Christmas
In the song *“The Twelve Days of Christmas”*, what gift is given on the 5th day?
Five gold rings
On what date is New Year’s Day celebrated in the Gregorian calendar?
January 1
How is the number 85 written in Roman numerals?
LXXXV
Which famous scientist used pigeons extensively in experiments on evolution and artificial selection?
Charles Darwin
About how long is the average lifespan of a pet mouse?
Around 1.5 to 2.5 years.
What country is widely credited with starting the tradition of the Christmas tree?
Germany
In Spain, it is traditional to eat 12 of what food at midnight on New Year’s Eve—one for each chime of the clock?
Grapes
Someone who is 85 years old belongs to which age group name: septuagenarian, octogenarian, or nonagenarian?
Octogenarian (ages 80–89)
What is unique about how pigeons drink water compared with most other birds?
They can suck up water using their beaks, instead of taking a sip and tilting their head back.
True or false: Mice can squeeze through gaps as small as the width of a pencil.
True. They can fit through very small openings.
In the song “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” what was Rudolph’s nose said to be?
Shiny and red (so bright that “you could even say it glows”)
Which ancient civilization is often credited with celebrating one of the earliest recorded New Year festivals, called Akitu?
The ancient Babylonians
A standard piano has 88 keys. How many more keys does a piano have than the number of years in an 85th birthday?
3 more keys
What is the average lifespan of a pigeon in the wild?
About 3–6 years (much longer in captivity).
What is one major reason mice are commonly used in scientific research?
Their genetics and physiology are similar enough to humans, and they breed quickly, making them good research models.
In the classic Christmas movie *Home Alone*, where is the McCallister family going on vacation when they leave Kevin behind?
Paris
In Brazil, many people wear what color of clothing on New Year’s Eve to attract peace and good luck?
White
At 85, you’ve lived through many leap years. If you were born in 1940, how many leap years have occurred up to and including 2024?
22 leap years
Pigeons have been shown to recognize themselves in what common device, suggesting self-awareness?
A mirror.
True or false: All mice live alone and are very solitary.
False. Mice are generally social animals and often live in groups.
What popular Christmas drink is also known as “milk punch”?
Eggnog
What is the name of the traditional New Year greeting in French?
“Bonne année!”
If you’ve been retired for 20 years by the time you turn 85, at what age did you retire?
At age 65
What color vision ability do pigeons have that humans do not?
They can see ultraviolet (UV) light.
About how many babies (pups) are usually born in one mouse litter?
Typically 6–12 pups.