Test: Chapter 15 (Food And Agriculture)
Demonstrate knowledge on food and agriculture topics from chapter 15.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Which of the following farm practices have been used by farmers only in recent years?
- A.
Fertilizing crops
- B.
Irrigation
- C.
Pest control
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
D. None of the aboveExplanation
The correct answer is "none of the above" because all of the mentioned farm practices (fertilizing crops, irrigation, and pest control) have been used by farmers for many years and are not recent developments.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Farmland may become desertified if
- A.
Domestic animals are allowed to overgraze the land
- B.
Too many crops are grown on the land and the land gradually loses its fertility
- C.
As a result of erosion, there is no fertile soil left to grow plants
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
All of the given options can contribute to farmland becoming desertified. Allowing domestic animals to overgraze the land can lead to the depletion of vegetation, which can disrupt the ecosystem and result in desertification. Growing too many crops on the land without proper rotation or soil management can deplete the soil of its nutrients, making it less fertile over time. Erosion can also play a significant role in desertification, as it can strip away the topsoil, leaving behind infertile soil that is unable to support plant growth. Therefore, all of these factors can contribute to farmland becoming desertified.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Land where it is possible to grow crops is called
- A.
Organic land
- B.
Arable land
- C.
Vegetative land
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
B. Arable landExplanation
Arable land refers to land that is suitable for growing crops. This type of land has the necessary conditions, such as fertile soil, adequate water supply, and favorable climate, to support crop cultivation. Therefore, arable land is the correct answer as it specifically describes the land where it is possible to grow crops. The other options, organic land and vegetative land, do not accurately define the concept of land suitable for crop production.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which of the following actions contributes to soil erosion?
- A.
Using compost as fertilizer
- B.
Allowing land to lie fallow
- C.
Driving farm machinery over fields
- D.
All of these practices contribute to soil erosion
Correct Answer
C. Driving farm machinery over fieldsExplanation
Driving farm machinery over fields contributes to soil erosion because the weight and movement of the machinery can compact the soil, making it more susceptible to erosion by wind and water. The machinery can also disrupt the natural structure of the soil, breaking up aggregates and making it easier for soil particles to be washed away. Additionally, the tires or tracks of the machinery can create ruts or channels that can direct water flow, leading to increased erosion.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of the following agricultural products requires the least amount of energy?
- A.
Beef cattle
- B.
Wheat
- C.
Dairy cows
- D.
Both (b) and (c)
Correct Answer
B. WheatExplanation
Wheat requires the least amount of energy compared to beef cattle and dairy cows. This is because the production of meat and dairy products involves multiple stages, including the energy-intensive processes of animal rearing, feeding, and processing. On the other hand, wheat production primarily involves planting, harvesting, and processing the grain, which requires relatively less energy. Therefore, wheat is the most energy-efficient agricultural product among the given options.Rate this question:
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- 6.
When a farmer uses no-till farming methods,
- A.
Seeds are planted among the roots of the previous crop
- B.
More erosion is likely
- C.
Only organic fertilizers are used
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
A. Seeds are planted among the roots of the previous cropExplanation
No-till farming methods involve planting seeds directly among the roots of the previous crop, without disturbing the soil through plowing or tilling. This helps to conserve soil moisture, reduce erosion, and improve soil health by maintaining the organic matter from the previous crop. Therefore, the correct answer is "seeds are planted among the roots of the previous crop."Rate this question:
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- 7.
One potential way to deal with the problem of seafood overharvesting is by intensifying ____________ efforts.
- A.
Genetic engineering
- B.
Subsistence farming
- C.
Aquaculture
- D.
Integrated pest management
Correct Answer
C. AquacultureExplanation
Aquaculture is a potential solution to the problem of seafood overharvesting. Aquaculture refers to the cultivation of aquatic organisms, such as fish, shellfish, and plants, in controlled environments. By intensifying aquaculture efforts, it is possible to meet the increasing demand for seafood without depleting wild fish populations. This method allows for the sustainable production of seafood, reducing the pressure on natural ecosystems and helping to protect marine biodiversity.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which of the following is a good way to reduce salinization?
- A.
Use ocean water instead of groundwater to irrigate crops
- B.
Increase the use of synthetic pesticides
- C.
Using rainwater instead of groundwater on crops
- D.
