Here below some basic MCQ’s of Strategies for enhancement in food production with answer which is well explained. Let’s check one by one.
- Which of the following is the primary aim of plant breeding?
a) To increase the reproductive rate
b) To produce varieties with high yields
c) To reduce the water requirement of plants
d) To increase the length of the flowering period
Answer: b) To produce varieties with high yields
Explanation:
The primary objective of plant breeding is to develop new crop varieties with improved traits, such as higher yields, better resistance to diseases, pests, and environmental stresses, along with enhanced nutritional quality.
- In tissue culture, the term ‘totipotency’ refers to the ability of a:
a) Seed to grow into a plant
b) Plant cell to develop into a whole plant
c) Root to absorb nutrients
d) Leaf to perform photosynthesis
Answer: b) Plant cell to develop into a whole plant
Explanation:
Totipotency is the ability of a single plant cell to regenerate into a complete plant. This property is widely used in plant tissue culture to propagate plants in large numbers.
- Biofortification refers to:
a) Increasing the nutritional quality of food crops
b) Making plants resistant to pests
c) Increasing the shelf life of vegetables
d) Improving the aesthetic quality of fruits
Answer: a) Increasing the nutritional quality of food crops
Explanation:
Biofortification is the process of breeding crops to increase their nutritional value. The goal is to enhance the levels of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and proteins to improve human health.
- Which of the following is NOT a method used for crop improvement?
a) Mutation breeding
b) Crossbreeding
c) Apomixis
d) Clonal selection
Answer: c) Apomixis
Explanation:
Apomixis is a form of asexual reproduction in plants that does not involve fertilization. It is not typically used for crop improvement. Mutation breeding, crossbreeding, and clonal selection, on the other hand, are important strategies for developing better crop varieties.
- Which of the following is a hybrid variety of rice?
a) IR-36
b) Sonalika
c) Sharbati Sonora
d) Pusa Shree
Answer: a) IR-36
Explanation:
IR-36 is a high-yielding, semi-dwarf, and early maturing hybrid variety of rice developed by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). It is known for its resistance to pests and diseases.
- A plant breeder uses a chemical mutagen like EMS to induce mutations in a plant. This process is known as:
a) Hybridization
b) Mutation breeding
c) Genetic engineering
d) Cloning
Answer: b) Mutation breeding
Explanation:
Mutation breeding involves the use of chemical or physical agents, like EMS (Ethyl Methanesulfonate), to induce genetic mutations, which can result in new traits that can be used for crop improvement.
- The Green Revolution in India was largely successful because of the development of:
a) Genetically modified crops
b) High-yielding variety (HYV) seeds
c) Organic farming techniques
d) Increased rainfall
Answer: b) High-yielding variety (HYV) seeds
Explanation:
The Green Revolution in India was primarily driven by the development and widespread adoption of high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of crops, particularly wheat and rice, which significantly increased food production.
- Which of the following microorganisms is used in the production of biofertilizers?
a) Rhizobium
b) Penicillium
c) Lactobacillus
d) Saccharomyces
Answer: a) Rhizobium
Explanation:
Rhizobium is a nitrogen-fixing bacterium that forms a symbiotic relationship with leguminous plants, helping them to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form, thus enhancing soil fertility.
- Which hormone is often used in tissue culture to induce the formation of roots?
a) Cytokinins
b) Auxins
c) Gibberellins
d) Abscisic acid
Answer: b) Auxins
Explanation:
Auxins, particularly Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), are plant hormones that stimulate root formation in tissue culture. Cytokinins, on the other hand, promote shoot growth.
- The “White Revolution” in India is associated with the increase in production of:
a) Wheat
b) Rice
c) Milk
d) Cotton
Answer: c) Milk
Explanation:
The White Revolution, initiated by Operation Flood, was aimed at increasing milk production in India. It made India the world’s largest producer of milk, thanks to the efforts of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).
- Which of the following techniques is used for improving the genetic makeup of plants by transferring a desirable gene from one organism to another?
a) Mutation breeding
b) Genetic engineering
c) Polyploidy induction
d) Grafting
Answer: b) Genetic engineering
Explanation:
Genetic engineering involves the manipulation of an organism’s genome by introducing, removing, or altering genetic material to produce desired traits. This is commonly done through recombinant DNA technology.
- The variety of wheat that was instrumental in the success of the Green Revolution in India is:
a) IR-8
b) Kalyan Sona
c) Taichung Native-1
d) Pusa Basmati
Answer: b) Kalyan Sona
Explanation:
Kalyan Sona was a high-yielding, disease-resistant variety of wheat that played a major role in the Green Revolution in India, leading to a significant increase in wheat production.
- Somatic hybridization refers to:
a) Fusion of two somatic cells from different plants
b) Crossing two different species of plants
c) Fusion of a gamete and a somatic cell
d) Cloning of plants through tissue culture
Answer: a) Fusion of two somatic cells from different plants
Explanation:
Somatic hybridization involves the fusion of protoplasts (cells without cell walls) from two different plant species or varieties to create a hybrid. This technique is used in plant breeding to combine desirable traits from different species.
