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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) Bushy-tailed Jird
C) Mongolian Gerbil
D) Fat-tailed Gerbil
  • 2. A gerbil's tail is typically:
A) Covered in scales
B) Hairy and long
C) Hairless and prehensile
D) Short and stubby
  • 3. Gerbils are native to what type of environment?
A) Tropical rainforests
B) Arctic tundra
C) Temperate forests
D) Arid and semi-arid regions
  • 4. What is a key physical feature that distinguishes a gerbil from a mouse?
A) Their large ears
B) Their pointed snout
C) Their long whiskers
D) Their fully furred tail
  • 5. The dental formula of a gerbil indicates they are primarily:
A) Herbivores/Granivores
B) Carnivores
C) Omnivores
D) Insectivores
  • 6. What does 'crepuscular' mean in the context of gerbil activity?
A) Most active at dawn and dusk
B) Primarily active during the day
C) Activity is random
D) Primarily active during the night
  • 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 disease affecting the tail
C) A type of tail marking
D) A normal shedding process
  • 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) 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) Muridae
B) Cricetidae
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) Aspen shavings
C) Pine or Cedar shavings
D) Hemp bedding
  • 14. Why is it important to provide gerbils with a sand bath?
A) To cool them down
B) For maintaining coat hygiene
C) To sharpen their claws
D) As a source of hydration
  • 15. What is a harderian gland?
A) A salivary gland
B) A gland near the eye that produces a red secretion.
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 30-32 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) A group of gerbils
D) An adult male gerbil
  • 18. Why do gerbils prefer living in pairs or groups?
A) They are social animals
B) To ensure adequate food supply
C) Due to instinctual breeding habits
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) Glaucoma
D) Dermatitis
  • 20. What is the main source of identifying markings for gerbils?
A) Tail length
B) Ear size and shape
C) Coat color and pattern
D) Nose color
  • 21. What type of enclosure is best suited for gerbils?
A) A glass tank or wire cage with a deep base
B) A small plastic cage
C) A hamster ball
D) A bird cage
  • 22. What is the function of a gerbil's scent gland on its abdomen?
A) Attracting mates
B) Marking territory
C) Regulating body temperature
D) A defense mechanism
  • 23. What is a key sign of a healthy gerbil?
A) Constant sleeping
B) Lethargy and hiding
C) Aggression towards owners
D) Alert and active behavior
  • 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) Fresh vegetables
B) Seeds
C) Commercial gerbil food
D) Fruits
  • 26. What is the most important element for gerbil enrichment?
A) Chew toys
B) Mirrors
C) Loud music
D) Bright lights
  • 27. How often should a gerbil cage be cleaned?
A) Only when it smells bad
B) Once or twice a week
C) Once a month
D) Every day
  • 28. What distinguishes a duprasi gerbil from a Mongolian gerbil?
A) Shorter, thicker tail
B) Bushier tail
C) Longer ears
D) Smaller size
  • 29. What is a potential consequence of housing gerbils in a cage that is too small?
A) Improved bonding between gerbils
B) Increased activity and playfulness
C) Increased aggression and stress
D) Enhanced breeding success
  • 30. What should you do if your gerbil starts losing weight rapidly?
A) Consult a veterinarian
B) Increase their food intake drastically
C) Ignore it, as it might be a temporary fluctuation
D) Give them sugary treats to encourage eating
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