The Ultimate Penguin Quiz
Penguins are creatures you see in the zoo or in nature movies, unless you happen to have been part of an expedition to the North Pole. Take this quiz to learn a little more about these flightless birds.
Question 2 of 21
How many species of penguins are there?
... There are 17 species of penguins.
Question 3 of 21
How different are the various species?
... They differ in size and the markings on heads and necks, but otherwise are similar in appearance.
Question 4 of 21
What is the smallest penguin?
... The little blue penguin is the smallest, reaching a height of 12 inches (30 cm).
Question 5 of 21
How tall is the largest penguin?
... The largest penguin reaches 39 inches (1 m).
Question 6 of 21
How did the jackass penguin get its name?
... It received that name because of its loud braying call.
Question 7 of 21
What is special about the rockhopper penguin?
... Since they nest about 500 feet (150 meters) above sea level, they have to hop up steep rocky slopes.
Question 8 of 21
Why are these nests located above sea level?
... These nests are located high above sea level to keep them safe from predator leopard seals, which are not good climbers.
Question 9 of 21
What are distinguishing features of rockhoppers?
... The rockhopper has a bright orange-red bill, a yellow crest and red eyes.
Question 10 of 21
Where are the Galápagos penguin to be found?
... They are found in the Galápagos Islands, on the Equator.
Question 11 of 21
Why is this species endangered?
... Human encroachment on its food supply and hunting grounds endangers these penguins
Question 12 of 21
How do penguins often move across ice?
... They often throw themselves on their stomachs and glide across the ice.
Question 13 of 21
How do penguins swim in the water?
... They use their flipperlike wings to swim while guiding themselves with their feet.
Question 14 of 21
At what speed can some penguins swim?
... Some can swim at more than 20 miles per hour (32km/h).
Question 15 of 21
To what depths can an emperor penguin dive?
... The emperor penguin dives to more than 1,700 feet (518 m).
Question 16 of 21
When do penguins eat?
... They eat only when they are at sea and their diet consists of fish, squid and shrimps.
Question 17 of 21
Which penguin usually incubates the eggs?
... The male and female usually take turns incubating.
Question 18 of 21
What does an incubating penguin eat?
... The incubating penguin does not eat.
Question 19 of 21
What makes the emperor penguin's breeding habits unique?
... A few hours after she lays it, the female turns the egg over to the male, who incubates it for a two-month period.
Question 20 of 21
How does the emperor penguin incubate its egg in the Antarctic?
... It doesn't build a nest, but incubates the egg by carrying it on its foot, protected by a fold of skin.
Question 21 of 21
Can a penguin breathe underwater?
... Penguins have lungs and lack gills, which means they need to surface to breathe.
Find Your Perfect Pet
