Dangers of Australian Wildlife

Australia is home to many dangerous creatures and plants, including the aggressive magpie, paralysis tick, giant centipede, strychnine tree, venomous cone snails, painful Gympie Gympie tree, and the tiny but deadly common kingslayer jellyfish. While these threats can cause severe pain and discomfort, they rarely result in fatalities. Awareness and caution can help avoid encounters with these hazards.

What is the main focus of the introduction regarding Australia's wildlife?

• The common tourist attractions

• The beauty of Australia's landscapes

• The hidden dangers beyond well-known threats

• The cultural diversity of Australia

Why do Australian magpies attack humans?

• To build nests

• For food

• For entertainment

• To defend their territory and chicks

What unusual effect can the paralysis tick have on humans?

• It can make you immune to snake venom

• It can induce a meat allergy

• It can cause blindness

• It can improve your memory

What is a unique feature of the giant centipede's venom?

• It is harmless to humans

• It glows in the dark

• It contains cystatin and glycoside hydrolase

• It can cure diseases

What makes the strychnine tree particularly dangerous?

• Its fruit is delicious

• It has no known effects

• It contains a deadly alkaloid used in poisons

• It is a common houseplant

What should you avoid doing when snorkeling near cone snails?

• Touching their shells

• Taking photos

• Swimming too fast

• Feeding them

What is the main pain-inducing compound in the Gympie Gympie tree?

• Caffeine

• Strychnine

• Nicotine

• Moroidin

What makes the common kingslayer jellyfish difficult to avoid?

• Its tiny, colorless body

• Its loud noise

• Its large size

• Its bright colors

What syndrome can be caused by the common kingslayer jellyfish?

• Chronic fatigue syndrome

• Irukandji syndrome

• Down syndrome

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

What is a common misconception about the dangers in Australia?

• They are all visible

• They are only found in the outback

• They are mostly harmless

• They are all deadly