Science Quiz #194
Science and Nature Quiz for 3 October 2012
A new science quiz is available each week. Try our daily general knowledge quiz or work through our archive of daily and themed quizzes.
1
What measurement has been used for the magnitude of earthquakes?
Note: This question was updated in December 2020
Select from the options above.
2
Why is the scarlet pimpernel, a low-growing annual plant found in Europe, Asia and North America, known as 'the poor man's barometer' and 'the poor man's weatherglass'?
A
The petals fall off when it rains
B
The flowers close when atmospheric pressure decreases and bad weather is approaching
C
The seeds rattle in the slightest wind
D
The flowers only open when 8 hours of daylight is expected
Select from the options above.
3
What is the scientific term used when something is moving from a solid to a gas without passing through a liquid state?
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4
What bird is nicknamed "man of war" because it steals food from other birds in the air?
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5
The first Transit of Venus in the 21st century took place on 8 June 2004. What was the date of the next one?
Note: This question was updated in January 2021
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6
What does "xylophilous" refer to?
B
Growing in or living on wood
C
Something constructed of wooden slats
D
A resonant ringing when beaten
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7
Which tree, native to Western Australia, has flowers that are used to make honey, and long, straight trunks which provide a deep rich reddish-brown, termite-resistant wood with an attractive grain?
Select from the options above.