Invasive Species Trivia
Invasive Species trivia explores the surprising stories behind organisms introduced beyond their native ranges, from zebra mussels and cane toads to kudzu and lionfish. As global trade and travel accelerated over the past few centuries, many species spread into new habitats and sometimes overwhelmed local ecosystems, making this a timely topic that blends science, history, and a few unexpectedly funny facts.
Easy Invasive Species Trivia
13 questions
These easy Invasive Species trivia questions are great for beginners and kids around age 12 and under.
Question 1
In 1988, zebra mussels were first detected in which North American region?
- A.The Gulf of Mexico
- B.Great Lakes
- C.The Rocky Mountains
- D.The Sonoran Desert
Answer: The Great Lakes
Zebra mussels were first detected in North America's Great Lakes in 1988.
Question 2
Which animal was introduced to Australia in 1935 to try to control beetles in sugarcane fields?
- A.Nutria
- B.Cane toads
- C.European rabbits
- D.Lionfish
Answer: Cane toads
Cane toads were introduced to Australia in 1935 in an attempt to control beetles affecting sugarcane.
Question 3
What fast-growing vine was promoted in the United States for erosion control during the 1930s?
- A.Water hyacinth
- B.Miconia calvescens
- C.European starling
- D.Kudzu
Answer: Kudzu
Kudzu was promoted in the United States for erosion control during the 1930s.
Question 4
Major bird losses followed the introduction of the brown tree snake on which island?
- A.Puerto Rico
- B.Guam
- C.Tahiti
- D.New Zealand
Answer: Guam
The brown tree snake caused major bird losses on Guam after it was introduced there.
Question 5
In the United States, the label 'Asian carp' commonly refers to several invasive carp species in what river basin?
Answer: The Mississippi River basin
Asian carp is the common U.S. catch-all name for several invasive carp species in the Mississippi River basin.
Question 6
What beetle kills ash trees in North America?
- A.European starling
- B.Emerald ash borer
- C.Red imported fire ant
- D.Sea lamprey
Answer: The emerald ash borer
The emerald ash borer is the invasive beetle noted for killing ash trees in North America.
Question 7
Burmese pythons are established invasive snakes in which famous wetland?
- A.The Great Dismal Swamp
- B.The Mississippi Delta
- C.Florida Everglades
- D.The Okefenokee Swamp
Answer: The Florida Everglades
Burmese pythons are established invasive snakes in the Florida Everglades.
Question 8
Through which port did the red imported fire ant enter the United States?
- A.Charleston, South Carolina
- B.Mobile, Alabama
- C.Savannah, Georgia
- D.New Orleans, Louisiana
Answer: Mobile, Alabama
The red imported fire ant entered the United States through the port of Mobile, Alabama.
Question 9
Which floating invasive plant is known for clogging waterways?
- A.Nutria
- B.Water hyacinth
- C.Kudzu
- D.Miconia calvescens
Answer: Water hyacinth
Water hyacinth is identified is a floating invasive plant that can clog waterways.
Question 10
What invasive fish-like parasite reached the upper Great Lakes after routes around Niagara Falls became available?
- A.Lionfish
- B.Asian carp
- C.Zebra mussel
- D.Sea lamprey
Answer: The sea lamprey
The sea lamprey invaded the upper Great Lakes after bypass routes around Niagara Falls became available.
Question 11
What is the name of the major U.S. law from 1900 used against illegal wildlife trade and harmful introductions?
- A.The Migratory Bird Treaty Act
- B.Lacey Act
- C.The Clean Water Act
- D.The Endangered Species Act
Answer: The Lacey Act
The Lacey Act of 1900 is listed is a major U.S. law used against illegal wildlife trade and harmful introductions.
Question 12
Which bird was introduced to New York City's Central Park in the 1890s?
- A.The emerald ash borer
- B.The cane toad
- C.European starling
- D.The brown tree snake
Answer: The European starling
The European starling was introduced to Central Park in the 1890s.
Question 13
Nutria were introduced to the United States for what business purpose?
- A.Fur farming
- B.Sugar production
- C.Timber cutting
- D.Pearl diving
Answer: Fur farming
Nutria are large semi-aquatic rodents introduced to the United States for fur farming.
Invasive Species Family Trivia
12 questions
These family Invasive Species trivia questions are built for mixed-age game nights, classrooms, and groups.
Question 1
In the United States, what law was enacted in 1996 to address invasive species issues?