- Which of the following is a key feature of organic farming?
a) Use of chemical fertilizers
b) Use of genetically modified organisms
c) Use of biofertilizers and organic manure
d) Extensive monoculture practices
Answer: c) Use of biofertilizers and organic manure
Explanation:
Organic farming promotes the use of natural inputs like biofertilizers, compost, and organic manure instead of synthetic chemicals and fertilizers. It also emphasizes sustainable agricultural practices and crop diversity.
- The term ‘totipotency’ is important in plant biotechnology because it explains how:
a) Cells lose their ability to divide
b) Plant cells can revert to stem cells
c) A single cell can regenerate a whole plant
d) Fertilization is bypassed in plant reproduction
Answer: c) A single cell can regenerate a whole plant
Explanation:
Totipotency refers to the inherent capacity of plant cells to regenerate into an entire organism. This principle underlies many tissue culture techniques used in biotechnology for plant propagation.
- Which of the following is an example of a biofertilizer?
a) NPK fertilizers
b) Mycorrhiza
c) Urea
d) DAP (Diammonium Phosphate)
Answer: b) Mycorrhiza
Explanation:
Mycorrhiza is a symbiotic association between fungi and plant roots, which helps in enhancing nutrient uptake, particularly phosphorus, making it a type of biofertilizer.
- Hybrid Vigour or Heterosis is the term used to describe:
a) Reduced fertility in hybrid plants
b) Increased yield and performance of hybrid offspring
c) Decline in crop quality over generations
d) Decreased disease resistance in hybrids
Answer: b) Increased yield and performance of hybrid offspring
Explanation:
Heterosis, or hybrid vigour, refers to the phenomenon where the offspring of a hybrid cross exhibit improved traits like higher yields, better disease resistance, and faster growth compared to the parent plants.
- Micropropagation is a technique used for:
a) Increasing genetic variability in plants
b) Growing plants in soil-free environments
c) Cloning plants through tissue culture
d) Developing insect-resistant plants
Answer: c) Cloning plants through tissue culture
Explanation:
Micropropagation is a tissue culture technique used to produce large numbers of identical plants (clones) from a small amount of plant tissue. This method is particularly useful for multiplying plants with desirable traits quickly and efficiently.
- The breeding and management of fish in ponds and other water bodies is known as:
a) Apiculture
b) Pisciculture
c) Sericulture
d) Agriculture
Answer: b) Pisciculture
Explanation:
Pisciculture, also known as fish farming, involves the breeding, rearing, and management of fish in controlled environments like ponds, tanks, or cages. This is an important method for increasing fish production to meet the growing demand for food.
- Golden Rice is a genetically modified variety of rice that is rich in:
a) Iron
b) Vitamin A
c) Zinc
d) Protein
Answer: b) Vitamin A
Explanation:
Golden Rice is genetically modified to produce beta-carotene, a precursor of Vitamin A. This biofortified rice is designed to combat Vitamin A deficiency, which is a major health issue in developing countries.
- Apiculture is the practice of managing:
a) Fish farming
b) Dairy production
c) Honeybee colonies
d) Silkworm breeding
Answer: c) Honeybee colonies
Explanation:
Apiculture refers to the management and cultivation of honeybee colonies to produce honey and other bee-related products like wax. It also plays a significant role in pollination.
- Which of the following is an advantage of using biofertilizers over chemical fertilizers?
a) They increase soil salinity
b) They are environmentally friendly
c) They require more water
d) They have a quick action
Answer: b) They are environmentally friendly
Explanation:
Biofertilizers are eco-friendly as they enrich the soil with nutrients naturally without causing pollution or harm to the environment. Unlike chemical fertilizers, they do not lead to soil degradation or water contamination.
- Which of the following is used for artificial selection in animals to improve traits?
a) Somatic hybridization
b) Cross-breeding
c) Cloning
d) Genetic drift
Answer: b) Cross-breeding
Explanation:
Cross-breeding is the process of mating two genetically different organisms, typically of the same species, to produce offspring with desirable traits. This method is widely used in animal husbandry for improving livestock characteristics.
- The method used to conserve the endangered plant species through tissue culture is known as:
a) Micropropagation
b) Hybridization
c) In-situ conservation
d) Genetic engineering
Answer: a) Micropropagation
Explanation:
Micropropagation is a tissue culture technique used to produce a large number of plants in vitro from a small tissue sample. This method is essential for conserving endangered plant species by rapidly multiplying their population.
- The ‘Blue Revolution’ is related to the increase in production of:
a) Poultry
b) Dairy
c) Marine products
d) Wool
Answer: c) Marine products
Explanation:
The Blue Revolution refers to the significant increase in the production of aquatic organisms, such as fish and other marine products, through aquaculture techniques.
