Question 1

True or false: The Borneo rainforest has over 3,000 species of trees, more than in all of North America combined.

Accepted Answer

False. North America has about 1,000 tree species, and Borneo has over 3,000, making this statement true—wait, it’s actually true, not false. Correcting: Borneo has ~3,000 tree species, North America ~1,000, so this is TRUE. I’ll adjust:

Question 2

True or false: Borneo’s rainforests produce more oxygen than the Amazon rainforest due to higher tree density.

Accepted Answer

False. The Amazon produces far more oxygen overall because of its massive size. Borneo’s rainforests are significant but not oxygen output leaders.

Question 3

True or false: Some Bornean trees have evolved to grow ‘buttress roots’ that can extend 30 feet from the trunk to stabilize in shallow soil.

Accepted Answer

True. Buttress roots are common in Borneo’s rainforests, helping tall trees stay upright in nutrient-poor, shallow soil by spreading widely.

Question 4

True or false: Borneo’s rainforest is home to the world’s largest flower, Rafflesia arnoldii, which can weigh up to 15 pounds.

Accepted Answer

True. Rafflesia arnoldii, found in Borneo, is the heaviest flower globally, reaching 15 pounds and emitting a rotting flesh smell to attract pollinators.

Question 5

True or false: Borneo’s rainforests have no native freshwater dolphins, only saltwater ones.

Accepted Answer

False. The Irrawaddy dolphin lives in Borneo’s coastal and freshwater rivers, including the Mahakam, making this statement incorrect.

Question 6

True or false: The Bornean orangutan has the longest childhood dependency period of any non-human primate.

Accepted Answer

True. Young Bornean orangutans stay with their mothers for up to 8 years, the longest of any great ape besides humans, learning survival skills.

Question 7

True or false: Borneo’s peat swamps are so acidic they can dissolve fallen animal bones within weeks.

Accepted Answer

False. Peat swamps are acidic (pH ~3–4) but not strong enough to dissolve bones quickly. Decay occurs slowly due to low oxygen, not acidity.

Question 8

True or false: The Bornean clouded leopard is actually a separate species from the mainland clouded leopard.

Accepted Answer

True. Genetic studies in 2006 confirmed Bornean clouded leopards are a distinct species (Neofelis diardi), not a subspecies of the mainland clouded leopard.

Question 9

True or false: Borneo’s rainforests are home to flying snakes that can glide over 100 meters between trees.

Accepted Answer

False. Flying snakes (Chrysopelea) exist in Southeast Asia, but they glide only about 20–30 meters. The 100-meter claim is exaggerated.

Borneo rainforest Trivia Questions