Question 1: This verdant scene is in Mount Field National Park, just 40 miles from Hobart. Where are we?
- Tasmania
- Colorado
- Alberta
Correct Answer: Tasmania
Fact: Like mainland Australia, the island state of Tasmania is home to many distinct landscapes and ecosystems. Today’s image features two plants found nowhere on Earth but Tasmania: the pandani, or giant grass tree, and Tasmanian snow gum, growing in Mount Field National Park.
Question 2: What was Tasmania named after?
- An animal
- A king
- An explorer
Correct Answer: An explorer
Fact: Aboriginal Peoples have inhabited Tasmania for around 42,000 years. It wasn’t until 1642 that European explorers first saw the island during an expedition led by Dutch seafarer Abel Tasman. Originally named Anthony van Diemen’s Land after Tasman’s sponsor, the British renamed the island in 1856 to honor Tasman himself.
Question 3: What makes platypuses and echidnas unique?
- They can fly and swim
- They only live in Tasmania
- They’re mammals that lay eggs
Correct Answer: They’re mammals that lay eggs
Fact: Platypuses and echidnas are the only members of the order Monotremata. These amazing creatures are the only two mammals alive today that lay eggs. While platypuses are found only in Australia, echidnas are also native to the island of New Guinea.