Can You Identify These Animals From a Black and White Photo?

By: Elizabeth Lavis
Estimated Completion Time
3 min
Can You Identify These Animals From a Black and White Photo?
Image: ...beyond photography / Moment / Getty Images

About This Quiz

In this deceptively easy quiz, we've put a spin on identifying common animals by showing them only in black and white. You will be amazed by how much you rely on your color perception to figure out members of the animal kingdom!

Can you tell whether a big cat is a lion or a tiger if there is no telltale orange in the picture? Will you be able to identify a colorful peacock when it has been completed stripped of its color? Even sea animals, which generally come in various shades of gray, are difficult to pick out when rendered in solely black and white. There's a reason why the animal kingdom is represented in deep browns, oranges, bright reds, blues and a whole host of other colors. We wouldn't be able to know what the heck we were looking at otherwise!

If you don't believe us, jump on into this quiz and see for yourself how tough it is to tell the difference between a penguin and a cute little seal when there are no colors to help you out. Are you the ultimate animal expert who can ace this grayscale quiz? It is time to prove your stuff! 

Lion
Tom Brakefield / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Who knows the name of this mighty beast?
Tiger
Lion
This massive cat is truly the king of the grasslands and is one of the apex predators in its native sub-Saharan Africa. Lions are social, smart hunters and make fierce adversaries.
Puma
Meerkat

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Crocodile
Nicky Dowling / Moment / Getty Images
This ancient creature is basically a dinosaur. What is it?
Crocodile
Crocodiles are ancient creatures that are often confused with alligators- although these two animals are very different. You can find crocodiles in many places in Southeast Asia and Africa.
Komodo dragon
Gecko
Iguana

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Kangaroo
Manuel ROMARIS / Moment / Getty Images
What Australian marsupial is pictured here?
Dingo
Tapir
Lemur
Kangaroo
Kangaroos are one of the most iconic animals from "down under." These Australian Outback dwellers are powerful animals that hold the title of being the largest marsupials on the planet.

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Grizzly Bear
Keith Bradley / Moment / Getty Images
This massive animal dominates the Canadian wilderness. What is it?
Grizzly bear
Grizzly bears are massive creatures who can tower up to eight feet tall if they stand on their hind legs. They are fearsome predators and omnivores that live mostly in the Canadian wilderness.
Ocelot
Panda
Lynx

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Seal
David Martin / Moment / Getty Images
Who knows the name of this adorable aquatic creature?
Whale
Seal
Seals spend much of their time in the water but will venture to the land to give birth to their young. Thanks to their thick fur and blubber, seals are able to thrive in colder weather.
Dolphin
Walrus

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Wolf
Copyright Michael Cummings / Moment / Getty Images
Which apex predator roams in packs?
Wolf
Wolves are pack animals that are highly social and intelligent. They are the predecessors of modern dogs and are capable and ruthless hunters that effectively stalk and surround their prey.
Boar
Lynx
Sloth

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Buffalo
marianna armata / Moment / Getty Images
These huge land-roaming creatures once lived all over North America. What are they?
Buffalo
American Buffalo used to roam all over the American Northwest and can still be found there today. These animals travel in massive herds and are known for being aggressive if startled.
Elephants
Alpacas
Antelope

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Llama
Jose A. Bernat Bacete / Moment / Getty Images
Who can name the furry South American animal is pictured here?
Zebra
Llama
Llamas are South American animals that can be found all over the Andes Mountains. Traditionally they were used for transportation, meat and their woolly coats. Llamas will spit if startled.
Ostrich
Deer

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Rhinoceros
Hillary Kladke / Moment / Getty Images
This giant is on the brink of extinction. What is it?
Hippopotamus
Elephant
Rhinoceros
Rhinos are one of the "big five" animals that can be found on animal safaris. Poachers prize these animals for their horns and, very sadly, they have been hunted almost into extinction.
Orca

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Capybara
Jairo Backes / Moment / Getty Images
The animal pictured here is one of the friendliest in the world! Who can name it?
Capybara
Capybaras are the largest living rodents on the planet. They are also known for being able to work together with other types of animals, but will not typically interact with humans.
Iguana
Dormouse
Tapir

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Cobra
©fitopardo.com / Moment Open / Getty Images
Who can name this slithery animal that is feared all over the world?
Boa constrictor
Komodo dragon
Monitor lizard
Cobra
Cobras are fearsome snakes that are both venomous and territorial. King Cobra venom can pack a serious punch, and will absolutely send someone to the hospital. They are indigenous to tropical regions.

