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*Ficus religiosa* belongs to the Rosaceae family, commonly known as the rose family.
Answer: False
Explanation: The species *Ficus religiosa* belongs to the Moraceae family, commonly known as the fig or mulberry family, not the Rosaceae family.
The sacred fig tree is known by various names in India and Nepal, including the bodhi tree, bo tree, and peepul tree.
Answer: True
Explanation: Indeed, *Ficus religiosa* is referred to by multiple common names across India and Nepal, including the bodhi tree, bo tree, and peepul tree, among others.
The leaves of *Ficus religiosa* are typically described as ovate (egg-shaped) with a rounded base.
Answer: False
Explanation: The leaves of *Ficus religiosa* are characteristically cordate (heart-shaped) and possess a distinctive, elongated drip tip, rather than being ovate.
Mature *Ficus religiosa* trees typically reach heights of around 10 meters and trunk diameters up to 1 meter.
Answer: False
Explanation: Mature *Ficus religiosa* trees are considerably larger, typically reaching heights of up to 30 meters and trunk diameters up to 3 meters.
The fruits of *Ficus religiosa* are large, fleshy berries, typically 3-5 cm in diameter.
Answer: False
Explanation: The fruits of *Ficus religiosa* are small figs, approximately 1 to 1.5 cm in diameter, which mature from green to purple.
The Sanskrit term for *Ficus religiosa* is 'Vata', commonly referring to the banyan tree.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Sanskrit term for *Ficus religiosa* is 'Ashvattha', while 'Vata' typically refers to the banyan tree (*Ficus benghalensis*).
What is the scientific name of the sacred fig tree, and to which family does it belong?
Answer: *Ficus religiosa*, Moraceae
Explanation: The scientific name of the sacred fig is *Ficus religiosa*, and it belongs to the Moraceae family.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a common name for *Ficus religiosa* in India and Nepal?
Answer: Banyan tree
Explanation: Common names for *Ficus religiosa* include Bodhi tree, Peepal tree, and Ashvattha tree. 'Banyan tree' typically refers to *Ficus benghalensis*.
According to the source, what are the characteristic shapes of the leaves of *Ficus religiosa*?
Answer: Cordate (heart-shaped) with an elongated drip tip
Explanation: The leaves of *Ficus religiosa* are described as cordate (heart-shaped) and feature a distinctive elongated drip tip.
What are the approximate maximum dimensions for a mature *Ficus religiosa* tree?
Answer: Height up to 30 meters, trunk diameter up to 3 meters
Explanation: A mature *Ficus religiosa* tree can reach substantial dimensions, typically growing up to 30 meters in height with a trunk diameter of up to 3 meters.
The fruits of *Ficus religiosa* are described as:
Answer: Small figs, 1-1.5 cm in diameter, turning purple when mature
Explanation: The fruits are small figs, approximately 1 to 1.5 cm in diameter, which change from green to purple upon maturation.
The Sanskrit term for *Ficus religiosa* is Ashvattha. How is it mentioned in the Rig Veda according to the source?
Answer: As 'Peepul'.
Explanation: The Sanskrit term Ashvattha, referring to *Ficus religiosa*, is mentioned in the Rig Veda, where it is referred to as 'peepul'.
*Ficus religiosa* is native to Australia and New Zealand.
Answer: False
Explanation: *Ficus religiosa* is native to the Indian subcontinent and parts of Indochina, not Australia and New Zealand.
*Ficus religiosa* has been widely introduced to regions including Iran, Florida (USA), and Venezuela.
Answer: True
Explanation: Indeed, *Ficus religiosa* has been widely introduced and naturalized in regions such as Iran, Florida (USA), and Venezuela, among others.
The sacred fig tree can tolerate air temperatures ranging from -10 to 40 degrees Celsius.
Answer: False
Explanation: The species typically thrives in air temperatures between 0 to 35 degrees Celsius (32 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit), indicating a narrower tolerance range than stated.
*Ficus religiosa* prefers heavy clay soils with poor drainage.
