Question 1

True or false: Dugong populations are found in the warm coastal waters of the Indian and western Pacific Oceans.

Accepted Answer

True. They inhabit tropical and subtropical waters from East Africa to Australia.

Question 2

True or false: Dugongs are sometimes called 'sea cows' because they graze on seagrass meadows.

Accepted Answer

True. Their grazing habits and slow movements earned them the nickname 'sea cows.'

Question 3

True or false: Dugongs can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes underwater.

Accepted Answer

False. They typically stay under for 3-6 minutes, rarely exceeding 12 minutes.

Question 4

True or false: Female dugongs often nurse their calves for over a year.

Accepted Answer

True. Calves suckle for 14-18 months, sometimes longer, forming strong maternal bonds.

Question 5

True or false: Dugongs use their tusks to dig up seagrass roots for food.

Accepted Answer

False. They have no tusks; they use their flexible upper lip to uproot seagrass.

Question 6

True or false: Dugongs can survive in freshwater rivers for extended periods.

Accepted Answer

False. They are strictly marine mammals, rarely entering freshwater and never for long.

Question 7

True or false: Dugongs have a dorsal fin similar to dolphins for stability while swimming.

Accepted Answer

False. Dugongs lack a dorsal fin; they have a fluked tail like whales for propulsion.

Question 8

True or false: Dugongs are more closely related to elephants than to whales or dolphins.

Accepted Answer

True. Dugongs are sirenians, sharing a common ancestor with elephants, not cetaceans.

Dugong Trivia Questions