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Sea Turtle
©Roy Niswanger - motleypixel.com / Moment / Getty Images
What large aquatic creature is pictured here?
Seal
Jellyfish
Sea turtle
Sea turtles are large, graceful animals that populate most of the warmer oceans across the globe. They play a critical role in marine ecosystems and are a protected species of animal.
King crab

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Tiger
pvicens / Moment / Getty Images
Who can name this powerful and majestic beast?
Ocelot
Tiger
Tigers are one of the world's most fearsome apex predators and can be found all over the world, but particularly in parts of Southeast Asia. They are an endangered and protected species.
Jaguar
Lion

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Octopus
chang / E+ / Getty Images
These creatures dominate the oceans all over the world. What are they?
Octopus
Octopi come in over 300 different varieties and can be found in all corners of the world. Their tentacles are covered in sticky suckers and they are considered a culinary delicacy.
Jellyfish
Pufferfish
Mollusks

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Gorilla
Gail Shotlander / Moment / Getty Images
What is the name of this mighty mammal?
Sloth
Egret
Warthog
Gorilla
Gorillas are massive herbivores that live mostly in central sub-Saharan Africa. They are considered endangered and are a protected species. Gorillas have been known to show empathy and intelligence.

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Horse
Jordan Siemens / DigitalVision / Getty Images
This elegant beauty is a farm favorite. Who can name it?
Zebra
Horse
Horses are domesticated animals that live on farms all over the world. They participate in competitive sports and are known for forming strong and lasting bonds with their human owners.
Cow
Alpaca

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Sloth
Raúl Barrero photography / Moment / Getty Images
Who knows the name of this slow-moving creature?
Capybara
Warthog
Sloth
These tree-dwelling creatures are native to Central and South America and can be found in the Amazon. They are shy and graceful. Sloths are notorious for moving very slowly in the wild.
Puma

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Hamster
Pyza / Puchikumo / Moment / Getty Images
This animal is a common pet. Who can name is?
Puppy
Hamster
Hamsters are very popular pets, and they can be found in small glass terrariums all over the country. Give your hamster a small wheel to run around in, and it will live a very happy life.
Ferret
Fruit Bat

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Ostrich
...beyond photography / Moment / Getty Images
Who knows the name of this big bird?
Condor
Toucan
Eagle
Ostrich
Ostriches are large, land-dwelling flightless birds that are native to Africa. They are occasionally eaten as food all over the world because their meat is very lean and flavorful.

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Chicken
Jeff Krol / Moment / Getty Images
What is this popular barnyard creature called?
Emu
Chicken
Chickens are common barnyard creatures that are often kept in rural areas for meat or eggs. They are social animals that are largely domesticated by people and come in many varieties.
Turkey
Quail

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Peacock
Kryssia Campos / Moment / Getty Images
This animal might be pictured in black and white, but it's generally brightly colored. What is it?
Peacock
Peacocks are known for their array of brightly colored feathers that they use to try to attract mates. These animals are generally native to India, but can now be found all over the world.
Guinea fowl
Hawk
Eagle

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Cheetah
Floridapfe from S.Korea Kim in cherl / Moment / Getty Images
Who knows the speedy feline pictured here?
Lion
Cheetah
Cheetahs are the fastest animals on the planet and can be found mostly in their natural habitat in parts of Africa. They are sociable and friendly creatures that even sometimes interact with humans.
Cougar
Lynx

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Walrus
Galaxiid / Moment / Getty Images
This arctic creature has a very distinguished look. What is it?
Seal
Platypus
Orca
Walrus
Walruses are massive creatures that are known for their dominant tusks. This animal was also popularized by the Beatles, who sang about them in their iconic song "I am the Walrus".

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Bat
Sebastien GABORIT / Moment / Getty Images
Which nocturnal flying creature is pictured here?
Bat
Bats have been popularized in movies and film, are even linked to superheroes like Batman, and vampires like Dracula. They are useful animals that eat tons of pests and don't usually bother humans.
Owl
Raven
Flying squirrel

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Panda
guenterguni / E+ / Getty Images
Can you name this large creature that is native to China?
Grizzly bear
Tapir
Panda
Pandas are native to China and have been popularized in a number of different films and television shows. They are usually depicted as gentle giants that are notable for their massive black eyes.
Hippopotamus

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Owl
Sean Gladwell / Moment / Getty Images
Who knows the name of the wise creature pictured here?
Owl
Owls are nocturnal creatures that have been popularized in culture as being highly intelligent. They are generally solitary animals that like to hunt at night and sleep during the day.
Bat
Heron
Sloth