- Which of the following crops is cultivated through sericulture?
a) Cotton
b) Mulberry
c) Maize
d) Wheat
Answer: b) Mulberry
Explanation:
Sericulture involves the rearing of silkworms for silk production. Mulberry leaves are the primary food for silkworms, making mulberry cultivation a key aspect of sericulture.
- Which of the following terms refers to the cross-breeding of two different plant species?
a) Hybridization
b) Mutation breeding
c) Clonal selection
d) Micropropagation
Answer: a) Hybridization
Explanation:
Hybridization is the process of crossing two genetically distinct plants to produce hybrids that exhibit traits from both parent plants. It is used to improve crop varieties by combining desirable characteristics.
- Which of the following is a bio-control agent used to manage pests in crops?
a) Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
b) Rhizobium
c) Cyanobacteria
d) Aspergillus
Answer: a) Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
Explanation:
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a bacterium that produces toxins harmful to insects, making it an effective bio-control agent in managing pest populations in crops. It is widely used in organic farming and integrated pest management.
- The scientific method of producing large quantities of disease-free plants using tissue culture is called:
a) Somatic hybridization
b) Micropropagation
c) Grafting
d) Apomixis
Answer: b) Micropropagation
Explanation:
Micropropagation is a technique used in tissue culture to propagate large numbers of genetically identical and disease-free plants. It involves growing plants from small tissue samples in a controlled, sterile environment.
- Which one of the following is a commonly used fungal bio-control agent for controlling plant pathogens?
a) Trichoderma
b) Rhizobium
c) Agrobacterium
d) Nostoc
Answer: a) Trichoderma
Explanation:
Trichoderma is a genus of fungi known for its ability to control plant pathogens, especially soil-borne fungi, by producing enzymes that break down the cell walls of harmful fungi. It is widely used as a bio-control agent in agriculture.
- The process of developing a hybrid variety by crossing two different inbred lines of plants is known as:
a) Apomixis
b) Pedigree breeding
c) Hybrid breeding
d) Mutation breeding
Answer: c) Hybrid breeding
Explanation:
Hybrid breeding involves crossing two genetically distinct inbred lines to produce a hybrid variety with desirable traits such as high yield, disease resistance, or environmental tolerance. This method is commonly used for crops like maize and rice.
- Which of the following crops is known for its nitrogen-fixing capability through symbiotic association with Rhizobium bacteria?
a) Wheat
b) Rice
c) Legumes
d) Maize
Answer: c) Legumes
Explanation:
Leguminous plants form a symbiotic association with Rhizobium bacteria, which live in their root nodules. These bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that the plants can absorb, thus enriching the soil with nitrogen.
- In aquaculture, which of the following is commonly cultured for pearls?
a) Shrimp
b) Oysters
c) Tilapia
d) Carp
Answer: b) Oysters
Explanation:
Oysters are commonly cultured in aquaculture for the production of pearls. The process involves inserting a small irritant into the oyster, which then secretes layers of nacre around it to form a pearl.
- Which one of the following is a high-yielding, disease-resistant variety of wheat developed in India during the Green Revolution?
a) Sonalika
b) Pusa 1121
c) IR-36
d) Norin-10
Answer: a) Sonalika
Explanation:
Sonalika is a high-yielding, disease-resistant variety of wheat developed during the Green Revolution in India. It contributed to the significant increase in wheat production during this period.
- The term ‘inbreeding depression’ refers to:
a) Reduced growth and productivity in inbred populations
b) Increased resistance to diseases in hybrids
c) Enhanced fertility in crossbred animals
d) Increased genetic diversity in inbred populations
Answer: a) Reduced growth and productivity in inbred populations
Explanation:
Inbreeding depression is the reduced biological fitness and productivity seen in populations due to inbreeding. It occurs because inbreeding increases the chances of homozygosity for deleterious alleles, leading to weaker offspring.
- The use of which of the following organisms in agriculture can help reduce the use of chemical fertilizers?
a) Earthworms
b) Rhizobium
c) Aphids
d) Termites
Answer: b) Rhizobium
Explanation:
Rhizobium is a nitrogen-fixing bacterium that forms symbiotic associations with leguminous plants. It helps convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
- Which of the following refers to the breeding of fish for commercial purposes?
a) Pisciculture
b) Horticulture
c) Apiculture
d) Sericulture
Answer: a) Pisciculture
Explanation:
Pisciculture, also known as fish farming, involves the breeding, rearing, and harvesting of fish in ponds, tanks, or controlled environments for commercial purposes.
- In the production of biofortified crops, which nutrient is increased in the rice variety known as ‘Golden Rice’?
a) Iron
b) Protein
c) Vitamin A
d) Calcium
Answer: c) Vitamin A
Explanation:
Golden Rice is genetically engineered to produce beta-carotene, a precursor of Vitamin A. This biofortified crop aims to combat Vitamin A deficiency, particularly in populations where rice is a staple food.