Adopt no-till farming methods
Correct Answer
C. Using rainwater instead of groundwater on cropsExplanation
Using rainwater instead of groundwater on crops is a good way to reduce salinization. Salinization occurs when the soil becomes too salty, usually due to the accumulation of salts from irrigation water. Groundwater often contains high levels of salts, which can contribute to salinization. By using rainwater for irrigation instead, which typically has lower salt content, the risk of salinization can be reduced. This helps to maintain the quality of the soil and ensure healthy crop growth.Rate this question:
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- 9.
DDT is harmful to the environment because it
- A.
Does not breakdown quickly into harmless chemicals
- B.
Concentrates in the bodies of animals high in the food chain
- C.
Causes some birds to lay eggs so thin that they break when the birds sit on them
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
DDT is harmful to the environment because it does not breakdown quickly into harmless chemicals. This means that it persists in the environment for a long time, accumulating in various organisms and ecosystems. It also concentrates in the bodies of animals high in the food chain, as it is not easily eliminated from their systems. This bioaccumulation can lead to toxic effects in these animals and potentially affect their populations. Additionally, DDT has been found to cause thinning of bird eggs, making them more prone to breakage when the birds sit on them. Thus, all of the given statements explain why DDT is harmful to the environment.Rate this question:
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- 10.
A true statement about nutritional requirements in humans is that
- A.
Vitamins are of limited importance in growth and development
- B.
Humans need to get eight essential amino acids from the proteins they eat
- C.
Carbohydrates are mainly used to make membranes and hormones
- D.
Both (a) and (b)
Correct Answer
B. Humans need to get eight essential amino acids from the proteins they eatExplanation
The correct answer is that humans need to get eight essential amino acids from the proteins they eat. This is because amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and there are eight essential amino acids that the human body cannot produce on its own and must obtain from dietary sources. These essential amino acids are necessary for various functions in the body, including growth and development. Vitamins, on the other hand, are also important for overall health, but they are not directly involved in growth and development. Carbohydrates are primarily used as a source of energy in the body, rather than for making membranes and hormones.Rate this question:
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- 11.
All of the following factors can cause famines except
- A.
The failure of food production to keep pace with population growth
- B.
Distribution problems caused by potential turmoil
- C.
New, higher-yield crops
- D.
Crop failure brought on by sustained drought
Correct Answer
C. New, higher-yield cropsExplanation
New, higher-yield crops cannot cause famines. In fact, they are expected to increase food production and help combat hunger. These crops are specifically designed to have greater yields and resist pests and diseases, which can ultimately contribute to a more stable and abundant food supply. Therefore, the availability of new, higher-yield crops would not be a factor that leads to famines.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The results of the green revolution were not entirely positive because
- A.
There were too few subsistence farmers
- B.
Use of pesticides and fertilizers increased the risk of population
- C.
Substantial resources were no longer required to grow the new grain varieties
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
B. Use of pesticides and fertilizers increased the risk of populationExplanation
The correct answer is "use of pesticides and fertilizers increased the risk of population." This is because the green revolution, which aimed to increase agricultural productivity, relied heavily on the use of pesticides and fertilizers. While these inputs helped to boost crop yields, they also had negative consequences. The increased use of pesticides and fertilizers posed risks to human health and the environment, leading to pollution of water sources, soil degradation, and the loss of biodiversity. Additionally, the over-reliance on these inputs led to the development of pesticide-resistant pests and weeds, further exacerbating the problems.Rate this question:
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- 13.
No-till farming helps to conserve soil fertility because
- A.
Remnants of the previous crop are left to slowly decay
- B.
Deep ridges are cut across, not down, the slopes of hills
- C.
The ground is carefully turned to mix soil nutrients
- D.
Only organic fertilizers and natural pesticides are used
Correct Answer
A. Remnants of the previous crop are left to slowly decayExplanation
No-till farming helps to conserve soil fertility because remnants of the previous crop are left to slowly decay. When the previous crop is left on the field instead of being plowed under, it acts as a natural mulch, protecting the soil from erosion and retaining moisture. As the crop residues decompose, they release nutrients back into the soil, improving its fertility. This method also promotes the growth of beneficial soil organisms, such as earthworms, which further enhance soil health. By allowing the previous crop to decay naturally, no-till farming helps to maintain the nutrient balance in the soil and prevent nutrient depletion.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Irrigation water usually comes from
- A.
Rainwater collection
- B.
Rivers and groundwater
- C.