Answer: The National Invasive Species Act
The National Invasive Species Act was enacted in the United States in 1996.
Question 2
Zebra mussels often hitch a ride from one lake to another on what two things?
- A.Fishing hats and boots
- B.Docks and benches
- C.Life jackets and paddles
- D.Boats and trailers
Answer: Boats and trailers
A common way zebra mussels spread between lakes is by attaching to boats and trailers.
Question 3
What ship-related water has been a major pathway for invasive species in ports?
Answer: Ballast water
Ballast water from ships has been a major pathway for invasive species in ports.
Question 4
What is the current scientific name for the cane toad after it was changed from Bufo marinus?
Answer: Rhinella marina
The cane toad's scientific name was changed from Bufo marinus to Rhinella marina.
Question 5
Which invasive aquatic plant is often nicknamed 'the perfect aquatic weed'?
- A.Cattail
- B.Hydrilla
- C.Duckweed
- D.Kelp
Answer: Hydrilla
Hydrilla is an invasive aquatic plant often called 'the perfect aquatic weed.'.
Question 6
Which wetland invader is known for tall spikes of purple flowers?
- A.Water lily
- B.Purple loosestrife
- C.Poison ivy
- D.Sunflower
Answer: Purple loosestrife
Purple loosestrife invades wetlands and produces tall spikes of purple flowers.
Question 7
What moth in North America was long known by the older name 'gypsy moth'?
Answer: Spongy moth
The spongy moth was long known in North America is the gypsy moth.
Question 8
Which invasive insect threatens eastern hemlock trees?
- A.Asian tiger mosquito
- B.European green crab
- C.Brown marmorated stink bug
- D.Hemlock woolly adelgid
Answer: Hemlock woolly adelgid
The hemlock woolly adelgid is an invasive insect that threatens eastern hemlock trees.
Question 9
What invasive beetle attacks hardwood trees such as maple, elm, and birch?
- A.June beetle
- B.Asian longhorned beetle
- C.Ladybug
- D.Firefly
Answer: Asian longhorned beetle
The Asian longhorned beetle attacks hardwood trees including maple, elm, and birch.
Question 10
Which invasive grass helps fire spread in parts of the U.S. West?
- A.Bermuda grass
- B.Cheatgrass
- C.Bluegrass
- D.Crabgrass
Answer: Cheatgrass
Cheatgrass is an invasive grass that helps fire spread in parts of the U.S. West.
Question 11
What tall reed has invaded many North American marshes?
Answer: Phragmites australis
Phragmites australis is a tall reed that has invaded many North American marshes.
Question 12
Which invasive animal damages crops and habitat in many U.S. states?
- A.Prairie dogs
- B.Beavers
- C.Raccoons
- D.Feral hogs
Answer: Feral hogs
Feral hogs damage crops and habitat in many U.S. states.
Fun Invasive Species Trivia
13 questions
These fun Invasive Species trivia questions highlight surprising moments and playful facts for game-night groups.
Question 1
Which gelatinous invader became especially notorious after showing up in the Black Sea?
- A.Mnemiopsis leidyi
- B.Caulerpa taxifolia
- C.Limnoperna fortunei
- D.Eleutherodactylus johnstonei
Answer: Mnemiopsis leidyi
Mnemiopsis leidyi is the ctenophore that became infamous after invading the Black Sea.
Question 2
What fish can do a brief wriggle-on-land routine that helps it spread?
- A.Walking catfish
- B.Northern snakehead
- C.Nile perch
- D.Sea lamprey
Answer: Walking catfish
Walking catfish can wriggle over land for short distances, which helps them spread.
Question 3
In Hawaii, which introduced frog is famous for its loud nighttime calls?
- A.Small Indian mongoose
- B.Crown-of-thorns starfish
- C.CoquĂ frog
- D.House crow
Answer: CoquĂ frog
The coquĂ frog introduced to Hawaii is well known for loud nighttime calling.
Question 4
Which introduced Pacific-island snail became infamous for helping push native snails toward extinction?
- A.Sea lamprey
- B.Argentine ant
- C.Rosy wolfsnail
- D.Golden mussel
Answer: Rosy wolfsnail
Rosy wolfsnails were introduced on Pacific islands and helped drive native snails toward extinction.
Question 5
When people say âkudzu,â which vine are they usually talking about?