- Which of the following statements about hybrid varieties of crops is TRUE?
a) They show reduced yields compared to traditional varieties
b) They are more susceptible to diseases
c) They exhibit heterosis, leading to higher productivity
d) They require fewer inputs than local varieties
Answer: c) They exhibit heterosis, leading to higher productivity
Explanation:
Hybrid varieties of crops often show heterosis or hybrid vigor, resulting in improved traits such as higher yield, better resistance to diseases, and faster growth when compared to their parental varieties.
- Which of the following is the primary aim of mutation breeding in plants?
a) Introducing genetically modified genes
b) Developing disease-resistant varieties
c) Increasing the use of chemical fertilizers
d) Enhancing the water absorption of crops
Answer: b) Developing disease-resistant varieties
Explanation:
Mutation breeding involves exposing plants to chemicals or radiation to induce mutations. The goal is to develop new traits, such as disease resistance, which can help improve crop productivity and sustainability.
- Which term refers to the controlled breeding of plants and animals to select for specific desirable traits?
a) Cross-pollination
b) Selective breeding
c) Genetic drift
d) Natural selection
Answer: b) Selective breeding
Explanation:
Selective breeding involves choosing parent organisms with specific traits to produce offspring with those desired traits. This is a common technique in both plant and animal breeding programs.
- Which of the following practices would help in increasing food production sustainably?
a) Using chemical pesticides excessively
b) Implementing crop rotation and mixed farming
c) Monocropping throughout the year
d) Burning crop residues
Answer: b) Implementing crop rotation and mixed farming
Explanation:
Crop rotation and mixed farming help maintain soil fertility, reduce pest buildup, and enhance biodiversity, all of which contribute to sustainable agriculture and higher food production.
- Which of the following methods is commonly used to propagate disease-free plants in large numbers?
a) Micropropagation
b) Cross-pollination
c) Grafting
d) Natural selection
Answer: a) Micropropagation
Explanation:
Micropropagation is a tissue culture technique used to produce large numbers of identical, disease-free plants in a controlled environment. It is widely used for commercial propagation of plants.
- Which of the following revolutions is associated with the increased production of eggs and poultry in India?
a) Green Revolution
b) White Revolution
c) Blue Revolution
d) Silver Revolution
Answer: d) Silver Revolution
Explanation:
The Silver Revolution refers to the rapid increase in the production of eggs and poultry in India. It played a crucial role in meeting the country’s growing demand for poultry products.
- Which of the following factors is a significant disadvantage of excessive use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture?
a) Decreased crop yields
b) Soil erosion
c) Increased soil fertility
d) Soil and water pollution
Answer: d) Soil and water pollution
Explanation:
Excessive use of chemical fertilizers can lead to the contamination of soil and water bodies. This can result in nutrient imbalances, algal blooms, and degradation of water quality, posing risks to both the environment and human health.
- The Green Revolution primarily focused on the improvement of which two crops in India?
a) Maize and sorghum
b) Wheat and rice
c) Cotton and sugarcane
d) Pulses and oilseeds
Answer: b) Wheat and rice
Explanation:
The Green Revolution in India mainly targeted the improvement of wheat and rice through the development of high-yielding varieties (HYVs), which significantly boosted agricultural productivity in the country.
- The use of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in genetically modified crops is aimed at controlling:
a) Viral infections
b) Fungal diseases
c) Insect pests
d) Bacterial diseases
Answer: c) Insect pests
Explanation:
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a bacterium that produces proteins toxic to certain insect pests. Crops genetically engineered with Bt genes, such as Bt cotton and Bt maize, have enhanced resistance to insect damage.
- Which of the following is an example of ex-situ conservation of plant genetic resources?
a) National parks
b) Wildlife sanctuaries
c) Seed banks
d) Biosphere reserves
Answer: c) Seed banks
Explanation:
Ex-situ conservation involves conserving plant or animal species outside their natural habitat. Seed banks store seeds of various plants to preserve genetic diversity and ensure future availability for breeding and restoration efforts.
- The term ‘biofortification’ is primarily associated with the:
a) Production of drought-resistant crops
b) Genetic modification of plants to increase yield
c) Breeding of crops to increase their nutritional value
d) Use of chemical fertilizers to boost crop productivity
Answer: c) Breeding of crops to increase their nutritional value
Explanation:
Biofortification refers to the process of breeding crops to enhance their nutritional content, such as increasing the levels of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, to improve human health.
- Which of the following is an example of an insect pest controlled through the introduction of a biological control agent?
a) Aphids controlled by ladybird beetles
b) Fruit flies controlled by pesticides
c) Bollworms controlled by chemical sprays
d) Termites controlled by synthetic chemicals
Answer: a) Aphids controlled by ladybird beetles
Explanation:
Ladybird beetles (ladybugs) are natural predators of aphids and are often introduced as biological control agents to reduce aphid populations, providing an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides.
