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How to Identify and Classify Terrapins - Exam
Contributed by: Wallis
  • 1. What is the primary habitat of terrapins?
A) Freshwater lakes
B) Saltwater oceans
C) Desert environments
D) Brackish water
  • 2. Which physical characteristic is common in many terrapin species?
A) Claws adapted for climbing
B) Flippers
C) Feathered scales
D) Webbed feet
  • 3. What is the most significant factor distinguishing terrapins from tortoises?
A) Size
B) Shell shape
C) Habitat preference
D) Diet
  • 4. Diamondback Terrapins are found primarily in what geographic region?
A) Central Africa
B) Australian Outback
C) Eastern United States
D) Amazon rainforest
  • 5. Which diet best describes a typical terrapin?
A) Insectivorous
B) Herbivorous
C) Omnivorous
D) Carnivorous
  • 6. What is the primary purpose of a terrapin's carapace?
A) Temperature regulation
B) Protection
C) Camouflage
D) Swimming
  • 7. How does the shell scute pattern help in terrapin identification?
A) Determines sex
B) Species-specific variations
C) Reflects diet
D) Indicates age
  • 8. What is a key characteristic to look for when identifying a Diamondback Terrapin?
A) Smooth, round shell
B) Spiked tail
C) Bright red markings
D) Diamond-shaped scutes
  • 9. What threat commonly faces terrapin populations?
A) Habitat loss
B) Overpopulation
C) Lack of food
D) Increased lifespan
  • 10. Which of these is NOT a common predator of terrapin eggs?
A) Foxes
B) Raccoons
C) Birds
D) Beavers
  • 11. What is the plastron of a terrapin?
A) The dorsal (top) part of the shell
B) The tail of the terrapin
C) The ventral (bottom) part of the shell
D) The head of the terrapin
  • 12. How do terrapins regulate their body temperature?
A) Shivering
B) Sweating
C) Hibernating year-round
D) Basking in the sun
  • 13. What is the average lifespan of a terrapin in the wild?
A) 100+ years
B) 20-40 years
C) 5-10 years
D) 50-70 years
  • 14. What is the typical breeding season for terrapins in temperate climates?
A) Spring and summer
B) Year-round
C) Fall and winter
D) Only during droughts
  • 15. What is a clutch?
A) A group of eggs laid at one time
B) A group of terrapins swimming together
C) A terrapin's hunting strategy
D) A specific type of terrapin shell
  • 16. What is the most effective way to help conserve terrapin populations?
A) Protecting their habitat
B) Feeding them regularly
C) Bringing them home as pets
D) Relocating them to different environments
  • 17. Which of the following is an invasive species that poses a threat to terrapins?
A) Red-eared Slider
B) Wood Turtle
C) Snapping Turtle
D) Eastern Box Turtle
  • 18. What is the scientific classification of terrapins?
A) Order Crocodilia
B) Order Squamata
C) Order Testudines
D) Order Anura
  • 19. What is the purpose of the hinged plastron found in some turtle species, but generally not in terrapins?
A) To help the turtle attract mates.
B) To help the turtle dig burrows.
C) To allow the turtle to completely close its shell.
D) To help the turtle swim faster.
  • 20. What is the cloaca used for?
A) Hearing
B) Reproduction, excretion and egg laying
C) Smelling
D) Defense
  • 21. What does it mean for a species to be listed as 'Threatened'?
A) Extinct.
B) Endangered.
C) Likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future.
D) Not at risk.
  • 22. Which of these is a common method for studying terrapin populations?
A) Genetic modification
B) Sonar tracking
C) Mark and recapture
D) Remote viewing
  • 23. What is the name of the top shell?
A) Vertebra
B) Plastron
C) Scute
D) Carapace
  • 24. What is the main cause of road mortality of terrapins?
A) Nesting females crossing roads
B) Males fighting on roads
C) Young terrapins exploring new areas
D) Terrapins seeking warmer spots on roads
  • 25. Which internal organ is essential for buoyancy control in terrapins?
A) Liver
B) Lungs
C) Spleen
D) Kidneys
  • 26. What is the term for the study of reptiles and amphibians?
A) Entomology
B) Ichthyology
C) Ornithology
D) Herpetology
  • 27. Which adaptation allows terrapins to tolerate brackish water?
A) Specialized gills
B) Ability to store large amounts of fresh water
C) Waterproof skin
D) Salt glands
  • 28. What role do terrapins play in their ecosystem?
A) Primary producers of energy
B) Decomposition of organic matter
C) Control of invertebrate populations
D) Pollination of aquatic plants
  • 29. What is the best way to determine the sex of a mature terrapin?
A) Shell color
B) Tail length and plastron concavity
C) Scute pattern
D) Head size
  • 30. What is the most important first step if you find an injured terrapin?
A) Release it back into the wild
B) Try to treat it yourself
C) Contact a wildlife rehabilitator
D) Keep it as a pet until it recovers
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