About this quiz
Animals are full of surprises: an octopus has three hearts, a shark has no true bone and the only mammals that lay eggs include one with a duck-like bill. This quiz collects twelve facts that regularly catch people out, and each explanation gives the biology behind the answer so it is easier to remember.
A few questions test common mix-ups, such as whether a dolphin is a fish or whether a camel stores water in its hump. The quiz avoids speed records and other figures that depend on how they are measured, because the evidence is often weaker than popular lists suggest. Take your time, and read the explanation even when you were right.
Animal facts from the quiz
- An octopus has three hearts: two send blood through the gills and one sends it around the rest of the body.
- Sharks, rays and skates have skeletons made of cartilage rather than bone.
- The platypus and the four species of echidna are the only living mammals that lay eggs.
- Bats are the only mammals capable of true, sustained flight.
Frequently asked questions
Is this quiz suitable for children?
Yes. The questions use familiar animals and plain language, so it works well for families and classrooms.
Why are there no speed records?
Many popular speed claims come from a single report that has not been confirmed. For example, the fastest dive speeds quoted for the peregrine falcon are far above the highest reliably measured value, so the quiz leaves them out.
Where do the answers come from?
From standard zoology references. The egg-laying mammal answer and the peregrine falcon speed caveat were re-checked against reference pages on 8 November 2026.