A dramatic peak at sunrise is prime Bing homepage material, so mountain questions come around often. Like the lakes quiz, they revolve around a short list of record-holders and ranges, and one 'tallest versus highest' trap catches almost everyone once.
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The records that matter
Mount Everest is the highest mountain above sea level (on the Nepal-China border in the Himalayas). K2 is the second highest and considered far harder to climb. The Andes are the longest mountain range on land, running down South America, and the Himalayas hold nearly all of the world's highest peaks.
The tallest-versus-highest trap
'Highest' means elevation above sea level, that's Everest. 'Tallest' measured base-to-peak is Mauna Kea in Hawaii, most of which sits underwater. If a question uses the word 'tallest' rather than 'highest', slow down, because it may be pointing at Mauna Kea.
Example questions
Bing has asked which range contains Mont Blanc (the Alps), which continent the Andes run through (South America), and where Kilimanjaro stands (Tanzania, and it's Africa's highest peak, a free-standing volcano rather than part of a range). The caption typically names the peak in the day's photo.
Answering strategy
Name the peak or range from the caption, then search it with the specific fact. For any 'highest/tallest/longest' question, notice the exact word and the category, above sea level, base to peak, or by length, before choosing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the highest and tallest mountain?
Highest means elevation above sea level (Mount Everest). Tallest means base-to-peak height, which is Mauna Kea in Hawaii, mostly underwater, a classic quiz trap.
What is the longest mountain range on land?
The Andes, running roughly 7,000 km down the western edge of South America.
Where is Mount Kilimanjaro?
In Tanzania. It's Africa's highest peak and a free-standing volcanic mountain rather than part of a range.