- A commonly used biofertilizer for rice cultivation is:
a) Azolla
b) Urea
c) Superphosphate
d) Potash
Answer: a) Azolla
Explanation:
Azolla is a water fern that harbors nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria (Anabaena) in its leaves. It is used as a biofertilizer in paddy fields to enrich the soil with nitrogen and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.
- Which of the following crops is typically improved through the process of polyploidy induction?
a) Wheat
b) Banana
c) Rice
d) Maize
Answer: b) Banana
Explanation:
Polyploidy induction involves increasing the number of chromosomes in plant cells. This technique is often used in crops like banana and watermelon to develop seedless varieties or enhance certain traits.
- Artificial insemination is a widely used technique in:
a) Poultry farming
b) Fish farming
c) Dairy farming
d) Sericulture
Answer: c) Dairy farming
Explanation:
Artificial insemination is commonly used in dairy farming to breed cattle. It allows for the selection of superior bulls to improve milk yield and other desirable traits in the offspring.
- Which of the following is a primary goal of using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture?
a) Decreasing crop diversity
b) Increasing the use of chemical pesticides
c) Developing crops with improved resistance to pests and diseases
d) Reducing crop yields
Answer: c) Developing crops with improved resistance to pests and diseases
Explanation:
The primary goal of using GMOs in agriculture is to develop crops with enhanced traits such as resistance to pests, diseases, herbicides, and environmental stresses, thereby reducing the need for chemical inputs and increasing yields.
- Plant tissue culture techniques are widely used in:
a) Genetic engineering
b) Traditional breeding
c) Mass propagation of disease-free plants
d) Pest control
Answer: c) Mass propagation of disease-free plants
Explanation:
Plant tissue culture allows for the rapid and large-scale production of disease-free, genetically identical plants in a controlled environment. It is especially useful for propagating plants with desirable traits.
- Which of the following is the primary reason for using vermicompost in organic farming?
a) To improve water retention in soil
b) To increase soil salinity
c) To provide a slow-release source of nutrients
d) To introduce chemical pesticides into the soil
Answer: c) To provide a slow-release source of nutrients
Explanation:
Vermicompost is an organic fertilizer produced by the breakdown of organic matter by earthworms. It releases nutrients slowly into the soil, enhancing soil health and fertility without the use of chemicals.
- Which of the following is an advantage of using bio-control agents over chemical pesticides?
a) They act more quickly
b) They are species-specific and environmentally friendly
c) They are toxic to a wide range of organisms
d) They increase soil erosion
Answer: b) They are species-specific and environmentally friendly
Explanation:
Bio-control agents are specific to the target pest and do not harm beneficial organisms or the environment, making them an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides.
- The gene responsible for pest resistance in Bt crops is derived from which organism?
a) Bacillus thuringiensis
b) Escherichia coli
c) Rhizobium
d) Saccharomyces
Answer: a) Bacillus thuringiensis
Explanation:
Bt crops are genetically modified to contain genes from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, which produces proteins toxic to certain insect pests, providing the plants with built-in pest resistance.
- The process of growing two or more crops in proximity on the same land at the same time to increase productivity and minimize risk is called:
a) Monoculture
b) Crop rotation
c) Mixed cropping
d) Intensive farming
Answer: c) Mixed cropping
Explanation:
Mixed cropping involves growing two or more crops simultaneously on the same piece of land. It enhances productivity, diversifies farm output, and reduces the risk of crop failure due to pests or diseases.
- The high-yielding dwarf wheat variety developed in Mexico that played a major role in the Green Revolution is:
a) Norin-10
b) IR-36
c) Sonalika
d) Taichung Native-1
Answer: a) Norin-10
Explanation:
Norin-10 is a dwarf wheat variety developed in Japan and later used in Mexico to breed high-yielding wheat varieties. These varieties were crucial in the success of the Green Revolution due to their shorter stems and resistance to lodging.
- The practice of alternating different crops on the same land in sequential seasons to improve soil health and manage pest populations is called:
a) Monoculture
b) Crop rotation
c) Intercropping
d) Polyhouse farming
Answer: b) Crop rotation
Explanation:
Crop rotation is the practice of growing different types of crops in succession on the same land. This helps maintain soil fertility, reduces the buildup of pests and diseases, and improves overall farm productivity.
- The process of rearing silkworms for the production of silk is known as:
a) Sericulture
b) Apiculture
c) Pisciculture
d) Horticulture
Answer: a) Sericulture
Explanation:
Sericulture refers to the cultivation of silkworms for the production of silk. The silkworms are fed on mulberry leaves, and their cocoons are harvested to obtain silk fibers.
