Park Ranger Trivia: How Much Do You Know About Our Nation's Natural Wonders?
Written by Rachel Bortles
Last updated · 7 min play time
Park rangers are responsible for preserving and protecting our nation's natural wonders, which includes state and national parks. Is your knowledge of the great outdoors fit for a park ranger? Find out with this fun quiz!
Quiz written by
Rachel BortlesHi there! I'm a writer, yoga teacher, bartender, and mother. I'm passionate about spending time outside, space exploration, anything Harry Potter, and pizza.
Park Ranger Trivia Quiz Questions
20 Questions · 296 Plays · No comments
Question 1
Which of the following terms is used to describe a species that is not native to a specific location and has a tendency to cause harm?
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AExtinct
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BInvasive
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CEndangered
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DIntroduced
Invasive
An invasive species is any kind of living organism that is not native to a specific location and carries the potential to cause harm. They can be damaging to the environment, the economy, or even human health.
Question 2
What was the first national park in the United States of America?
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AYellowstone
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BGrand Canyon
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CYosemite
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DArches
Yellowstone
In 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant signed a bill into law that dedicated the first national park in the country, Yellowstone. Yosemite arrived on the scene as a national park later in 1890.
Question 3
Which of the following factors does NOT play a major role in determining the starting salaries for park rangers?
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AThe Size of the Park
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BEducation and Experience
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CThe Park Agency
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DClimate Conditions
Climate Conditions
Some of the factors that help determine starting salaries for park rangers include education and experience, the park ranger position, the size of the park and scope of the work, and the park agency. Climate conditions are not necessarily taken into consideration when determining salaries.
Question 4
Park rangers must be knowledgeable in numerous fields of scientific study. What is limnology the study of?
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AMarine Mammals
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BGrizzly Bears
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CInland Waters
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DNative Trees
Inland Waters
Limnology is the study of inland aquatic ecosystems, which includes lakes, reservoirs, ponds, rivers, springs, streams, wetlands, and groundwater. This field is often regarded as a division of ecology or environmental science.
Question 5
In which national park will you find the massive tree known as General Sherman?
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ASequoia
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BYosemite
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CZion
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DArches
Sequoia
General Sherman is a giant sequoia tree located in Sequoia National Park in Tulare County, California. This massive tree is a significant tourist attraction and, by volume, the largest known living single-stem tree on Earth.
Question 6
Which of the following is NOT an appropriate title for a species living outside its natural range that doesn't compromise the survival of others within the ecosystem?
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AAlien Species
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BNative Species
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CNon-Native Species
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DIntroduced Species
Native Species
Non-native species, also known as introduced species, alien species, exotic species, foreign species, and non-indigenous species, are those living outside their natural range. Unlike invasive species, non-native species arrive via human activity and may not cause harm to others within the ecosystem.
Question 7
What is the minimum age to become a park ranger?
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A16
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B18
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C25
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D21
21
When considering a career as a park ranger, it's important to note that the minimum age is 21. In addition, prospective park rangers must be legal citizens, possess a valid US driver's license, and possess a bachelor's degree in the natural sciences.
Question 8
A park ranger is an individual tasked with protecting and preserving various parklands. Which of the following is NOT one of the types of parks entrusted with park rangers?
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ANational
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BState
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CIndustrial
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DLocal
Industrial
Park rangers, also known as park wardens or forest rangers, are entrusted with protecting and preserving national, state, provincial, and local parks at various levels.
Question 9
What is the favored term for park rangers in Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom?
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AWardens
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BChiefs
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CRangers
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DMounties
Wardens
While the United States prefers the term park ranger, Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom all favor the term warden. Regardless of the title, this occupation includes many of the same disciplines and specializations.
Question 10
What is a common sign of termites in trees?
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ALoose Branches
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BWood Shavings
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CAnts
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DShriveled Leaves
Wood Shavings
If you see wood shavings around holes or at the base of a tree, it's a good indication of a termite infestation. Check the tree by using a shovel or spade to dig around the roots and look for termites.
Question 11
Which of the following law enforcement duties are park rangers NOT typically called upon for?