Salty sources
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
B. Rivers and groundwaterExplanation
Irrigation water usually comes from rivers and groundwater because rivers provide a continuous flow of water that can be diverted for irrigation purposes. Groundwater, on the other hand, is obtained by drilling wells into underground aquifers. Both sources are reliable and accessible for irrigation needs. Rainwater collection can also be a source of irrigation water, but it is not as consistent or abundant as rivers and groundwater. Salty sources are not typically used for irrigation as the high salt content can harm crops.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Pest populations that damage plants
- A.
Breed more slowly in hot climates
- B.
Become resistant to pesticides via natural selection
- C.
Include only insects and small rodents
- D.
Attack wild plants with greater success than crops
Correct Answer
B. Become resistant to pesticides via natural selectionExplanation
Pest populations that damage plants have the ability to become resistant to pesticides through natural selection. This means that over time, the pests that are more resistant to the pesticides survive and reproduce, passing on their resistant traits to the next generation. This process leads to an increase in pesticide resistance within the pest population, making it more difficult to control them with conventional pesticides.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Products obtained from livestock include
- A.
Leather, wool, eggs, meat and manure
- B.
Cotton, linen and nylon
- C.
Wood and plastic
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
A. Leather, wool, eggs, meat and manureExplanation
The correct answer is "all of the above." Products obtained from livestock include leather, which is made from the skin of animals, wool, which is obtained from the fleece of sheep, eggs, which are laid by poultry such as chickens, meat, which is the flesh of animals used for food, and manure, which is the waste material from animals that is used as fertilizer.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Earth's available arable land is being reduced by
- A.
Fast-growing human populations
- B.
Soil erosion
- C.
Desertification
- D.
all of the above
Correct Answer
D. all of the aboveExplanation
The correct answer is "all of the above" because fast-growing human populations lead to the expansion of cities and infrastructure, resulting in the conversion of arable land into urban areas. Soil erosion occurs due to improper land management practices, such as deforestation and overgrazing, which degrade the quality of arable land. Desertification, caused by factors like climate change and unsustainable agricultural practices, transforms fertile land into desert-like conditions. Therefore, all three factors - fast-growing human populations, soil erosion, and desertification - contribute to the reduction of available arable land on Earth.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Erosion is most likely when the soil is
- A.
Bare and exposed to wind and rain
- B.
Plowed along the contour of the land
- C.
Covered with grass
- D.
Planted to forest
Correct Answer
A. Bare and exposed to wind and rainExplanation
When the soil is bare and exposed to wind and rain, there is a higher chance of erosion occurring. Without any vegetation or cover, the soil is vulnerable to being carried away by the wind or washed away by the rain. The wind can blow away the top layer of soil, while the rain can cause water runoff that carries away the soil particles. Therefore, the absence of vegetation and exposure to wind and rain increase the likelihood of erosion.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Plowing with machines, irrigating with drip systems and _____________ are all modern agricultural methods.
- A.
Using manure
- B.
Applying chemical fertilizers
- C.
Irrigating with ditches
- D.
Both (a) and (b)
Correct Answer
B. Applying chemical fertilizersExplanation
The given correct answer is "applying chemical fertilizers." This is because the question is asking for modern agricultural methods, and using chemical fertilizers is indeed a modern practice in agriculture. Plowing with machines and irrigating with drip systems are also mentioned as modern methods, but the only option that fits the blank is applying chemical fertilizers.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Genetic engineering of food crops
- A.
Continues to be debated among scientists
- B.
Is only used with corn
- C.
Must be disclosed on food ingredient labels
- D.
Both (a) and (c)
Correct Answer
A. Continues to be debated among scientistsExplanation
The correct answer is "both (a) and (c)". Genetic engineering of food crops is a topic that is still being debated among scientists, as there are ongoing discussions and research about its potential benefits and risks. Additionally, if genetic engineering is used in food production, it is required to be disclosed on food ingredient labels, allowing consumers to make informed choices about the products they purchase.Rate this question:
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- 21.
The amount of a crop produced per hectare (or acre) is called the ____________________.
Correct Answer
yieldExplanation
The amount of a crop produced per hectare (or acre) is called the yield. Yield refers to the quantity or amount of a specific crop that is harvested from a given area of land. It is a measure of productivity and is commonly used in agriculture to assess the efficiency and success of crop production. The higher the yield, the more productive the land is considered to be.Rate this question:
- 22.
The health problem caused by not eating enough necessary nutirents is known as ________________.
