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How to Identify and Classify Gerbils - Quiz
Contributed by: Andrews
  • 1. What is the most common species of gerbil kept as a pet?
A) Shaw's Jird
B) Mongolian Gerbil
C) Fat-tailed Gerbil
D) Bushy-tailed Jird
  • 2. A gerbil's tail is typically:
A) Covered in scales
B) Hairless and prehensile
C) Hairy and long
D) Short and stubby
  • 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 large ears
B) Their fully furred tail
C) Their long whiskers
D) Their pointed snout
  • 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) Most active at dawn and dusk
C) Primarily active during the night
D) Activity is random
  • 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 provide separate eating areas
D) To separate fighting gerbils permanently
  • 8. What is 'tail slip' in gerbils?
A) A type of tail marking
B) Loss of fur or skin from the tail
C) A normal shedding process
D) A disease affecting the tail
  • 9. What is a common social behavior observed in gerbils?
A) Tail wagging (like dogs)
B) Hissing
C) Baring teeth
D) Foot drumming
  • 10. What is the average lifespan of a pet gerbil?
A) 2-4 years
B) 5-7 years
C) 8-10 years
D) 1-2 years
  • 11. What is the scientific family that gerbils belong to?
A) Cricetidae
B) Muridae
C) Sciuridae
D) Leporidae
  • 12. Which of the following is NOT a common color variation in Mongolian Gerbils?
A) Calico
B) Agouti
C) Black
D) Lilac
  • 13. What type of bedding is generally NOT recommended for gerbils?
A) Paper-based bedding
B) Pine or Cedar shavings
C) Hemp bedding
D) Aspen 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 scent gland on the abdomen
C) A digestive gland
D) A gland near the eye that produces a red secretion.
  • 16. What is the gestation period of a gerbil?
A) Approximately 16-18 days
B) Approximately 40-42 days
C) Approximately 24-26 days
D) Approximately 30-32 days
  • 17. What does the term 'pup' refer to in gerbils?
A) A group of gerbils
B) An adult female gerbil
C) An adult male gerbil
D) A baby gerbil
  • 18. Why do gerbils prefer living in pairs or groups?
A) To ensure adequate food supply
B) Due to instinctual breeding habits
C) For protection from predators (even in captivity)
D) They are social animals
  • 19. What is a common health issue in gerbils related to high humidity?
A) Dermatitis
B) Pneumonia
C) Kidney failure
D) Glaucoma
  • 20. What is the main source of identifying markings for gerbils?
A) Tail length
B) Coat color and pattern
C) Ear size and shape
D) Nose color
  • 21. What type of enclosure is best suited for gerbils?
A) A hamster ball
B) A glass tank or wire cage with a deep base
C) A small plastic cage
D) A bird cage
  • 22. What is the function of a gerbil's scent gland on its abdomen?
A) A defense mechanism
B) Regulating body temperature
C) Attracting mates
D) Marking territory
  • 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 lead to dehydration
B) It can affect their breeding cycle
C) It can cause skin irritation
D) They are susceptible to respiratory infections
  • 25. Which food type should form the bulk of a gerbil's diet?
A) Seeds
B) Fresh vegetables
C) Commercial gerbil food
D) Fruits
  • 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) Once or twice a week
B) Once a month
C) Only when it smells bad
D) Every day
  • 28. What distinguishes a duprasi gerbil from a Mongolian gerbil?
A) Bushier tail
B) Shorter, thicker tail
C) Smaller size
D) Longer ears
  • 29. What is a potential consequence of housing gerbils in a cage that is too small?
A) Enhanced breeding success
B) Improved bonding between gerbils
C) Increased aggression and stress
D) Increased activity and playfulness
  • 30. What should you do if your gerbil starts losing weight rapidly?
A) Give them sugary treats to encourage eating
B) Consult a veterinarian
C) Increase their food intake drastically
D) Ignore it, as it might be a temporary fluctuation
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