- The variety of rice with a high content of beta-carotene, developed to address Vitamin A deficiency, is called:
a) Basmati
b) IR-8
c) Golden Rice
d) Jasmine Rice
Answer: c) Golden Rice
Explanation:
Golden Rice is a genetically modified variety of rice that contains beta-carotene, a precursor of Vitamin A. It is designed to combat Vitamin A deficiency, particularly in populations where rice is a staple food.
- Which of the following microorganisms is used as a biofertilizer to fix atmospheric nitrogen in leguminous crops?
a) Rhizobium
b) Aspergillus
c) Saccharomyces
d) Lactobacillus
Answer: a) Rhizobium
Explanation:
Rhizobium is a nitrogen-fixing bacterium that forms symbiotic associations with leguminous plants. It helps convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form, enriching the soil and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
- A major aim of integrated pest management (IPM) is to:
a) Increase pesticide use
b) Eliminate all pests from the environment
c) Minimize environmental and health risks by reducing pesticide use
d) Focus solely on biological control methods
Answer: c) Minimize environmental and health risks by reducing pesticide use
Explanation:
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) focuses on using a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods to manage pest populations in an environmentally sustainable manner. The goal is to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides.
- In plant breeding, the transfer of pollen from the anther of one plant to the stigma of a different plant is called:
a) Self-pollination
b) Cross-pollination
c) Asexual reproduction
d) Vegetative propagation
Answer: b) Cross-pollination
Explanation:
Cross-pollination occurs when pollen from the anther of one plant is transferred to the stigma of a different plant, promoting genetic diversity and the development of hybrid varieties.
- Which of the following is a common method for creating genetic variability in crops?
a) Cloning
b) Mutation breeding
c) Grafting
d) Micropropagation
Answer: b) Mutation breeding
Explanation:
Mutation breeding involves exposing plants to chemicals or radiation to induce mutations, creating genetic variability that breeders can use to develop new varieties with desirable traits, such as disease resistance or higher yields.
- Which of the following is an example of a bioherbicide?
a) Bacillus thuringiensis
b) Mycoherbicide
c) Glyphosate
d) Nematocides
Answer: b) Mycoherbicide
Explanation:
A bioherbicide is a biological agent used to control weeds. Mycoherbicides are fungi-based herbicides that specifically target certain weed species without harming crops or the environment.
- The plant breeding technique involving the selection of individuals with desirable traits to serve as parents for the next generation is called:
a) Hybridization
b) Artificial selection
c) Natural selection
d) Tissue culture
Answer: b) Artificial selection
Explanation:
Artificial selection, also known as selective breeding, involves selecting plants or animals with desirable traits to reproduce and pass those traits on to the next generation.
- In aquaculture, which of the following species is widely cultivated for the production of edible pearls?
a) Oyster
b) Crab
c) Trout
d) Lobster
Answer: a) Oyster
Explanation:
Oysters are cultivated in aquaculture for the production of edible pearls. Pearl farming is a significant industry that involves the controlled rearing of oysters to produce pearls of various sizes and qualities.
- The introduction of predators, parasites, or pathogens to control pest populations in agriculture is known as:
a) Genetic modification
b) Biological control
c) Chemical control
d) Mechanical control
Answer: b) Biological control
Explanation:
Biological control involves using natural predators, parasites, or pathogens to manage pest populations, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and promoting a balanced ecosystem.
- In the context of food production, what does the term ‘aquaponics’ refer to?
a) The cultivation of aquatic plants
b) The breeding of fish in natural water bodies
c) A sustainable farming method combining aquaculture and hydroponics
d) Growing plants in aerated water
Answer: c) A sustainable farming method combining aquaculture and hydroponics
Explanation:
Aquaponics is a farming system that combines aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants in water). The fish waste provides nutrients for the plants, while the plants help clean the water for the fish, creating a sustainable cycle.
- Which of the following crops is most commonly associated with the process of grafting?
a) Wheat
b) Maize
c) Apple
d) Rice
Answer: c) Apple
Explanation:
Grafting is a horticultural technique where the tissues of two plants are joined together. It is commonly used in fruit trees like apples to produce trees that combine the desirable traits of both rootstock and scion.
- Which of the following is an example of a transgenic plant that has been developed to be insect-resistant?
a) Bt cotton
b) Golden Rice
c) High-lysine maize
d) Hybrid wheat
Answer: a) Bt cotton
Explanation:
Bt cotton is a genetically modified (transgenic) plant that has been developed to produce insecticidal proteins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis. This gives it resistance to pests like bollworms, reducing the need for chemical insecticides.
- The practice of raising crops under controlled environmental conditions, such as inside a greenhouse or polyhouse, is known as:
a) Monoculture
b) Organic farming
c) Precision farming
d) Protected cultivation
Answer: d) Protected cultivation
Explanation:
Protected cultivation refers to the growing of crops in a controlled environment, such as a greenhouse or polyhouse, where factors like temperature, humidity, and light can be managed to optimize plant growth and yield.
