Riddles With Answers

Which university has no official mascot but is instead represented by a tree?

Gonzaga University
Stanford University
Tulane University
University of Oregon

Fact: Stanford University has no official mascot, but it is famously represented by a tree. The “Stanford Tree” originated as the mascot of the Stanford Band and quickly became an unofficial yet beloved symbol of the school. The university’s teams are officially known as the Stanford Cardinal, a reference to the color rather than a bird. Over time, the quirky and ever-changing costume of the Stanford Tree has become one of the most bizarre and unconventional symbols in college sports, embodying the playful spirit of Stanford’s student culture.

Correct Answer: Stanford University

What distinguishes the male rufous hummingbird’s appearance?

A It has a blue throat
B It has a copper back and red throat patches
C It is entirely green

Fact: The male rufous hummingbird is characterized by its striking copper back and shimmering red throat patches, which make it stand out, especially in sunlight.

Correct Answer: It has a copper back and red throat patches

What is a unique behavior of the rufous hummingbird during migration?

A They often return to the same gardens and feeders
B They travel only during the night
C They fly solo without any companions

Fact: Rufous hummingbirds are known to return to the same gardens and feeders each year, showcasing their remarkable memory and relationship with specific feeding sites.

Correct Answer: They often return to the same gardens and feeders

Which adaptation helps the rufous hummingbird in aggressive encounters?

A They have larger wings
B They emit loud calls
C They can fly backward

Fact: Rufous hummingbirds possess the unique ability to fly backward, aiding them in their aggressive behavior against rivals, making them formidable in aerial confrontations.

Correct Answer: They can fly backward

Who appeared in more than 30 Alfred Hitchcock films?

Cary Grant
Clare Greet
James Stewart
Alfred Hitchcock

Fact: Film director Alfred Hitchcock made cameo appearances in 39 of his 52 surviving major films. For the films in which he appeared, he would be seen for a brief moment in a non-speaking part as an extra, such as boarding a bus, crossing in front of a building, standing in an apartment across the courtyard, or even appearing in a newspaper photograph. This playful gesture became one of Hitchcock’s signatures; and fans would make a sport of trying to spot his cameos. His appearances became so popular that he began to make them earlier in his films so as not to distract the audience from the plot.

Correct Answer: Alfred Hitchcock

What No. 1 hit of 1969 was performed by a cartoon band?

Yakety Yak
Sugar, Sugar
At the Hop
The Tra La La Song

Fact: In 1969, “Sugar, Sugar” by The Archies topped the Billboard Hot 100 and went on to become the year’s best-selling single. The Archies weren’t a real-life group but a fictional cartoon band created for The Archie Show. Studio musicians Ron Dante and Toni Wine provided the vocals, giving life to a pop hit that blurred the line between animated entertainment and mainstream music. While other novelty and animated acts like Gorillaz and The Banana Splits gained recognition, only The Archies managed to reach No. 1, making “Sugar, Sugar” a unique milestone in pop music history.

Correct Answer: Sugar, Sugar

Which comedian was Johnny Carson’s permanent guest host in the 1980s?

Fact: In the 1980s, Joan Rivers earned the distinction of being Johnny Carson’s permanent guest host on The Tonight Show. Whenever Carson was absent, Rivers frequently took the helm, showcasing her sharp wit and bold comedic style. Her role was groundbreaking, as she became the first woman to hold such a position on a late-night talk show, paving the way for future female hosts in the genre. However, her relationship with Carson soured after she launched her own competing program in 1986—a move that Johnny Carson never forgave.

Correct Answer: Joan Rivers

What is the only human disease to have been completely eradicated by vaccination?

Polio
Smallpox
Measles
Tuberculosis

Fact: Smallpox is the only human disease that has been fully eradicated by vaccination. Caused by the variola virus, smallpox plagued humanity for thousands of years with deadly outbreaks. In 1796, Edward Jenner’s pioneering work on the smallpox vaccine laid the foundation for modern immunology. The World Health Organization launched an global eradication program in 1967, and after years of coordinated vaccination campaigns, the last naturally occurring case was reported in Somalia in 1977. The WHO officially declared smallpox eradicated in 1980.

Correct Answer: Smallpox

Which actor won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Atticus Finch in the film “To Kill a Mockingbird”?

Fact: …Gregory Peck’s performance as Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird is widely regarded as one of the greatest in cinematic history. His calm strength, moral conviction, and compassionate defense of justice brought Harper Lee’s iconic character to life. The role earned Peck the Academy Award for Best Actor, cementing his legacy as a Hollywood legend. Atticus Finch has since become a cultural symbol of integrity and fairness, inspiring generations of audiences and consistently ranking among the most admired characters in film and literature.

Correct Answer: Gregory Peck

Which iconic landmark was once owned by a private citizen?

Stonehenge
Big Ben
Liberty Bell
Leaning Tower of Pisa

Fact: Most people think of Stonehenge as an ancient monument forever under government protection, but for much of its history it was actually privately owned. In 1915, the prehistoric stone circle was put up for public auction and purchased by barrister Cecil Chubb for just £6,600. According to popular accounts, he bought it on a whim as a gift for his wife—though she was reportedly less than thrilled with the present. Chubb held on to Stonehenge for only a few years before donating it to the British government in 1918, under the condition that the public would always have reasonable access.

Correct Answer: Stonehenge