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