Desert Survival Quiz-Answers

1) What small creature kills more people than all other poisonous creatures combined?                                             Answer: The honey bee, because of allergic reactions to it's sting. 

2) You're car has broken down in the desert, which way should you walk?                                                      Answer: Trick question.  You shouldn't.  Always stay with your vehicle, unless there's an obvious place that you know is nearby. Searchers usually find the vehicle first.                                  

3)  With no compass, what desert plant can tell direction?                                                                               Answer:  The Barrel Cactus, sometimes called the "compass cactus."  The top leans toward the Southwest.

4)  If you see a farmhouse that looks 5 miles away, how far could it really be?  And why?  Answer: Fifteen miles.  Military troops are told to multiply by 3, estimated distances in desert areas.  It's because of the clear air and low humidity.

5) How can you get water out of dirt?  Answer:  By building a solar still. Digging a hole and covering it with plastic will allow ever present ground moisture to condense on the plastic.  Stay Alive DVD's show you how.

6) You're lost. Your car is disabled, but you notice search airplanes overhead.  What's the most valuable  signaling device you could have?  Answer: The Civil Air Patrol says a mirror. If you don't have one, use any bright object,  from the bottom of a can to a hubcap.

How'd you do?  5-6 correct     We'd travel with you anytime.

                            3-4 correct     Better travel in cooler weather. You'll have more time to think it through!

                            2 or less         They make movies about people like you!

Stay Alive-A Guide to Desert Survival  has lots of clever advice, in easy-to-understand demonstrations.