Quiz on Lake Natron

Why is Lake Natron considered unique among water bodies?

• It's the largest lake in Tanzania

• It has extremely alkaline water with a pH of 10.5

• It's the deepest lake in Africa

• It contains freshwater fish species

What makes the lake appear red during summer?

• Volcanic ash

• Blood from animals

• Halophiles (salt-loving microbes)

• Red mineral deposits

Which animal species uses Lake Natron as its primary breeding ground?

• African elephants

• Zebras

• Lesser Flamingos

• Hippos

What percentage of the world's lesser flamingos are born at Lake Natron?

• 25%

• 50%

• 75%

• 100%

How do the lake's extreme conditions protect flamingo eggs?

• The eggs are invisible

• Predators cannot access the nests due to caustic environment

• The eggs are camouflaged

• Flamingos guard the eggs constantly

What geological feature contributes to the lake's unique chemical composition?

• Oldoinyo Lengai volcano

• Nearby mountain range

• Ocean currents

• Tropical rainforest

Why do animals that die in Lake Natron appear 'petrified'?

• Magic spells

• Sodium carbonate deposits preserve their bodies

• Special bacteria transform them

• The water instantly turns them to stone

What temperature can Lake Natron reach?

• 40°C (104°F)

• 50°C (122°F)

• 60°C (140°F)

• 70°C (158°F)

How did ancient Egyptians use the mineral Natron?

• As a cooking ingredient

• In mummification process

• For building pyramids

• As a currency

What makes the lake inhospitable to most species?

• Extreme cold

• High alkalinity and salt concentration

• Lack of water

• Constant volcanic eruptions