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AVictim Identification
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BSearch and Rescue
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CWildfire Suppression
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DTraffic Control
Victim Identification
As law enforcement officials, park rangers are often called upon for the following tasks: write reports, issue citations, enforce regulations, patrol park grounds, make arrests, conduct investigations, perform search and rescue efforts, suppress wildfires, control traffic, and provide medical assistance.
Question 12
How many acres of wetlands does Everglades National Park encompass?
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A3.2 million
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B900,000
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C680,000
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D1.5 million
1.5 million
Everglades National Park encompasses a staggering 1.5-million-acres of tropical and subtropical habitat on the southern tip of Florida. This diverse ecosystem includes everything from coastal mangroves and sawgrass marshes to pine flatwoods.
Question 13
What type of park ranger is responsible for supporting or repairing infrastructure or equipment within parks?
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AAdministration
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BEnforcement
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CMaintenance
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DInterpretation
Maintenance
Maintenance park rangers are responsible for performing routine maintenance on infrastructure or equipment related to the functioning of a specific park. Part of their duties might include preparing for winter closures and spring reopening.
Question 14
The term "ranger" is thought to relate back to the Medieval Latin word _____, which first appeared in 1217.
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ARanglier
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BRegardatores
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CRealitaurus
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DRemandores
Regardatores
The term "ranger" appears to closely correlate to the Medieval Latin word "regardatores," which initially appeared in 1217 in the <i>Charter of the Forest</i>. This term was later translated as "regarders," which implies an inspection of the forest.
Question 15
As defined by Park Ranger EDU, which of these core traits is NOT essential for all park rangers?
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AA strong desire for physical fitness
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BA willingness to help and be helpful
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CA passion for what they do
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DAn understanding of what it takes to ensure positive visitor experiences
A strong desire for physical fitness
According to Park Ranger EDU, all park rangers must possess the same core traits regardless of the capacity in which they work. These primary characteristics include: A willingness to help and be helpful, a passion for what they do, and an understanding of what it takes to ensure positive visitor experiences and for carrying out their duties as efficiently as possible.
Question 16
Which of the following states is home to the most national parks?
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AAlaska
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BUtah
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CMaine
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DCalifornia
California
In the United States, there are currently 62 protected areas referred to as National Parks. California leads with nine parks, followed closely by Alaska, Utah, and Colorado.
Question 17
Which of the following is NOT a relevant college major for park rangers?
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ABiological Sciences
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BWildlife and Forestry
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CPsychology
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DHorticulture
Psychology
The selection of college majors appropriate for aspiring park rangers is vast, with many degrees related to conservation, biology, botany, ecology, forestry, earth science, and anthropology. Among the most relevant majors are: Park and recreation management, Environmental studies, Environmental science, Environmental management, Wildlife and Forestry, Wildlife management, Horticulture, Police science/criminal justice, Natural resources management, Biological sciences, and Fisheries and wildlife law enforcement.
Question 18
What was the name of the first official Ranger unit for the United States?
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AKnowlton's Rangers
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BJefferson's Wardens
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CWashington's Rangers
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DWashington's Wardens
Knowlton's Rangers
Amidst the Revolutionary War, General George Washington commanded Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Knowlton to build an elite group of men for reconnaissance missions. This unit became known as "Knowlton's Rangers," and was the first official Ranger unit for the United States.
Question 19
What type of park ranger holds police powers to support national, state, provincial, and local laws as well as park regulations?
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AAdministration
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BEnforcement
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CInterpretation
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DMaintenance
Enforcement
Law enforcement rangers are responsible for upholding national, state, provincial, and local laws as well as park regulations using authoritative powers.
Question 20
With over 12.5 million visitors in 2019, what is the most visited national park in the United States?
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AZion
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BRocky Mountain
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CGrand Canyon
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DGreat Smoky Mountains
Great Smoky Mountains
With more than 12.5 million visitors in 2019, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited in the country. This is believed to be due to its close proximity to several major cities. Following behind the Great Smoky Mountains in terms of visitors is Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain, and Zion National Parks, respectively.
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