How to Identify and Classify Gerbils
  • 1. What is the most common species of gerbil kept as a pet?
A) Mongolian Gerbil
B) Bushy-tailed Jird
C) Shaw's Jird
D) Fat-tailed Gerbil
  • 2. A gerbil's tail is typically:
A) Hairless and prehensile
B) Covered in scales
C) Hairy and long
D) Short and stubby
  • 3. Gerbils are native to what type of environment?
A) Arid and semi-arid regions
B) Arctic tundra
C) Tropical rainforests
D) Temperate forests
  • 4. What is a key physical feature that distinguishes a gerbil from a mouse?
A) Their large ears
B) Their long whiskers
C) Their pointed snout
D) Their fully furred tail
  • 5. The dental formula of a gerbil indicates they are primarily:
A) Omnivores
B) Herbivores/Granivores
C) Carnivores
D) Insectivores
  • 6. What does 'crepuscular' mean in the context of gerbil activity?
A) Primarily active during the day
B) Activity is random
C) Most active at dawn and dusk
D) Primarily active during the night
  • 7. What is a 'split cage' method used for when introducing gerbils?
A) To separate fighting gerbils permanently
B) To provide separate eating areas
C) To house gerbils of different ages
D) To gradually introduce gerbils to each other
  • 8. What is 'tail slip' in gerbils?
A) Loss of fur or skin from the tail
B) A disease affecting the tail
C) A type of tail marking
D) A normal shedding process
  • 9. What is a common social behavior observed in gerbils?
A) Foot drumming
B) Tail wagging (like dogs)
C) Hissing
D) Baring teeth
  • 10. What is the average lifespan of a pet gerbil?
A) 1-2 years
B) 5-7 years
C) 8-10 years
D) 2-4 years
  • 11. What is the scientific family that gerbils belong to?
A) Cricetidae
B) Leporidae
C) Sciuridae
D) Muridae
  • 12. Which of the following is NOT a common color variation in Mongolian Gerbils?
A) Calico
B) Lilac
C) Agouti
D) Black
  • 13. What type of bedding is generally NOT recommended for gerbils?
A) Paper-based bedding
B) Hemp bedding
C) Aspen shavings
D) Pine or Cedar shavings
  • 14. Why is it important to provide gerbils with a sand bath?
A) For maintaining coat hygiene
B) As a source of hydration
C) To sharpen their claws
D) To cool them down
  • 15. What is a harderian gland?
A) A salivary gland
B) A gland near the eye that produces a red secretion.
C) A scent gland on the abdomen
D) A digestive gland
  • 16. What is the gestation period of a gerbil?
A) Approximately 24-26 days
B) Approximately 30-32 days
C) Approximately 40-42 days
D) Approximately 16-18 days
  • 17. What does the term 'pup' refer to in gerbils?
A) An adult male gerbil
B) A group of gerbils
C) A baby gerbil
D) An adult female gerbil
  • 18. Why do gerbils prefer living in pairs or groups?
A) To ensure adequate food supply
B) They are social animals
C) Due to instinctual breeding habits
D) For protection from predators (even in captivity)
  • 19. What is a common health issue in gerbils related to high humidity?
A) Glaucoma
B) Dermatitis
C) Pneumonia
D) Kidney failure
  • 20. What is the main source of identifying markings for gerbils?
A) Nose color
B) Coat color and pattern
C) Ear size and shape
D) Tail length
  • 21. What type of enclosure is best suited for gerbils?
A) A small plastic cage
B) A glass tank or wire cage with a deep base
C) A bird cage
D) A hamster ball
  • 22. What is the function of a gerbil's scent gland on its abdomen?
A) A defense mechanism
B) Marking territory
C) Regulating body temperature
D) Attracting mates
  • 23. What is a key sign of a healthy gerbil?
A) Lethargy and hiding
B) Constant sleeping
C) Aggression towards owners
D) Alert and active behavior
  • 24. Why should you avoid sudden temperature changes for gerbils?
A) It can affect their breeding cycle
B) It can lead to dehydration
C) They are susceptible to respiratory infections
D) It can cause skin irritation
  • 25. Which food type should form the bulk of a gerbil's diet?
A) Fruits
B) Seeds
C) Fresh vegetables
D) Commercial gerbil food
  • 26. What is the most important element for gerbil enrichment?
A) Chew toys
B) Loud music
C) Mirrors
D) Bright lights
  • 27. How often should a gerbil cage be cleaned?
A) Only when it smells bad
B) Once or twice a week
C) Every day
D) Once a month
  • 28. What distinguishes a duprasi gerbil from a Mongolian gerbil?
A) Shorter, thicker tail
B) Bushier tail
C) Smaller size
D) Longer ears
  • 29. What is a potential consequence of housing gerbils in a cage that is too small?
A) Increased aggression and stress
B) Improved bonding between gerbils
C) Increased activity and playfulness
D) Enhanced breeding success
  • 30. What should you do if your gerbil starts losing weight rapidly?
A) Ignore it, as it might be a temporary fluctuation
B) Consult a veterinarian
C) Increase their food intake drastically
D) Give them sugary treats to encourage eating
Created with That Quiz — a math test site for students of all grade levels.