Question 1: What kind of whale is this?
- Blue whale
- Fin whale
- Humpback whale
Correct Answer: Humpback whale
Fact: Despite their immense size, humpback whales can be surprisingly acrobatic, as demonstrated here. These marine mammals, known for their haunting songs, were once on the edge of extinction. Thanks to conservation efforts, their population is making a comeback, although they still face threats from being caught up in fishing gear, being struck by boats, and underwater noise.
Question 2: Which reptile made a booming recovery after being marked as endangered in 1967?
- Louisiana pine snake
- Hawksbill sea turtle
- American alligator
Correct Answer: American alligator
Fact: American alligators were hunted across the South, and their populations dropped as low as 100,000. Protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, conservation efforts have seen their numbers skyrocket to an estimated 5 million. This iconic American animal is the state reptile of Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
Question 3: Which feline species hit an estimated low of just 10 animals when it was put on the first endangered species list in 1967?
- Canada lynx
- Bobcat
- Florida panther
Correct Answer: Florida panther
Fact: The Florida panther has made a recovery but is still at a crossroads, according to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, with a population of around 200 animals.