Driftless Stories -

Driftless Natural History Quiz

By Craig Thompson | Spring 2023 Inspire(d)

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Artwork by Mary Thompson

Untouched by Pleistocene ice sheets that reshaped the northern tier of states, the Driftless Area’s ruggedness is iconic. Rocky bluffs dissected by narrow, steep-sided valleys create a signature landscape not only beautiful, but also biodiverse. Myriad topographic nooks and crannies support a trove of plant and animal species. By any measure, the “Driftless” is considered among the most biologically diverse landscapes in the Upper Midwest. This lighthearted quiz will test your Driftless natural history savvy, both biological and geologic.

Multiple-choice questions may have more than one correct answer. Choose your answer then click the “submit” button to see how you did! Good luck!

1. A cherrystone drop is:

2. Wild bergamot, a native Driftless wildflower, is preferred by bumblebees because:

3. A jumble of rocks emitting cold air from the base of a wooded cliff is known as:

4. The Prothonotary Warbler

5. Dutchman’s Breeches:

6. When calling, this common inhabit of Driftless ponds and marshes sounds like a plucked banjo string:

7. Halloween Pennant, Autumn Meadowhawk, and Blue Dasher are names for:

8. Treeless, grassy areas on the edges of otherwise forested bluffs are commonly known as:

9. Crickets create a late summer Driftless serenade through a process known as:

10. The Viceroy butterfly is a mimic that looks almost exactly like which of these Driftless butterflies?

Craig Thompson

Craig Thompson is a professional biologist with a penchant for birds dating back to a time when gas was $0.86 cents a gallon. He’s working on his Kermit the Frog impression.

    Mary Thompson

    Mary Thompson has degrees in Fine Arts and Education. She has delighted in the creative arts since her first box of crayons. She loves watching dragonflies while sipping a good cup of bergamot tea.