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Poison Dart Frog
Don Farrall / DigitalVision / Getty Images
This bright animal lives in the Amazon. Who can name it?
Assassin bug
Poison dart frog
Poison dart frogs are indigenous to the Amazon and are notable for their poison-infused skin. This wards off predators, but also has been used for centuries by locals for ceremonial purposes.
Iguana
Toad

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Skunk
W. Perry Conway / Corbis / Getty Images
Who can name this common animal that is naturally black and white?
Skunk
Skunks are common animals that are usually seen as pests. Their main method of defense is by emitting a disgusting spray from beneath their tales. This spray is difficult or impossible to remove.
Raccoon
Squirrel
Chipmunk

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Elephant
Vicki Jauron, Babylon and Beyond Photography / Moment / Getty Images
This majestic giant is native to Asia and Africa. Who can name it?
Hippopotamus
Rhinoceros
Elephant
Elephants are giant land mammals that are native to parts of Southeast Asia and Africa. They are one of the "big five" animals of African safaris and are known for being gentle to humans.
Warthog

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Snail
Andyworks / E+ / Getty Images
Who can name this shelled insect?
Beetle
Snail
Snails come in all shapes and sizes but are notable for the slimy and sticky trail that they leave. They are seen as culinary delicacies and eaten with lots of butter and garlic all over the world.
June bug
Mollusk

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Penguins
Joel Simon / DigitalVision / Getty Images
These arctic animals are naturally black and white. Who can name them?
Walruses
Seals
Orcas
Penguins
Penguins live all over the world. There are certain varieties that can be found at the North or South Pole, but you can also find them in the tropical Galapagos Islands off Ecuador.

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Hippopotamus
Image Source / Getty Images
This incredible animal can live on both land and water. Who can name it?
Hippopotamus
Hippopotamuses are giant animals that can live on both water and land in many parts of Africa. They are very aggressive and take the lives of unwary people every year.
Rhinoceros
Elephant
Warthog

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Komodo Dragon
AYImages / E+ / Getty Images
What Indonesian reptile is pictured here?
Komodo Dragon
Komodo dragons are native to the Indonesian island of Komodo. They are a protected species and it is illegal to remove them from the island, although many tourists try to every year.
Gecko
Crocodile
Iguana

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Moose
Mats Silvan / Moment / Getty Images
Who knows the name of this iconic Canadian animal?
Deer
Antelope
Moose
Moose are huge land animals that live in parts of Canada and the upper United States. Although not aggressive, they do cause plenty of road accidents by wandering into the paths of cars.
Horse

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Dolphin
vdorse / Moment / Getty Images
Which friendly aquatic creature is pictured here?
Shark
Dolphin
Dolphins are known for being exceptionally friendly and lovable sea creatures. They have been popularized in television and film, most notably in a long-running series called "Flipper".
Manatee
Whale

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Boa Constrictor
toonman / Moment / Getty Images
This animal is one of the most fearsome snakes on the planet. What is it?
Boa constrictor
Boa constrictors are giant snakes that are native to tropical locations all over the world. They are famous for grabbing their prey and squeezing them to death before consuming them.
Iguana
Corn snake
Monitor lizard

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Toucan
Alan Shapiro / Moment / Getty Images
Who can name this tropical bird?
Toucan
Toucans are tropical birds that are known for their large, colorful beaks. They are larger birds that are indigenous to certain tropical regions of the world, specifically the Amazon region.
Parrot
Condor
Hawk

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Platypus
Joao Inacio / Moment / Getty Images
This Australian animal lives both in the water and on land. What is it?
Ocelot
Dingo
Platypus
The platypus is a unique animal that is indigenous to Australia. It lives in both the water and land and is known for being aloof. They have poison in a horn on their back legs and will use it if provoked.
Mongoose

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Reindeer
© Rune S. Johnsson / Moment / Getty Images
Who can name the arctic animal pictured here?
Moose
Antelope
Llama
Reindeer
Reindeer are arctic animals that are gentle herbivores. They are famous in children's lore for pulling Santa's sleigh. Reindeer meat is enjoyed in many different northern countries.

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Jellyfish
Alexander Semenov / Moment / Getty Images
Who can name this nebulous aquatic creature?
Octopus
Pufferfish
Jellyfish
Jellyfish are common in oceans all over the world and come in many different shapes and sizes. They are notable for their sting, which can range from annoying to deadly depending on the jellyfish.
Kelp

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You Got:
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...beyond photography / Moment / Getty Images