Answer: False
Explanation: The preferred soil type for *Ficus religiosa* is deep, alluvial sandy loam with good drainage, rather than heavy clay with poor drainage.
*Ficus religiosa* can tolerate Köppen climate classifications such as Cfa (Humid subtropical) and Csa (Hot-summer Mediterranean).
Answer: True
Explanation: The species demonstrates tolerance for a range of climate classifications, including Cfa (Humid subtropical) and Csa (Hot-summer Mediterranean), among others.
In China, *Ficus religiosa* is typically found growing at high altitudes, above 2000 meters.
Answer: False
Explanation: In China, *Ficus religiosa* is typically observed growing at altitudes between 400 to 700 meters, not above 2000 meters.
*Ficus religiosa* cannot survive in tropical monsoon climates due to insufficient rainfall.
Answer: False
Explanation: The species is capable of thriving in tropical monsoon climates, tolerating monthly precipitation levels typically ranging from 60 to 100 mm.
Which of the following regions is NOT mentioned as a native area for *Ficus religiosa*?
Answer: The Mediterranean basin
Explanation: *Ficus religiosa* is native to the Indian subcontinent and parts of Indochina, including Thailand, Myanmar, and Peninsular Malaysia. The Mediterranean basin is not listed as a native region.
*Ficus religiosa* has been widely introduced and naturalized in which of the following areas?
Answer: Iran, Florida (USA), and Venezuela
Explanation: Beyond its native range, *Ficus religiosa* has been widely introduced and naturalized in areas such as Iran, Florida (USA), and Venezuela.
What is the typical altitudinal range where *Ficus religiosa* can successfully grow?
Answer: From 10 meters up to 1,520 meters (4,990 feet)
Explanation: *Ficus religiosa* can grow at altitudes ranging from approximately 10 meters up to 1,520 meters (4,990 feet) above sea level.
Which range of air temperatures can *Ficus religiosa* tolerate for growth?
Answer: 0°C to 35°C (32°F to 95°F)
Explanation: The sacred fig tree demonstrates tolerance for air temperatures between 0°C and 35°C (32°F to 95°F).
What type of soil does *Ficus religiosa* preferably thrive in, and what is its drainage requirement?
Answer: Deep, alluvial sandy loam with good drainage
Explanation: *Ficus religiosa* preferably thrives in deep, alluvial sandy loam soils that possess good drainage.
Which Köppen climate classification is *NOT* mentioned as being tolerated by *Ficus religiosa*?
Answer: Dsc (Subarctic climate, dry summer)
Explanation: While *Ficus religiosa* tolerates tropical and subtropical climates like Af, Aw/As, and Cfa, the Dsc (Subarctic climate, dry summer) classification is not mentioned as being within its tolerance range.
In which region is *Ficus religiosa* planted as an avenue or roadside tree?
Answer: The Middle East
Explanation: *Ficus religiosa* is preferably planted as an avenue or roadside tree in the Middle East, as well as in parts of the Philippines and Nicaragua.
The pollinator specifically associated with *Ficus religiosa* is the common honeybee (*Apis mellifera*).
Answer: False
Explanation: The specific pollinator for *Ficus religiosa* is an agaonid wasp, *Blastophaga quadriceps*, not the common honeybee.
The root system of *Ficus religiosa* is characterized by aerial roots that grow downwards and thicken, similar to banyan trees.
Answer: False
Explanation: Unlike the prop roots of banyan trees, the epiphytic roots of *Ficus religiosa* penetrate the host tree's stem from within, rather than growing downwards externally.
The Global Compendium of Weeds has designated *Ficus religiosa* as a beneficial species for ecosystem restoration.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Global Compendium of Weeds identifies *Ficus religiosa* as an 'environmental weed' or 'naturalised weed', not as a beneficial species for restoration.
*Ficus religiosa* received a low invasiveness score of 1 in a risk assessment for Hawaii.
Answer: False
Explanation: In a risk assessment for Hawaii, *Ficus religiosa* was assigned a high invasiveness score of 7, indicating a significant potential to become a pest.
