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About This Quiz
What’s truly precious about our flora and fauna in the United States is the balance of nature. Flora provide food and shelter for fauna, and fauna disperse seeds and fertilize soil to help the flora thrive. Upsetting this balance hurts both. What’s more, the diversity of nature is worth protecting, so that no single disease or parasite can eradicate a species. Increase your appreciation of the great outdoors by taking this quiz right now!
Take a minute to think about it. Some fauna fell trees, using only their teeth! Some flora live to be 600 years old with seeds called “helicopters," What you’ll find in the United States alone is just the tip of the iceberg. Take, for instance, marsupials such as the opossum. The babies, usually the size of a honeybee at birth, make their way into the mother's pouch to continue developing and growing. That’s one amazing example of the more than 400 species of fauna found here. Plus, there are over 7,000 species of flora in this country alone, so when you gaze across woods land or a marsh, you’re seeing botany at its best. Whether you’re an ecologist, biologist, botanist or simply love the outdoors and know your nature, this quiz will test your know-how and provide interesting details about the world around you. Take it now!
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Cooper Hawk
Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle has been the U.S. emblem since 1782 and is spiritually symbolic for some Native American cultures. This elegant bird of prey can live into its 30s and rarely hunts for itself, choosing instead to pick off the catches of other predators.
Condor
Vulture
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Grizzly Bear
Grizzly bears have long claws and a slightly humped back around their should area, making them excellent diggers. When these bears prepare for winter, they eat to gain weight and can gain up to three pounds in a day.
Black Bear
Polar Bear
Sloth Bear
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Common Dandelion
Don't make the mistake of dismissing Dandelions as nothing more than weeds like most people do. This plant can be used both medicinally and in cooking. Dandelion root makes a great addition to teas. This plant thrives in moist soil conditions.
Daffodil
Blossom
Columbine
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Mink
Squirrel
Opossum
Raccoon
Raccoons are survivors, capable of adapting to their environment, whether it be a hollowed out tree trunk or an abandoned van. Their hands are similar to human hands, with five fingers that allow them to open things like shells, doors, lids, and so on.
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Komodo Dragon
Giant Iguana
Australian Crocodile
American Alligator
Alligators frequently lose and regrow their teeth, and can go through as many as 3,000 teeth in a lifetime. At any given time, the average alligator mouth has between 74 and 80 teeth.
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Sandalwood
Hawthorn
Wild Cherry
Wild Cherry trees are most often grown ornamentally in parks instead of gardens. The wood of these trees is very valuable and used for hardwood flooring, cabinetry, furniture, and musical instruments.
Dogwood
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
American Buffalo (bison)
As of May 9th, 2016, the American Buffalo is the U.S. national mammal. It is the biggest mammal in the country.
Bull
Ox
Antelope
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Sea lion
Orca Whale
Florida Manatee
The Florida Manatee typically stays close to home base in the Sunshine State, but there have been sightings as far as Maine and Los Angeles. The species is also Florida's state mammal. Manatees are herbivores with a diet consisting mainly of sea grass and other vegetation.
Walrus
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Rose
Violet
Dandelion
Forget-me-not
The forget-me-not has been the Alaskan state flower since 1949. There are over 100 species of this flower, some annuals and perennials. Forget-me-nots can grow to two feet tall and wide.
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Squirrel
Utah Prairie Dog
The Utah variety is just one of five types of prairie dogs in North America. They have a 28-day gestation period and are very social animals. They take turns watching out for predators.
Chipmunk
Meerkat
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Elk
Reindeer
White-tailed Deer
The smallest deer in North America, white-tailed deer spend the warmer months grazing in fields and colder months hunkering down in forests. Male white-tails grow antlers that fall off each winter while the females do not.
Bambi
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Snowshoe Hare
The aptly named snowshoe hare's coat is winter-white, but changes to brown after the snow melts. It takes approximately ten weeks for the fur to fully change between colors. This species has very furry and large feet that allow them to travel on top of snow.
Checkered Giant Rabbit
Cotton Tail
Sumatran Striped Rabbit
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Gazelle
Billy Goat
Mountain Goat
The mountain goat is not a member of the goat family, but a member of the antelope family. There are about 100,000 of them living along the northwest coast and in the Rockies.
Pygmy Goat
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Grizzly Bear
Black Bear
Black bears are considered to be one of the more intelligent mammals, with a large brain in proportion to body size and superior long-term memory. Their navigational skills are better than a human's, and they have basic logic capabilities.
Polar Bear
Sloth Bear
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
North American Beaver
Oregon's state mammal and Canada's official animal symbol, the North American Beaver has been introduced to countries throughout Europe and South America.
Woodchuck
Wombat
Groundhog
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Blossom
Dandelion
Black-eyed Susan
The Black-eyed Susan is part of the sunflower family and is Maryland's state flower. The middle is often mistaken for black, but it is brown. This flower is considered an iconic species in the U.S.