- A.Mnemiopsis leidyi
- B.Limnoperna fortunei
- C.Pueraria montana
- D.Caulerpa taxifolia
Answer: Pueraria montana
The plant usually meant by the name kudzu is Pueraria montana.
Question 6
Which notorious bees arose in Brazil after hybrid bees escaped from a research program in 1957?
- A.Argentine ants
- B.House crows
- C.Small Indian mongooses
- D.Africanized honey bees
Answer: Africanized honey bees
Africanized honey bees originated in Brazil after hybrid bees escaped from a research program in 1957.
Question 7
What parasite uses a suction-cup mouth lined with teeth to feed?
- A.Nile perch
- B.Sea lamprey
- C.Walking catfish
- D.Northern snakehead
Answer: Sea lamprey
The sea lamprey feeds with a suction-cup mouth lined with teeth.
Question 8
Which fish can breathe air, helping it stay alive out of water for a while?
- A.Walking catfish
- B.Sea lamprey
- C.Golden mussel
- D.Northern snakehead
Answer: Northern snakehead
Northern snakehead fish can breathe air, which helps them survive out of water for a time.
Question 9
Which invasive plant can mess with beneficial fungi used by some forest trees?
- A.Kudzu
- B.Mile-a-minute weed
- C.Caulerpa taxifolia
- D.Garlic mustard
Answer: Garlic mustard
Garlic mustard can disrupt beneficial fungi used by some forest trees.
Question 10
Which tiny invader is famous for building enormous supercolonies in places it invades?
- A.Africanized honey bee
- B.House crow
- C.Rosy wolfsnail
- D.Argentine ant
Answer: Argentine ant
The Argentine ant forms enormous supercolonies in invaded regions.
Question 11
The introduced Nile perch is linked to declines of many native cichlid fishes in which lake?
- A.Lake Victoria
- B.Black Sea
- C.Mediterranean Sea
- D.New York
Answer: Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria's introduced Nile perch is linked to the decline of many native cichlid fishes.
Question 12
True or false: Crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks can devastate coral reefs, even though the species is native in much of the Indo-Pacific.?
Answer: True
This is true: crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks can devastate coral reefs, although the species is native across much of the Indo-Pacific.
Question 13
What is the scientific name of the golden mussel, an invasive freshwater mollusk in South America?
Answer: Limnoperna fortunei
The golden mussel's scientific name is Limnoperna fortunei.
Funny Invasive Species Trivia
13 questions
These funny Invasive Species trivia questions highlight playful moments, odd facts, and inside jokes.
Question 1
Which invasive earthworm earned its bouncy-sounding name because it thrashes wildly when disturbed, as if the soil just told it bad news?
- A.Hammerhead flatworm
- B.Sea walnut
- C.Jumping worm
- D.Crazy ant
Answer: Jumping worm
The common name 'jumping worm' refers to invasive earthworms that thrash violently when disturbed.
Question 2
True or false: A 'mile-a-minute' plant got its nickname because it grows by slowly considering its options.?
Answer: False
The plant nicknamed 'mile-a-minute' is known for racing over other vegetation, not growing slowly.
Question 3
What small crustacean has the wildly overdramatic common name 'killer shrimp'?
Answer: Dikerogammarus villosus
The killer shrimp is Dikerogammarus villosus, a small crustacean with a dramatic nickname.
Question 4
Which invasive animal can puff itself up like an unwanted pool toy, making it harder for predators to swallow?
- A.Jumping worm
- B.Cane toad
- C.Nutria
- D.Silver carp
Answer: Cane toad
The cane toad can inflate its body is a defense, making it harder for predators to swallow.
Question 5
Despite the snack-sounding name, which invasive comb jelly is definitely not something you'd crack open at dessert?
- A.Sea walnut
- B.Alligator weed
- C.Mile-a-minute
- D.Devil weed
Answer: Sea walnut
The sea walnut is an invasive comb jelly, and it is not a walnut at all.
Question 6
Nutria sometimes get called what gloriously rude nickname, even though they're actually large South American rodents?
Answer: Swamp rats
Nutria are sometimes called swamp rats, though they are large South American rodents.
Question 7
Which invasive ant got its common name because it runs around erratically, like it forgot where it parked?
- A.Jumping worm
- B.Crazy ant
- C.Fire ant
- D.Killer shrimp
Answer: Crazy ant
The name 'crazy ant' refers to the erratic running style of several invasive ant species.
Question 8
What flatworm is named for a broad head shaped a bit like a hammer or shovel?