Correct Answer
malnutritionExplanation
Malnutrition refers to the health problem caused by not consuming enough necessary nutrients. It occurs when the body does not receive the proper amount of vitamins, minerals, and other essential substances needed for growth and maintenance. This can lead to various health issues, including stunted growth, weakened immune system, and impaired cognitive development.Rate this question:
- 23.
The name for a widespread food shortage that results in many people not having enough food is called a(n) ________________.
Correct Answer
famineExplanation
A widespread food shortage that results in many people not having enough food is called a famine.Rate this question:
- 24.
The upper layer of topsoil consisting of rock particles, water, air and organic matter is the ________________.
Correct Answer
topsoilExplanation
The upper layer of topsoil is composed of various components such as rock particles, water, air, and organic matter. This layer is crucial for plant growth as it contains essential nutrients and provides a suitable environment for roots to penetrate and absorb water and nutrients. Topsoil also plays a role in retaining moisture, preventing erosion, and supporting soil biodiversity.Rate this question:
- 25.
Land on which crops can be grown is called ________________ land.
Correct Answer
arableExplanation
Arable land refers to land that is suitable for growing crops. It is fertile, has good soil quality, and can be cultivated for agricultural purposes. This type of land is essential for farming and plays a crucial role in food production.Rate this question:
- 26.
The diets of people in developed countries tend to be higher in ________________ than diets of people in developing countries.
Correct Answer
proteins and fatsExplanation
People in developed countries tend to have diets that are higher in proteins and fats compared to people in developing countries. This can be attributed to various factors such as higher income levels, availability of a wide range of food options, and cultural preferences. In developed countries, people often have access to a variety of protein-rich foods such as meat, dairy, and legumes, as well as high-fat foods like processed snacks and fast food. On the other hand, people in developing countries may have limited resources and rely more on staple foods like grains and vegetables, which are generally lower in proteins and fats.Rate this question:
- 27.
More energy, water and land are needed to produce a gram of ______________ than to produce a gram of food from plants.
Correct Answer
meatExplanation
Meat production requires more resources compared to plant-based food production. This is because raising animals for meat requires large amounts of energy, water, and land. Animals need to be fed with plants, which requires additional resources. Moreover, the process of converting plant-based feed into meat is inefficient, resulting in a higher energy and resource demand. Therefore, it takes more energy, water, and land to produce a gram of meat than to produce a gram of food from plants.Rate this question:
- 28.
A(n) _________________ is a prolonged period during which no rain falls in a particular region.
Correct Answer
droughtExplanation
A drought is a prolonged period during which no rain falls in a particular region. It is a natural phenomenon characterized by a lack of precipitation, resulting in a water shortage. Droughts can have severe impacts on agriculture, ecosystems, and water supplies, leading to crop failure, livestock loss, and water scarcity. The absence of rainfall for an extended period causes soil moisture depletion, reduced river flows, and lowered groundwater levels. Droughts can last for months or even years, causing significant economic and environmental consequences.Rate this question:
- 29.
Soil that can support the growth of healthy plants is called ____________.
Correct Answer
fertile soilExplanation
Fertile soil refers to soil that has the necessary nutrients and conditions to support the growth of healthy plants. It is rich in organic matter, minerals, and microorganisms that contribute to plant growth. Fertile soil provides plants with essential elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as a suitable pH level and good drainage. This type of soil promotes strong root development, nutrient uptake, and overall plant health, resulting in robust growth and high crop yields.Rate this question:
- 30.
The accumulation of salts in the soil, which can be caused by irrigation and low rainfall, is called ____________________.
Correct Answer
salinizationExplanation
Salinization refers to the accumulation of salts in the soil, which can occur due to factors such as excessive irrigation and low rainfall. This process leads to the build-up of salt concentration in the soil, making it less fertile and inhibiting plant growth. Salinization is a common issue in arid and semi-arid regions where water evaporation is high and irrigation practices are not properly managed.Rate this question:
- 31.
Goats, sheep, cattle and other _______________ are cud-chewing mammals with multi-chambered stomachs.
Correct Answer
ruminantsExplanation
Goats, sheep, cattle, and other animals called ruminants are cud-chewing mammals with multi-chambered stomachs. Ruminants have a unique digestive system that allows them to extract nutrients from plant material, which is difficult to digest. They have a large fermentation chamber called the rumen, where bacteria break down the plant material. Afterward, the partially digested food, known as cud, is regurgitated and re-chewed to further break it down. This process enables ruminants to efficiently extract nutrients from their food and is an adaptation that allows them to thrive on a plant-based diet.Rate this question:
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