Geography Quiz

Which continent is the 'Land Down Under'?

• Asia

• Africa

• Europe

• Australia

Answer explanation

The term 'Land Down Under' is commonly used to refer to Australia, due to its location in the southern hemisphere, below many other countries on the globe. Hence, the correct answer to the question is Australia.

Which is the largest ocean in the world?

• Atlantic

• Indian

• Arctic

• Pacific

Answer explanation

The question asks about the largest ocean in the world. The Pacific Ocean is the correct choice because it is the largest ocean by area and volume among the given options which are Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Arctic Ocean, and Pacific Ocean.

What are the four cardinal directions?

• up, down, left, right

• north, south, east, west

• above, below, left, right

• front, back, left, right

Answer explanation

The four cardinal directions are commonly known as north, south, east, and west. These are the fundamental directions that we use to orient ourselves on Earth. Other options like 'up, down, left, right', 'above, below, left, right', or 'front, back, left, right' are not related to cardinal directions, hence they are incorrect.

What is the purpose of a compass in map skills?

• To determine the direction of north

• To determine the elevation of a location.

• To locate landmarks on a map.

• To measure distances on a map.

Answer explanation

The purpose of a compass in map skills is to determine the direction of north. This is crucial for navigation and orientation, especially in unfamiliar terrain. The compass enables one to align the map with the real-world direction, making it easier to read and understand the map. So, the correct answer is 'To determine the direction of north'.

Which continent has the Amazon Rainforest?

• Europe

• Asia

• Africa

• South America

Answer explanation

The question asks about the continent where the Amazon Rainforest is located. The Amazon Rainforest, often referred to as the 'lungs of the Earth' due to its vast biodiversity, is primarily situated in South America. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is 'South America'. The options of Asia, Africa and Europe are incorrect as these continents do not house the Amazon Rainforest.

What ocean is between Africa and Australia?

• Indian Ocean

• Arctic Ocean

• Atlantic Ocean

• Pacific Ocean

Answer explanation

The Indian Ocean is the correct answer. It's because the Indian Ocean is the third-largest of the world's five oceans and it is the body of salt water between Africa to the west and Australasia to the east. None of the other oceans listed are located between these two continents.

What are the four main directions on a compass rose?

• northeast

• southwest

• up

• north, south, east, and west

Answer explanation

The question asks for the four main directions on a compass rose. The correct answer is 'north, south, east, and west'. These are the primary directions represented on a compass rose, a graphical display of cardinal directions on a map. Other options like 'northeast', 'southwest', and 'up' are not complete sets of the four main directions.

What is the scale used on a map to represent distance?

• grid

• legend

• compass

• map scale

Answer explanation

The scale on a map is referred to as the 'map scale'. It's a tool used to depict the relationship between the actual distance on the ground and its proportionate distance on the map. In other words, a 'map scale' is used to measure real-world distances based on the scale used on the map. Neither 'grid', 'legend', nor 'compass' fulfill this function.

Which continent is called the 'Dark Continent'?

• Asia

• Europe

• South America

• Africa

Answer explanation

The 'Dark Continent' is a term that was historically used to refer to Africa. This moniker was used because the interior of Africa was largely unknown and mysterious to Europeans for a long part of history, thus the continent was often referred to as 'dark'.

Which is the smallest ocean in the world?

• Indian

• Atlantic

• Pacific

• Arctic

Answer explanation

The smallest ocean in the world is the Arctic Ocean. Despite its smaller size, it plays a significant role in influencing the world's weather patterns. The other options mentioned, the Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific Oceans, are all considerably larger.