- The term ‘Apiculture’ refers to:
a) The cultivation of fruit trees
b) The rearing of bees for honey
c) The breeding of aquatic animals
d) The production of silk from silkworms
Answer: b) The rearing of bees for honey
Explanation:
Apiculture is the practice of beekeeping, which involves the rearing of bees for the production of honey, beeswax, and other bee products. It plays an essential role in pollination and the agriculture ecosystem.
- Which of the following is a technique used to produce plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant?
a) Tissue culture
b) Cross-pollination
c) Mutation breeding
d) Hybridization
Answer: a) Tissue culture
Explanation:
Tissue culture is a method of producing genetically identical plants from a small tissue or cell sample of the parent plant. This technique is widely used for propagating plants with desirable traits and for conservation purposes.
- The main objective of biofortification in crops is to:
a) Improve resistance to diseases
b) Increase the nutritional quality of crops
c) Enhance the taste of fruits
d) Reduce the cost of production
Answer: b) Increase the nutritional quality of crops
Explanation:
Biofortification is the process of breeding crops to increase their nutritional value, such as improving the levels of vitamins, minerals, or proteins to address nutrient deficiencies in human populations.
- What is the primary reason for adopting crop rotation in agriculture?
a) To reduce soil erosion
b) To increase soil nitrogen content
c) To enhance crop yield and prevent pest buildup
d) To promote monocropping
Answer: c) To enhance crop yield and prevent pest buildup
Explanation:
Crop rotation involves growing different crops in a sequence on the same land to improve soil health, break pest and disease cycles, and increase overall crop yield and sustainability.
- Which of the following microorganisms is used in the production of single-cell protein (SCP) as a rich source of protein?
a) Spirulina
b) Azotobacter
c) Rhizobium
d) Aspergillus
Answer: a) Spirulina
Explanation:
Spirulina is a type of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) that is used as a single-cell protein (SCP) source due to its high protein content. It is considered a sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources in human and animal diets.
- In plant breeding programs, hybrid vigor, also known as heterosis, refers to:
a) Inbreeding depression
b) Enhanced performance of hybrid offspring
c) Genetic uniformity of offspring
d) Reduced resistance to pests
Answer: b) Enhanced performance of hybrid offspring
Explanation:
Heterosis, or hybrid vigor, occurs when the offspring of genetically diverse parents show superior qualities such as faster growth, higher yield, or greater resistance to diseases and environmental stress compared to their parents.
- Which of the following crops has been successfully improved using biofortification techniques to enhance iron and zinc content?
a) Wheat
b) Potato
c) Pearl millet
d) Soybean
Answer: c) Pearl millet
Explanation:
Pearl millet has been biofortified to increase its iron and zinc content. This helps combat nutrient deficiencies, particularly in regions where millet is a staple food.
- Which of the following organisms is commonly used as a biocontrol agent to manage caterpillar pests in agriculture?
a) Bacillus thuringiensis
b) Rhizobium
c) Azotobacter
d) Lactobacillus
Answer: a) Bacillus thuringiensis
Explanation:
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a bacterium that produces toxins harmful to certain insect pests, particularly caterpillars. Bt is widely used as a biocontrol agent in agriculture to reduce pest populations without harming beneficial organisms.
- The process of producing a disease-free variety of plants by growing them in a controlled, sterile environment using tissue culture is called:
a) Micropropagation
b) Grafting
c) Mutation breeding
d) Hybridization
Answer: a) Micropropagation
Explanation:
Micropropagation is the technique of growing plants in vitro from small tissue samples in a sterile environment. It is commonly used to produce disease-free plants on a large scale.
- Which one of the following is not a commonly used biofertilizer?
a) Azolla
b) Rhizobium
c) Mycorrhiza
d) DDT
Answer: d) DDT
Explanation:
DDT is a chemical pesticide and is not a biofertilizer. Biofertilizers, such as Azolla, Rhizobium, and Mycorrhiza, are living organisms that enhance soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen or improving nutrient availability to plants.
- Which of the following is a major advantage of organic farming over conventional farming?
a) Higher use of synthetic fertilizers
b) Higher yield in all crops
c) Reduced environmental pollution
d) Increased use of chemical pesticides
Answer: c) Reduced environmental pollution
Explanation:
Organic farming relies on natural processes and inputs, avoiding synthetic chemicals, which helps reduce environmental pollution and enhance biodiversity. Organic practices improve soil health and promote sustainability.
- In dairy farming, which hormone is commonly administered to cattle to increase milk production?
a) Prolactin
b) Oxytocin
c) Insulin
d) Bovine somatotropin (BST)
Answer: d) Bovine somatotropin (BST)
Explanation:
Bovine somatotropin (BST) is a hormone used in dairy farming to stimulate increased milk production in cattle. It enhances the metabolic processes involved in milk synthesis.
