Wisconsin Hunter's Safety Practice Exam

What are the four basic characteristics used for animal identification?

1. Climate, nesting habits, calls, family structure

2. Body size, habitat preferences, footprints, droppings

3. Distinctive markings, sounds, movements, group behavior

4. Eye color, tail length, antler size, fur texture

The correct answer is: Distinctive markings, sounds, movements, group behavior

Distinctive markings, sounds, movements, and group behavior are the four basic characteristics used for animal identification. Option A is incorrect because climate, nesting habits, calls, and family structure can vary greatly among animals and are therefore difficult to use for identification purposes. Additionally, these factors can change over time for individual animals, making them less reliable as identifying characteristics. Option B is incorrect because while body size, habitat preferences, footprints, and droppings can sometimes be helpful in identifying animals, they are not as distinctive or unique as the four characteristics listed in the correct answer. Footprints and droppings can also easily be confused with those of other animals, making them unreliable for identification purposes. Option D is incorrect because eye color, tail length, antler size, and fur texture can vary significantly among individuals of the same species and can also change over time. These characteristics are also not as easily observable as the four listed in the correct answer. In conclusion, distinctive markings, sounds, movements, and group behavior are the most reliable and distinctive characteristics used for animal identification.