To us, keeping aware and knowing everything possible to keep yourself alive is crucial. In a survival situation, knowing the right things to do can truly be the difference between life and death. This is why we developed a Survival Quiz just for our readers.
In this Survival Quiz, we’re going to test your knowledge on numerous survival categories. We will offer them in 20 multiple-choice fashion questions. If you’re right, good for you! If not, we’ll let you in on the right answer. Let’s get started!!!
Results
#1. Does Moss Always Grow on the North Side of Trees?
No, it grows where moisture allows
Moss grows based on humidity, shade, and surface moisture — not compass direction.
#2. What’s the Safest Water Source in a Survival Situation?
Flowing Stream Water
Moving water is less likely to contain high bacterial loads, though it still needs purification.
#3. What’s the Universal Distress Signal in the Wilderness?
Three Short Blasts of a Whistle
Three repetitions — blasts, flashes, or fires — is universally recognized as a distress signal.
#4. How Long Can An Adult Human Last Without Water?
3 Days
About 72 hours is the average upper limit before dehydration becomes life-threatening. Heat, exertion, and illness shorten this time dramatically.
#5. Where’s the Safest Place During a Lightning Storm?
In a Low Area Away from Tall Objects
Lightning seeks the tallest object. Staying low reduces risk.
#6. What Can Be The Best Makeshift Stitches In The Wild?
Army Ant Head
Soldier ants clamp their jaws together and lock tight. Indigenous tribes have used them like natural surgical staples for generations.
#7. When Making A Snare, How Should You Measure The Size Of The Noose You Create?
Two-Thirds the Size of the Animal’s Head
Two-thirds the head size allows the animal to naturally slip through the loop and ensures the snare tightens properly.
#8. Insects Can Be Edible, But Which Should You Avoid Eating?
Bright-Colored Insects
Bright colors in nature indicate toxicity or chemical defenses. Red, yellow, orange, or blue insects are far more likely to be poisonous.
#9. What’s the Best Natural Tinder in Wet Weather?
Birch Bark
Birch bark burns even when wet due to natural oils that ignite easily.
#10. What Is The Most Important Tool In Survival?
Knife
A knife can perform dozens of critical tasks — shelter building, fire prep, food processing, carving, defense — making it the single most important survival tool.
#11. To Avoid Heat Stroke, What Should You Wear Outdoors?
Long-Sleeve Shirt & Pants
Lightweight, breathable long sleeves protect your skin from direct sun and help regulate heat more effectively than leaving skin exposed.
#12. How Should You Treat a Jellyfish Sting?
Rinse with Vinegar
Vinegar neutralizes the venom and prevents further stinging.
#13. What’s the Most Reliable Way to Navigate at Night Without Tools?
The North Star
Polaris sits almost exactly above true north and is the most dependable nighttime navigation reference.
#14. What Type Of Drinks Or Foods Should You Avoid While Experiencing Hypothermia?
Caffeinated Drinks
Caffeine increases heart rate and constricts blood vessels, which worsens heat loss. Hypothermia requires stable circulation and warmth, not stimulants.
#15. How Can You Determine The Distance Of A Possible Incoming Storm?
By the Flashes of Lightning & Claps of Thunder
Count seconds between lightning and thunder, divide by five, and you get the distance in miles. It’s the only reliable field method.
#16. What Should You NEVER Do if You Encounter a Bear?
Run
Running triggers a chase instinct. Bears can outrun humans easily.
#17. Why Should You Build Your Bedding Off The Ground?
To Avoid Losing Body Heat & To Keep Away From Bugs & Snakes
Sleeping off the ground prevents heat loss through conduction and reduces encounters with insects and snakes.
#18. What Should You Do First When You Realize You’re Lost?
Stop and Stay Calm
Panic leads to deadly decisions. STOP = Stop, Think, Observe, Plan.
#19. Which Plant Should You NEVER Burn in a Campfire?
Poison Ivy
Burning poison ivy releases urushiol into the air — inhaling it can cause severe inflammation and can be life-threatening.
#20. How Many Days Can An Adult Human Go Without Food?
3 Weeks
A healthy adult can typically survive around three weeks without food as long as they have water. The body switches to stored fat and muscle for energy, allowing survival far beyond just a few days.