Dogwood
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Oak Tree
Hemlock Tree
Not to be confused with poisonous hemlock, hemlock trees - scientifically known as Tsuga of the pine family - can grow up to 200 feet tall and are an important source of food for common animals, including deer, birds, porcupines, and rabbits. The trees can live up to 800 years, with four species native to North America and six to Asia.
Weeping Willow
Ash Tree
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Fox
Lemur
American Mink
The American mink is a semi-aquatic species, like hippos and otters. Aside from Arizona, the American mink can be found in all U.S. states, particularly near forested sources of water. Minks are also found throughout Canada.
Raccoon
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Mole Rat
Opossum
Opossum babies are usually the size of a honeybee at birth. After birth, the babies go into the mother's pouch and remain there to continue developing and growing. Eventually, the young opossum will begin to split time between the pouch and the great outdoors. The species is known to eat nearly anything, including dumpster food, grass, nuts, fruit, roadkill, insects, small rodents, and chickens.
Raccoon
Muskrat
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Redwood Tree
The Redwoods have existed for 240 million years, first appearing shortly after the dinosaurs. These trees grow exclusively on the Pacific coast of the United States and can have a trunk diameter between 8 and 20 feet. The roots can extend 50 feet from the tree, but only run up to 12 feet deep.
Oak Tree
Maple Tree
Aspen Tree
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Birch Tree
Maple Tree
Pecan Tree
The pecan tree is indigenous to the U.S., having been grown by Native Americans for thousands of years before the arrival of settlers. This tree often serves two purposes: nut production and shade. Mature pecan trees can reach heights of 70 feet and a diameter of six feet.
Douglas Fir
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Hackberry Tree
The Hackberry is prevalent throughout the U.S. and goes by a number of other names, including sugarberry, beaverwood, and nettletree. Part of the hemp family, this tree is often confused for an elm.
American Sweetgum
Spruce Tree
Aspen Tree
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Red Robbin
Southern Finch
Baltimore Oriole
The Baltimore Oriole is named as such because its colors - bright orange and black - were the same as Lord Baltimore's 17th-century coat of arms. The Baltimore Oriole is often misidentified as a Northern Oriole because of its frequent hybridization (reproduction between the two species), but they are genetically proven to be a distinct species.
Singed Sparrow
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Sycamore Tree
Sycamore trees can live up to 600 years and tend to be found near water sources. The seeds of this tree are called "helicopters" in reference to the two small wings that come out of the top.
Willow
Evergreen Tree
Redwood
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Crown of Thorns
Christmas Cactus
Saguaro Cactus
The Saguaro Cactus is native to Arizona and Senora Mexico; some plants can be found in southeast California. The species' white flowers bloom in late spring and produce fruit by summer.
Jade Plant
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Columbine
The blue columbine is Colorado's state flower. There are 70 different columbine species and countless many hybrid species. It's a perennial that caterpillars like to eat.
Orchid
Black-eyed Susan
Lady's Slipper
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Cayman
Komodo Dragon
American Crocodile
The American Crocodile is predominately found along the coasts of Central and South America, but is also native to Florida's southeastern coast and lowlands. Crocodiles are commonly mistaken for alligators, but are easily distinguished by their teeth. While crocodiles usually have a bottom tooth sticking out on both sides, alligators have room in their mouths to close around those teeth so they don't show.
Chinese Alligator
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Elderberry
Ivy
Hawthorn
There are roughly 200 different Hawthorn species growing across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Its wood is used for making household products and sculptures. Hawthorn fruit is believed to aid digestion and heart function.
Bush
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Tulip
Orchid
Orchids are a hardy plant, capable of surviving in harsh environments, such as near the Arctic Circle. However, most Orchid species are found in warm, humid climates, like those found in tropical rainforests. Some Orchid species are capable of surviving up to 100 years in the right conditions.
Violet
Cherry Blossom
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Spiny shrub
Spearmint
Douglas Fir
Pine Tree
With 36 species native to North America, the pine tree is the most commonly found conifer - a type of tree - in the United States. Some of the most common pine species include the Eastern white pine, the Red pine, and the Virginia pine.
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Birch Tree
The birch tree requires moist soil, so it's often found near lakes and rivers. If you're ever in the wilderness with a broken limb, birch bark, when soaked, makes for excellent casting material. Roughly 20 percent of hay fever occurrences in the northern hemisphere are due to birch pollen.
Ash Tree
Oak Tree
Aspen Tree
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Skinny Tree
Bamboo
Bamboo is a type of grass that grows in tropical regions. Depending on the species of bamboo, heights can range from one foot to 1,300 feet. There are roughly 1,500 different species. Bamboo grows quicker than any other plant, able to reach heights of three feet within 24 hours under optimum climate conditions.
