Butterflies Quiz

How long ago did the ancestors of butterflies begin to appear?

• 100 thousand years ago

• 1 million years ago

• 100 million years ago

Answer explanation

The ancestors of butterflies began to appear around 100 million years ago, during the Cretaceous period, making this the correct choice. The other options are too recent for the evolutionary timeline of butterflies.

What do butterflies often do to avoid predators?

• Hide in flowers

• Take irregular flight paths

• Stay still

• Fly in straight lines

Answer explanation

Butterflies often take irregular flight paths to confuse predators, making it harder for them to catch them. This evasive maneuver is more effective than simply hiding or staying still.

What is a surprising fact about butterfly wings?

• They are very heavy

• They are always blue

• They can fly without hind wings

• They are made of metal

Answer explanation

A surprising fact about butterfly wings is that they can fly without hind wings. This ability allows them to adapt and maneuver effectively, even if one set of wings is damaged or absent.

Who studied the flight paths of butterflies?

• Newton and Einstein

• Sid and Nancy

• Eisner and Jantzen

• Edison and Bell

Answer explanation

Eisner and Jantzen are known for their research on the flight paths of butterflies, making them the correct choice. The other pairs listed are not associated with this specific study.

What do hind wings help butterflies do?

• Fly faster

• Glow in the dark

• Make noise

• Turn more sharply

Answer explanation

Hind wings are crucial for butterflies as they aid in maneuverability, allowing them to turn more sharply during flight. This agility helps them evade predators and navigate through their environment effectively.

What do moths and butterflies have in common?

• They both are colorful

• They both fly at night

• They both have wings

• They both are large

Answer explanation

Moths and butterflies both belong to the order Lepidoptera, which is characterized by having wings. While they may differ in behavior and appearance, the presence of wings is a fundamental similarity between them.

What happens when a bird tries to catch a butterfly?

• It always catches it

• It finds it slippery

• It flies away

• It gets tired

Answer explanation

When a bird tries to catch a butterfly, it often finds it slippery due to the butterfly's delicate wings and quick movements, making it difficult to catch.

What do butterflies' wings have that makes them slippery?

• Skin

• Fur

• Scales

• Feathers

Answer explanation

Butterflies' wings are covered in tiny scales, which create a slippery surface. These scales help in reflecting light and can also aid in waterproofing, making 'scales' the correct answer.

What is the main reason butterflies are brightly colored?

• To blend in

• To look pretty

• To be unique and different

• To say "I'm difficult to catch"

Answer explanation

Butterflies are brightly colored primarily to signal to predators that they are toxic or unpalatable, effectively saying 'I'm difficult to catch.' This warning coloration helps them avoid being eaten.

What do butterflies and canoes have in common?

• They both can turn sharply

• They both have paddles

• They both float

• They both are colorful

Answer explanation

Both butterflies and canoes can turn sharply. Butterflies are agile fliers, able to change direction quickly, while canoes can maneuver easily in water, allowing for sharp turns.