The specific pollinator associated with *Ficus religiosa*, which lays its eggs exclusively on this species, belongs to which group?
Answer: An agaonid wasp (*Blastophaga quadriceps*)
Explanation: The primary pollinator is *Blastophaga quadriceps*, an agaonid wasp that exhibits a specific relationship with *Ficus religiosa*.
How does the root system of *Ficus religiosa* differ from that of typical strangler figs?
Answer: *Ficus religiosa* roots penetrate the host tree's stem from within, rather than encircling it externally.
Explanation: Unlike true strangler figs that encircle hosts externally, *Ficus religiosa*'s epiphytic roots penetrate the host's stem internally, potentially leading to its split.
What designation has *Ficus religiosa* received regarding its environmental impact, and by whom?
Answer: An environmental weed or naturalised weed.
Explanation: The Global Compendium of Weeds has identified *Ficus religiosa* as an 'environmental weed' or 'naturalised weed'.
In a risk assessment for Hawaii, what invasiveness score was assigned to *Ficus religiosa*, and what does it imply?
Answer: Score of 7, predicting it could become a major pest.
Explanation: A risk assessment for Hawaii assigned *Ficus religiosa* an invasiveness score of 7, suggesting it has the potential to become a major pest.
What factors contribute to the invasive behavior of *Ficus religiosa*?
Answer: Rapid growth, adaptability to diverse conditions, long lifespan, and epiphytic habit.
Explanation: Factors contributing to its invasive nature include rapid growth, adaptability to varied environments, longevity, and an epiphytic growth habit.
The sacred fig holds religious significance only in Hinduism and Buddhism.
Answer: False
Explanation: While central to Hinduism and Buddhism, the sacred fig also holds significant religious importance in Sikhism and Jainism, originating from the Indian subcontinent.
Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment while meditating under an oak tree.
Answer: False
Explanation: Gautama Buddha is traditionally believed to have attained enlightenment, known as Bodhi, while meditating under a *Ficus religiosa* tree, subsequently referred to as the Bodhi Tree.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna identifies himself as the banyan tree among all trees.
Answer: False
Explanation: In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna identifies himself as the Peepal tree (*Ficus religiosa*) among all trees, signifying its supreme status.
In Theravada Buddhist Southeast Asia, the trunks of *Ficus religiosa* trees are often used as sites for Buddhist or animist shrines.
Answer: True
Explanation: It is common practice in Theravada Buddhist regions of Southeast Asia to establish Buddhist or animist shrines at the base of *Ficus religiosa* trees.
According to the Padma Purana, the Ashvattha tree represents Lord Shiva.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Padma Purana associates the Ashvattha tree with Lord Vishnu, while the Vata (Banyan) tree is associated with Lord Shiva (Rudra).
Hindu ascetics (Sadhus) never meditate beneath sacred fig trees due to religious prohibitions.
Answer: False
Explanation: Hindu ascetics, or Sadhus, frequently meditate beneath sacred fig trees, considering it a practice conducive to spiritual pursuits.
The Katha Upanishad describes the eternal Asvattha tree with its root downwards and branches upwards, symbolizing the material world.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Katha Upanishad describes the Asvattha tree with its root upwards and branches downwards, symbolizing the immortal Brahman, the foundation of all worlds.
In which four major religions originating from the Indian subcontinent does the sacred fig hold significant religious importance?
Answer: Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism
Explanation: The sacred fig holds profound religious significance in Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism, all originating from the Indian subcontinent.
What pivotal event in Gautama Buddha's life is directly associated with a *Ficus religiosa* tree?
Answer: His attainment of enlightenment (Bodhi)
Explanation: Gautama Buddha's attainment of enlightenment, known as Bodhi, is the pivotal event traditionally associated with meditating under a *Ficus religiosa* tree.
How is the peepal tree represented in the Bhagavad Gita?
Answer: As the supreme tree, identified with Krishna himself.
Explanation: In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna identifies himself with the Peepal tree, signifying its supreme status among trees.
