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