Answer: Hammerhead flatworm
The hammerhead flatworm is named for its broad head that resembles a hammer or shovel.
Question 9
In some regions, Chromolaena odorata goes by what villain-worthy common name?
Answer: Devil weed
The common name 'devil weed' is used for the invasive plant Chromolaena odorata in some regions.
Question 10
Which invasive amphibian can be deadly to pets if they bite or mouth it, thanks to its toxin?
- A.Cane toad
- B.Nutria
- C.Silver carp
- D.Northern giant hornet
Answer: Cane toad
The cane toad's toxin can kill pets that bite or mouth the toad.
Question 11
The nickname 'coppertop' is used for which invasive ant because of its reddish color?
- A.Northern giant hornet
- B.Killer shrimp
- C.Red imported fire ant
- D.Crazy ant
Answer: Red imported fire ant
'Coppertop' is a nickname for the red imported fire ant because of its reddish color.
Question 12
Which fish name basically gives away the design feature right up front by describing its mouth shape?
Answer: Suckermouth catfish
The common name 'suckermouth catfish' describes the mouth shape of plecos released into warm waters.
Question 13
Which fish is often nicknamed 'jumping carp' because it may leap when startled by boat motors?
- A.Cane toad
- B.Silver carp
- C.Suckermouth catfish
- D.Nutria
Answer: Silver carp
The nickname 'jumping carp' is often used because silver carp can leap when startled by boat motors.
Hard Invasive Species Trivia
14 questions
These hard Invasive Species trivia questions are for expert fans who want a real challenge.
Question 1
Which 1996 book by Mark Williamson is often cited in invasion-biology reading lists?
Answer: Biological Invasions
Mark Williamson published 'Biological Invasions' in 1996.
Question 2
The 1998 book 'The Song of the Dodo,' touching on island biogeography and extinctions, was written by whom?
Answer: David Quammen
'The Song of the Dodo' was written by David Quammen and published in 1998.
Question 3
Which specialist group compiled the IUCN list titled '100 of the World's Worst Invasive Alien Species'?
Answer: The Invasive Species Specialist Group
The list was compiled by the Invasive Species Specialist Group.
Question 4
After one of the worldâs largest rodent-removal campaigns in the 2010s, which island completed eradication of invasive rats and mice?
Answer: South Georgia
South Georgia completed eradication of invasive rats and mice in the 2010s.
Question 5
Introduced Arctic foxes caused long-term ecological damage on seabird islands in which archipelago?
Answer: The Aleutian Islands
The Aleutian Islands is the seabird-island system damaged by introduced Arctic foxes.
Question 6
Which species was deliberately introduced in many places for biological control, only to become invasive later?
Answer: Harmonia axyridis
The harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis, was introduced for biological control and later became invasive.
Question 7
What organism goes by the memorably gross nickname 'rock snot'?
Answer: Didymosphenia geminata
Didymo, or Didymosphenia geminata, is nicknamed 'rock snot.'.
Question 8
The rusty crayfish is native to which basin, despite being invasive in parts of the upper Midwest and Canada?
Answer: The Ohio River basin
The rusty crayfish is native to the Ohio River basin.
Question 9
Which plant invaded large areas of South Florida wetlands after first being planted for drainage and ornament?
Answer: Melaleuca quinquenervia
Melaleuca quinquenervia is the species named is invading South Florida wetlands after intentional planting.
Question 10
Which parasitic fly is an invasive threat to birds in the GalĂĄpagos?
Answer: Philornis downsi
Philornis downsi is an invasive threat to GalĂĄpagos birds.
Question 11
Dutch elm disease spread in part through which insect group?
Answer: Elm bark beetles
The fungal pathogen causing Dutch elm disease was spread in part by elm bark beetles.
Question 12
Where on the U.S. Atlantic coast was Hemigrapsus sanguineus first reported in 1988?
Answer: New Jersey
The Asian shore crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus was first reported on the U.S. Atlantic coast in New Jersey in 1988.
Question 13
Who is the prominent invasion ecologist listed as a coauthor of the textbook 'Invasion Ecology'?
Answer: Julie Lockwood
Julie Lockwood is identified is a prominent invasion ecologist and coauthor of 'Invasion Ecology.'.
Question 14
Name the 1998 book by David Quammen that explores island biogeography and extinctions.?
Answer: The Song of the Dodo
David Quammenâs 1998 book on island biogeography and extinctions is 'The Song of the Dodo.'.
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