossian

Answer: Kangaroo

Using its large feet, the kangaroo can cover a lot of ground in one hop. It has a top speed of 70 kilometres per hour (44 miles per hour) but only over a short distance. It can keep going at a more comfortable speed of around 20 kilometres an hour for a long time, though.

Question by Rockette: rossian