Wheat Stalk
Bean Stalk
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Mink
Muskrat
Muskrats are monogamous, meaning they live exclusively with their partner and offspring. They make feeding platforms near their dwellings where they bring all their food and eat it.
Otter
Seal
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Woodchuck
The largest member of the squirrel family, the woodchuck's love of veggies often drives them to destroy gardens. They're known to enjoy sunbathing when it's warm out.
Groundhog
Beaver
Squirrel
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Sloth Bear
Polar Bear
Grizzly Bear
Brown Bear
The brown bear has been roaming Alaska for 100,000 years. There are many subspecies of brown bear, including the grizzly. About 32,000 brown bears live in Alaska compared to the mere 1,200 that live in the 48 continental states. Brown bears have a better sense of smell than dogs.
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Dandelion
Aster
When few other plants are blooming, the aster brightens up the fall landscape with its starry flower heads. Depending on the aster variety, the plant can be as small as 8 inches or grow as tall as 8 feet.
Daffodil
Violet
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Sea Turtle
Muskrat
Tortoise
Florida Softshell Turtle
The Florida Softshell Turtle is the largest softshell turtle in North America as well as the largest freshwater turtle. It can reach up to 15 to 76 cm in length. It's most distinctive feature is its snorkel-like nose.
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Lady's Slipper
Lady's Slipper is a species of orchid most commonly found in the wetlands of the Northeast and Midwest. The showy Lady's Slipper is listed at some level of endangered or threatened in 14 states. It is Minnesota's state flower.
Lily
Peoni
Orchid
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Bald Eagle
California Condor
Also known as the thunderbird by Native American tribes, the California condor is one of the largest birds capable of flight. They're able to fly at speeds up to 55 miles per hour and climb to altitudes as high as 15,000 feet.
Vulture
Hawk
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Maple Tree
There are a number of different Maple tree species, and they are a well-liked bunch for a variety of reasons. They're great for street or shade trees; they're beautiful in the fall because the leaves turn a multitude of colors; they're tolerant of drought conditions, and their sap can be made into delicious syrups.
Oak Tree
Ash Tree
Willow Tree
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Beech Tree
Sycamore Tree
Spruce Tree
Oak Tree
Oak trees are capable of absorbing up to 50 gallons of water per day and can produce over 2,000 acorns in a given year. Out of all the acorns produced by oaks, only one in 10,000 of them will grow into a tree.
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
German Shepherd
Malamute
Gray Wolf
Out of the U.S. states, Alaska has the highest population of gray wolves, somewhere between 7,000 to 11,200. The Great Lakes region has roughly 3,700 and there are about 1,675 in the Rockies. The gray wolf is the ancestor of the modern dog.
Great White Wolf
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Spruce Tree
Joshua Tree
The Joshua tree is part of the Agave family and the largest species of yucca. It grows in very specific conditions and can be found in the Mojave Desert at elevations between 2,000 and 6,000 feet.
Willow Tree
Redwood Tree
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Hickory Tree
Willow Tree
Pine Tree
Douglas Firs
In nature, Douglas Firs live an impressively long life, spanning anywhere between 500 and 1,000 years. A variety of animal species use the tree as a source of food, including bears, who after scraping off the bark, eat the layer of sap underneath.
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Beech Tree
Spruce Tree
Hickory Tree
The hickory tree is a member of the walnut family. There are 18 total hickory species, with 15 of those native to North America and three to Asia. The wood of hickory trees was once used in the manufacturing of aircrafts.
Birch Tree
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Moose
Elk
Gazelle
Pronghorn Antelope
The pronghorn antelope is incredibly fast, capable of reaching speeds up to 65 miles per hour. While they are quite the runners, pronghorn antelope aren't great at jumping, so they often try to climb under obstacles like fences rather than jumping over them.
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Walnut Tree
Walnut trees can grow to heights of 60 feet and produce a plethora of health benefits. Some of those benefits include, improved blood flow, decreased inflammation, reduced cholesterol, and accelerated wound healing.
Willow Tree
Apple Tree
Maple Tree
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Beech Tree
Dogwood
Dogwoods are relatively short compared to most trees, reaching heights of just 15 to 25 feet. Between 30 and 50 species of dogwood can be found in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Sandalwood
Apple Tree
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Magenta
Dill
Daffodil
Jack-in-the-pulpit
Jack-in-the-pulpit is for the patient gardener, as it does not flower until five years after it's planted. Aside from the western U.S., it can be found in all states.
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Which indigenous U.S. flora or fauna is pictured here?
Daisy
Tulip
Wild Rose
The Wild Rose rivals the violet in popularity when it comes to state flowers. Both species are the flowers of multiple states. They're indigenous to the Pacific coastline and honeybees love to feed on them.
Violet
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