How many quills does a porcupine have, as a multiple of thousands?

Porcupines are known for their distinctive quills, which serve as a defense mechanism against predators. The number of quills a porcupine has can vary by species and individual, but it is commonly accepted that an adult porcupine can have a quill count ranging from 30,000 to 40,000.

Choosing the answer of 30,000 provides a specific estimation within the lower to middle range of this common understanding. This figure is particularly appropriate as it represents an average or typical count for many porcupines, making it a reasonable choice for a multiple-choice question.

The other figures, while possible, either exceed the commonly reported average or do not align as closely with most educational materials on the topic. Thus, selecting 30,000 reflects an accurate and well-researched estimate of a porcupine's quill count.