What is the traditional Theravada Buddhist definition of a 'true' Bodhi Tree?
Answer: A tree that is a direct descendant, through propagation, of the original Bodhi Tree.
Explanation: In Theravada Buddhism, a 'true' Bodhi Tree is defined as one that is a direct descendant, through propagation, of the original tree under which Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment.
According to the Padma Purana, which deity is associated with the Ashvattha tree?
Answer: Lord Vishnu
Explanation: The Padma Purana identifies the Ashvattha tree as a manifestation of Lord Vishnu.
What ritual practice do Hindu followers often perform around sacred fig trees?
Answer: Pradakshina (circumambulation or meditative pacing).
Explanation: A common ritual practice is 'Pradakshina', which involves circumambulating or pacing meditatively around the sacred tree.
How does the description of the eternal Asvattha tree in the Katha Upanishad differ from the Bhagavad Gita's description?
Answer: Katha Upanishad shows roots up, branches down (as Brahman); Bhagavad Gita shows roots up, branches nourished by Gunas (as existence to be severed).
Explanation: The Katha Upanishad depicts the Asvattha with roots upwards and branches downwards, symbolizing Brahman. The Bhagavad Gita describes roots upwards and branches nourished by Gunas, representing existence to be detached from.
*Ficus religiosa* is designated as the state tree for the Indian states of Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
Answer: False
Explanation: The sacred fig, *Ficus religiosa*, is officially designated as the state tree for the Indian states of Odisha, Bihar, and Haryana, not Punjab, Rajasthan, or Uttar Pradesh.
The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, is estimated to be around 500 years old.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree is significantly older, estimated to be over 2,250 years old, planted in 288 BCE.
The earliest known evidence of *Ficus religiosa* in human culture is from 19th-century pottery shards.
Answer: False
Explanation: The earliest known evidence dates back to the third millennium BCE, found on pottery from the Helmand culture at Mundigak, Afghanistan.
The Indus Valley Civilization did not show any representation or veneration of the peepal tree.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Indus Valley Civilization did indeed show veneration and representation of the peepal tree, evidenced by its motifs in their art.
The medal for the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, is designed in the shape of a peepal leaf.
Answer: False
Explanation: The medal for the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, is designed in the shape of a peepal leaf, not the Padma Shri medal.
Dried wood from the ashvattha tree is specifically used for making the fire sticks in Hindu sacrificial fires like Agnihotra.
Answer: True
Explanation: Indeed, dried wood from the ashvattha tree is traditionally utilized for crafting the fire sticks essential for Hindu sacrificial rituals such as Agnihotra.
Which Indian states have officially recognized *Ficus religiosa* as their state tree?
Answer: Odisha, Bihar, and Haryana
Explanation: The states of Odisha, Bihar, and Haryana have officially designated *Ficus religiosa* as their state tree.
What is the significance of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, according to the source?
Answer: It is a cutting from the original Bodhi Tree, planted in 288 BCE, and is the world's oldest known human-planted flowering plant.
Explanation: The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree is significant as a cutting from the original Bodhi Tree, planted in 288 BCE, making it the world's oldest known human-planted flowering plant.
The earliest known representation of *Ficus religiosa* in human culture was found on pottery from which archaeological site and culture?
Answer: Mundigak, Helmand Culture (Afghanistan)
Explanation: The earliest known representation, dating to the third millennium BCE, was discovered on pottery from the Helmand culture at the Mundigak site in Afghanistan.
Which Indian national award features a medal designed in the shape of a peepal leaf?
Answer: Bharat Ratna
Explanation: The medal for the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, is designed in the distinctive shape of a peepal leaf.
For what range of health conditions is *Ficus religiosa* utilized in traditional medicine, according to the source?
Answer: Approximately fifty different types of disorders, including digestive, infectious, and inflammatory conditions.
Explanation: Traditional medicine utilizes *Ficus religiosa* for approximately fifty types of disorders, encompassing digestive, infectious, inflammatory, and other conditions.