There has been a debate for years about the use of animal fur for garments. Without taking sides, let's look at the facts. Take this quiz to learn more about this subject.
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Question 2 of 21
What is fur?
Animal skins that have been processed to make garments.
It is a synthetic fiber that resembles animal hair.
It is the hair on the skin of certain mammals.
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Fur is the hairy covering of certain mammals. It consists of two layers: the underfur, the soft curly hair next to the skin, and the longer, stiffer guard hair.
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Question 3 of 21
What purpose does the fur of an animal serve?
It keeps the animal warm
Provides a source of camouflage for the animal.
It's just a form of decoration.
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Fur keeps animals warm, because the hairs keep a layer of air that provides insulation against the cold.
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Question 4 of 21
How can you tell a good quality fur?
Check the label.
It is luminous, uniform in color and texture.
It should be supple and soft.
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A good quality fur is luminous and uniform in color and texture.
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Question 5 of 21
What is required by law regarding labeling a fur?
name of animal, country of origin, added coloring
colors used and purpose of garment
statement that it is not a protected species
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The law requires the label to state the name of the animal, whether it has been dyed and the country of origin.
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Question 6 of 21
When is the best fur taken?
Before the animal is killed.
Best time is during the winter.
After the animal reaches maturity.
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The best time is soon after the animal reaches maturity.
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Question 7 of 21
Which of these countries is the chief exporter of furs?
Australia
Scandinavian countries
India
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Among the chief exporters are the Scandinavian countries, the United States, Canada and the Netherlands.
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Question 8 of 21
Where do the pelts for the fur trade come from?
fur-breeders
hunters
wildlife societies
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Animals are bred for their fur or are trapped.
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Question 9 of 21
What are the most important trapping areas in the United States?
New York and New Jersey
Alabama and Georgia
Alaska and Louisiana
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Alaska and Louisiana are the main areas.
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Question 10 of 21
What is the source of most of the furs in the United States fur industry?
trappers
fur farms
meat industry
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About 90 percent come from fur farms.
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Question 11 of 21
Is there any regulation of the trapping trade?
Trappers just have to have a permit.
No regulation is required - most of the trapped animals are nuisances.
It is closely regulated.
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State and provincial governments closely regulate the trapping trade.
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Question 12 of 21
How does a fur farm operate?
Animals selected for pelts are placed in individual enclosures and fed a balanced diet.
Animals roam freely and feed on whatever they can find.
Animals are placed in small groups and fed corn.
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Animals selected for pelts are placed in individual enclosures and fed a balanced diet until their fur reaches its prime.
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Question 13 of 21
How do fur farmers usually sell their pelts?
eBay
auction
local country stores
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They generally sell them at auction.
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Question 14 of 21
Where do trappers usually sell their pelts?
auction
manufacturers
dealers
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Trappers sell their pelts to country stores or to dealers.
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Question 15 of 21
How difficult is it to get a permit to trap bears?
Trade in bear furs is prohibited.
Bears can only be trapped during a short period during hunting season.
Permits are extremely expensive.
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Extremely -- bears are an endangered species and trade in their furs is prohibited.
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Question 16 of 21
What do animal-rights advocates demand?
more humane farming
oppose any use of fur
limited use of furs
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They oppose the use of furs of any type.
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Question 17 of 21
How are pelts preserved?
soaked in potash alum
coated with fish oil
stretched and dried
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They are first stretched and dried
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Question 18 of 21
What does soaking in saltwater do?
Removes bits of fat sticking to the skin.
Softens skin and stops bacteria.
Makes skin opaque.
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It softens the skin and stops bacterial action.
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Question 19 of 21
How are the pelts softened?
After being rubbed with an oil compound they are beaten in a kicker.
They are rinsed with ammonia alum and coated with cod-liver oil.
They are soaked in sodium carbonate and oil.
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They are rubbed in an oil compound and then placed in a drum known as a "kicker" to be softened by beating.
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Question 20 of 21
Why are furs usually dyed?
legal requirement
to eliminate residual smell
to match other skins or to resemble more expensive furs
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To eliminate the work of matching skins or to resemble more valuable furs.
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Question 21 of 21
What do furriers recommend to preserve the appearance of the fur?
dry cleaning
wetting and ironing
coating with a special oil spray
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They recommend glazing -- wetting and ironing -- to increase luster.
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