- The Green Revolution was primarily associated with the development and use of:
a) Genetically modified crops
b) High-yielding varieties (HYVs) of wheat and rice
c) Organic farming methods
d) Traditional agriculture
Answer: b) High-yielding varieties (HYVs) of wheat and rice
Explanation:
The Green Revolution was marked by the development of high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of wheat and rice, along with the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and improved irrigation methods, which significantly increased food production.
- Which type of breeding involves the introduction of a desired gene into a plant from a different species or genus?
a) Inbreeding
b) Cross-breeding
c) Genetic engineering
d) Mutation breeding
Answer: c) Genetic engineering
Explanation:
Genetic engineering involves the direct manipulation of an organism’s genome, including the introduction of genes from different species or genera to impart new traits, such as pest resistance or enhanced nutritional value.
- Which of the following is a key characteristic of an open-pollinated variety (OPV) of crops?
a) They require genetic engineering
b) They maintain genetic diversity
c) They are sterile and cannot reproduce
d) They are produced by cloning
Answer: b) They maintain genetic diversity
Explanation:
Open-pollinated varieties (OPVs) are plants that reproduce naturally through cross-pollination, allowing for genetic diversity and adaptability to changing environmental conditions.
- Which of the following is an effective method for conserving fish populations and sustaining fish production in aquaculture?
a) Overfishing
b) Use of antibiotics
c) Integrated fish farming
d) Use of chemical fertilizers in ponds
Answer: c) Integrated fish farming
Explanation:
Integrated fish farming involves combining fish farming with other agricultural activities, such as raising crops or livestock, to make efficient use of resources and maintain a balanced ecosystem. This method promotes sustainable fish production.
- The term ‘Green Revolution’ was first used by:
a) Norman Borlaug
b) M.S. Swaminathan
c) William Gaud
d) Henry Wallace
Answer: c) William Gaud
Explanation:
The term ‘Green Revolution’ was coined by William Gaud in 1968 to describe the significant increase in agricultural productivity brought about by the introduction of high-yielding varieties, fertilizers, and pesticides during the 1960s and 1970s.
- Apomixis in plants refers to:
a) Seed production without fertilization
b) Sexual reproduction
c) Cross-pollination
d) Hybridization
Answer: a) Seed production without fertilization
Explanation:
Apomixis is a form of asexual reproduction in plants where seeds are produced without fertilization. This allows the plants to reproduce and maintain the genetic identity of the parent plant.
- The technique of hydroponics involves growing plants:
a) In nutrient-rich soil
b) Without sunlight
c) In water without soil
d) Using only organic fertilizers
Answer: c) In water without soil
Explanation:
Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in a water-based solution without the use of soil. The water is enriched with essential nutrients to support plant growth.
- Which of the following organisms is used in biological nitrogen fixation in legumes?
a) Mycorrhiza
b) Azotobacter
c) Rhizobium
d) Spirulina
Answer: c) Rhizobium
Explanation:
Rhizobium is a bacterium that forms symbiotic relationships with leguminous plants, fixing atmospheric nitrogen into a form that the plants can use for growth.
- Which of the following biotechnological approaches has been widely used to develop insect-resistant crops?
a) Mutation breeding
b) Bt gene insertion
c) Polyploidy induction
d) Cross-breeding
Answer: b) Bt gene insertion
Explanation:
Bt crops are genetically engineered to contain genes from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which produces proteins toxic to specific insect pests, making the crops resistant to pest attacks.
- The process of selecting superior plants from a population to be used as parents in the next generation is called:
a) Mutation breeding
b) Artificial selection
c) Genetic engineering
d) Micropropagation
Answer: b) Artificial selection
Explanation:
Artificial selection involves choosing plants or animals with desirable traits to reproduce, enhancing those traits in future generations. It has been used in agriculture for centuries to improve crop and livestock varieties.
- Which of the following crops was most impacted by the Green Revolution in India?
a) Maize
b) Pulses
c) Wheat
d) Sugarcane
Answer: c) Wheat
Explanation:
The Green Revolution in India had the most significant impact on wheat production, with the introduction of high-yielding varieties and improved agricultural practices leading to a substantial increase in wheat output.
- An advantage of integrated pest management (IPM) is:
a) Increased use of chemical pesticides
b) Total eradication of pests
c) Reduced environmental impact of pest control
d) Dependence on a single pest control method
Answer: c) Reduced environmental impact of pest control
Explanation:
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) uses a combination of biological, chemical, mechanical, and cultural methods to control pests in a sustainable way, minimizing harm to the environment and non-target organisms.
- The practice of breeding animals or plants by mating individuals that are closely related genetically is known as:
a) Outbreeding
b) Inbreeding
c) Cross-breeding
d) Genetic modification
Answer: b) Inbreeding
Explanation:
Inbreeding involves mating individuals that are closely related genetically, often to preserve specific traits. However, excessive inbreeding can lead to inbreeding depression, reducing the overall health and vigor of the population.
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