World Oceans Day Quiz: The Secrets of the Blue Depths

Did you know that over 80% of the ocean is still unexplored? How much are you aware of the great waters that we have already discovered?

On World Oceans Day, let us deep dive into some of the most interesting phenomena, curious creatures, and brave pioneers of the ocean with the Mysteries Beyond the Blue Quiz.

Answer these 10 questions in the comments section below!

Question 1:

Name the creature that is known as a living fossil because it swam the oceans 125 million years ago, when primitive mammals had just come into existence. It has protruding sharp teeth – 53 rows at the top and 62 at the bottom. It feeds by slingshotting its jaw forward. Its translucent skin makes it pinkish in colour. It lives 4300 feet deep in the ocean.

Question 2:

Some believe that this mysterious formation on the bottom of the sea is the work of aliens. But, these intriguing underwater crop circles are actually made by a type of fish in their quest to find a mate. These crop circles have a circumference of over 6 feet and the fish often decorate them with shells. Name the fish.

Question 3:

This underwater archaeologist discovered the world-famous shipwreck – the RMS Titanic – in 1985. At the last known site of the Titanic, he spotted the debris on the ocean floor, a boiler, and the hull. His team found that the ship’s exterior had been split in two. In 1979, on an expedition to the Galapagos Islands, he also discovered an entirely new ecosystem around underwater volcanoes. Name the explorer.

Question 4:

Name the world’s longest chain of mountains. Stretching across 65,000 kilometres, 90% of this mountain chain lies in the deep waters. It is said that this massive structure is less explored than the surface of Venus or Mars.

Question 5:

Name this crab that looks like a spider and sits 1000 feet deep in the ocean. These crabs can live for a century. Despite their intimidating look, they are gentle giants and scavenge dead plants and animals. They camouflage by adorning their shells with sponges or anemones.

Question 6:

This collection of underwater volcanoes is situated in the basin of the Pacific Ocean. Here, an unusually high number of eruptions and earthquakes occur, and form 90% of the world’s earthquakes and 88% of the world’s largest volcanic eruptions. There are a total of 452 volcanoes present in this formation. What is the name of this famous underwater collection?

Question 7:

Name the aquanaut who set the record for the deepest dive without a tether during an underwater walk for 2.5 hours at a depth of 1,250 feet. She was the first woman scientist to look out through the porthole of a submarine. She also launched an underwater project – Tektite 2 – with an all-woman crew. She has led over 70 expeditions and logged over 6,500 hours underwater!

Question 8:

How many islands are on the Pacific Ocean? It is home to most of the world’s islands, including magnificent Hawaii. Although it remains the world’s largest ocean, covering 30% of the Earth’s surface, it actually shrinks by one inch every year due to the movement of tectonic plates!

Question 9:

This fish was voted the ugliest animal in 2013! This gelatinous blob has no bones and virtually no muscles. But, it has adapted to the huge amounts of pressure in its natural habitat at 3000 feet deep. Name this creature that lurks silently in the dark depths of the ocean.

Question 10:

Name this curious phenomenon that turns the ocean water red! It is caused due to the rapid growth of certain microorganisms in the water. Its presence is highly dangerous to birds, animals, and humans.

How many Ocean facts could you guess? Don’t forget to leave your answers in the comments section below. The answer key will be revealed on 15-6-2022.

Answer Key

1. Goblin shark (Mitsukurina owstoni)
2. Pufferfish
3. Robert Ballard
4. Mid-Ocean Ridge
5.  Japanese Spider Crab (Macrocheira kaempferi)
6.  Ring of Fire
7. Sylvia Earle
8. 25000
9. Blobfish (Psychrolutes marcidus)
10. Red Tide Algal Bloom

Also see, visual stories about the mysteries of the world and beyond:

• Strange Facts About Sea Creatures
• Searching for Life on Mars
• Mysterious Archaeological Findings