Agricultural Science JAMB Past Questions And Answers (Objectives and Theory)
10 multiple-choice questions along with 5 theory questions for agricultural science:
Section A: Multiple Choice Questions
Which of the following is a primary activity in agriculture?
a) Manufacturing
b) Mining
c) Fishing
d) Crop production
Answer: d) Crop production
Which of the following is NOT a factor affecting crop growth?
a) Soil fertility
b) Climate
c) Time of day
d) Pest and disease pressure
Answer: c) Time of day
What is the main function of fertilizers in agriculture?
a) Providing support for plants
b) Controlling pests and diseases
c) Enhancing soil fertility
d) Harvesting crops
Answer: c) Enhancing soil fertility
Which of the following farming systems involves the cultivation of crops and rearing of animals on the same piece of land?
a) Monoculture
b) Intensive farming
c) Mixed farming
d) Extensive farming
Answer: c) Mixed farming
What is the primary purpose of irrigation in agriculture?
a) Controlling weeds
b) Preventing soil erosion
c) Providing water to crops
d) Protecting crops from pests
Answer: c) Providing water to crops
Which of the following is NOT a method of weed control in agriculture?
a) Hand weeding
b) Crop rotation
c) Herbicide application
d) Mulching
Answer: b) Crop rotation
What is the main benefit of organic farming practices?
a) Higher crop yields
b) Reduced use of synthetic chemicals
c) Lower production costs
d) Faster crop growth
Answer: b) Reduced use of synthetic chemicals
Which of the following is a greenhouse gas emitted from agricultural activities?
a) Oxygen
b) Nitrogen
c) Carbon dioxide
d) Hydrogen
Answer: c) Carbon dioxide
What is the purpose of crop rotation in agriculture?
a) Improving soil fertility
b) Controlling pests and diseases
c) Increasing crop yield
d) Reducing soil erosion
Answer: b) Controlling pests and diseases
What is the primary function of farm machinery in modern agriculture?
a) Providing shelter for crops
b) Enhancing soil fertility
c) Mechanizing agricultural tasks
d) Controlling weeds
Answer: c) Mechanizing agricultural tasks
Section B: Theory Questions
Explain the concept of sustainable agriculture and discuss its importance.
Answer: Sustainable agriculture is a farming practice that aims to meet the needs of present and future generations while minimizing environmental degradation, conserving natural resources, and maintaining ecosystem health. It involves practices such as crop rotation, organic farming, integrated pest management, and conservation tillage. Sustainable agriculture is important for ensuring food security, preserving biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and promoting rural development.
Describe the process of photosynthesis and its significance in crop production.
Answer: Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose, using carbon dioxide and water as raw materials. This process occurs in chloroplasts, primarily in the leaves of plants. Photosynthesis is essential for crop production as it provides the energy and organic compounds needed for plant growth, development, and reproduction. It is the foundation of the food chain, as plants serve as primary producers, supporting all other organisms in the ecosystem.
Discuss the importance of soil conservation practices in sustainable agriculture.
Answer: Soil conservation practices are essential for maintaining soil fertility, preventing soil erosion, and preserving the health of agricultural ecosystems. These practices include contour plowing, terracing, cover cropping, crop rotation, and no-till farming. Soil conservation helps retain moisture, nutrients, and organic matter in the soil, promotes soil structure and fertility, reduces sedimentation in water bodies, and mitigates the impacts of droughts and floods. It is vital for sustainable agriculture and the long-term productivity of agricultural lands.
Explain the concept of integrated pest management (IPM) and its benefits.
Answer: Integrated pest management (IPM) is a holistic approach to pest control that combines various strategies to minimize pest damage while reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. IPM strategies include biological control, cultural practices, mechanical control, and chemical control. The goal of IPM is to maintain pest populations at levels that do not cause economic damage while minimizing risks to human health and the environment. IPM promotes ecological balance, reduces pesticide resistance, conserves natural enemies of pests, and protects non-target organisms.
Describe the role of genetic engineering in modern agriculture and discuss its potential benefits and concerns.
Answer: Genetic engineering, also known as biotechnology, involves the manipulation of an organism’s genetic material to introduce desirable traits or characteristics. In agriculture, genetic engineering has been used to develop genetically modified (GM) crops with traits such as herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, disease resistance, and improved nutritional content. Potential benefits of GM crops include increased crop yields, reduced pesticide use, enhanced nutritional value, and improved stress tolerance. However, concerns related to genetic engineering include environmental risks, potential health impacts, socio-economic issues, and ethical considerations.
