Caves

How are caves formed and what lives inside them?

An exploration of how caves are formed through geological processes and the unique creatures that call these dark environments home.

Check your understanding

1. What is the most common way that solutional caves are formed?
- A. By deep underground rivers
- B. By acidic water dissolving limestone
- C. By heavy wind blowing through rock
- D. By humans digging tunnels
2. Which type of cave is created by cooling lava?
- A. Sea Cave
- B. Ice Cave
- C. Lava Tube
- D. Solutional Cave
3. What is the difference between a stalactite and a stalagmite?
- A. Stalactites hang from the ceiling, stalagmites rise from the floor
- B. Stalactites rise from the floor, stalagmites hang from the ceiling
- C. Stalactites only exist in ice caves
- D. Stalactites are living animals, stalagmites are rocks
4. Are bats really blind?
- A. Yes, they cannot see at all
- B. No, they have good eyesight
- C. Only when they sleep in caves
- D. Yes, but they see through their ears

1. Why do many troglobites lack eyes and skin color?
- A. Because they are sick
- B. Because the cave is too cold
- C. Because they live in total darkness
- D. Because they need to hide from predators
2. How would you classify an animal that uses a cave for shelter but leaves to hunt?
- A. Trogloxene
- B. Troglobite
- C. Troglophile
- D. Cave Resident
3. Why is it important to follow 'Leave No Trace' in a cave?
- A. Because caves are messy places
- B. Because caves have delicate ecosystems that can be harmed
- C. Because the rocks will get stolen
- D. Because caves are too small for humans
4. How do troglobites survive without the ability to see?
- A. They use mirrors to reflect light
- B. They have developed strong senses like touch and hearing vibrations
- C. They have special glowing skin
- D. They follow the smell of other animals

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