The Matin' Love Quiz: Romance in the Animal Kingdom-- February
Love is in the air, for more than just the human species! Test your knowledge of animal amore!
By Hilary Stamper and Kim Master
1. Which of the following is NOT thought to be a factor in porcupine mating?
A. The size of the male.
B. The density of a male's quills.
C. The prospective mate must ferociously guard the female against all other suitors.
D. All of the above are considered important factors.
2. Asexuality (gender neutrality) in animals is more common:
A. When animals are too old to reproduce.
B. When animals reject the overemphasis on gender in today's society.
C. In animals who live at higher latitudes or elevations.
D. When animals do not eat enough estrogen-rich foods.
3. Which is the only animal thought to mate for pleasure?
A. Cat.
B. Chipmunk.
C. Elephant.
D. Dolphin.
E. Wolf.
4. For how many days do tiger pairs mate?
A. Female tigers mate with around 15 males for about 4 days.
B. One pair will mate together for 5 to 6 days.
C. A female tiger will mate for about 15 days.
D. A pair of tigers only mate once or twice for one day and depart.
5. How does a hermaphroditic species generally reproduce?
A. They shed their gametes into water.
B. They mate after performing an elaborate ritual involving high pitched squeaks.
C. After exchanging gifts of river rocks or plants, they exchange fluids in a watery cove.
D. Huge numbers of animals group together and "pool their resources"-- literally.
6. How does a female platypus initiate a romantic (mating) encounter with a male?
A. She quacks a melodious tune.
B. She builds a "love" den and invites the male inside.
C. She swims up close against his body.
D. The male initiates romantic encounters by bringing the female suitable den-building materials.
7. After giving birth, how soon can a female rabbit successfully mate again?
A. One day.
B. One week.
C. Two weeks.
D. One month.
8. Which sex is usually more choosy about selecting a mate?
A. Females.
B. Males.
C. Gender neutral animals.
9. Once a female has allowed a male butterfly to approach, the male does what to convince her to mate?
A. He grips the female with his legs.
B. He interlocks antennae with the female.
C. He flutters wings in an entrancing pattern.
D. He secretes pheromones on his body and rubs them on the female.
10. How does a female porcupine attract suitors?
A. She climbs a tree and yowls like a cat.
B. She waddles up to a potential male and throws quills at him; she accepts only those strong enough to survive.
C. She pushes her rear into the face of suitors.
D. She runs from males and succumbs to those fast enough to keep up.
11. What happens to the antlers of a white tailed deer after mating season?
A. Males shed them.
B. Males "give" them to their chosen mates.
C. Females collect the antlers to entice males to return the following year.
D. They grow bigger and bigger.
12. Hormones, those secretions that "light your fire", are secreted into the bloodstream and:
A. Have a specific effect upon a "target" organ.
B. Regulate chemical reactions.
C. Act in trace amounts.
D. Cause people to fall in love with their companion at the time of secretion.
E. A, B and C.
13. Which female animal is the most masculinized (male-like) animal in the animal kingdom?
A. Elephants.
B. Hyenas.
C. Lynx.
D. Coyotes.
E. A, B and C.
14. Which of the following is true of a seasonal breeder?
A. Seasonal breeders always mate in the fall.
B. The drive to mate is determined by the length of the day.
C. Seasonal breeders usually have antlers.
D. Seasonal breeders always give birth in the spring.
E. A, B and C.
15. In gray wolf packs,
A. It is common for females to raise children without the help of a father wolf.
B. Females chose partners after a "howling contest" amongst available males.
C. Alpha male and female are usually the only pair in the pack to breed."
D. Females often chose a male who brings them the biggest meal during a lengthy courtship period.
16. What is the only mammal that lives in colonies, such that the entire colony raises the young of the queen mammal and members do not reproduce individually?
A. The round-tailed marmot.
B. The hairless rat shrew.
C. The naked mole-rat.
D. The vixen mouse.
