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