Question 1

The second agricultural revolution is associated with the onset of the Industrial Revolution.

Accepted Answer

The second agricultural revolution, which took place during the 17th and 18th centuries, coincided with and was significantly influenced by the onset of the Industrial Revolution. It involved innovations in farming techniques and equipment that increased food production and efficiency, supporting the growing urban workforce.

Question 2

It was in the seventeenth century that commercial agriculture became established on a large scale and the present pattern of agricultural activity began to evolve.

Accepted Answer

The answer of It was in the seventeenth century that...

Question 3

Nitrogen fertilizers have been associated with environmental damage as well as increased risk for some cancers.

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen fertilizers can lead to environmental damage, such as water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and some studies have suggested a link between exposure to certain agricultural chemicals, including nitrogen fertilizers, and increased risk for some types of cancer.

Question 4

Nitrogen fertilizers permitted the world population to rise from 1.6 to 6.1 billion in the twentieth century.

Accepted Answer

The Haber-Bosch process for synthesizing ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen gas enabled the mass production of nitrogen fertilizers, significantly boosting agricultural productivity and supporting the global population increase from 1.6 to 6.1 billion in the twentieth century.

Question 5

The movement for fair trade is a grassroots social movement that asks consumers to pay a small premium to groups of small producers supplying commodity goods.

Accepted Answer

The fair trade movement is indeed a grassroots social movement that encourages consumers to pay a premium for products to ensure that small producers and workers receive fair wages and working conditions. This premium helps support sustainable and ethical practices in the production of commodity goods.

Question 6

Tissue culturing and DNA sequencing are two of the biotechnological methods that have helped to develop improved plant and animal varieties.

Accepted Answer

Tissue culturing allows for the rapid production of many genetically identical plants from a single parent plant, which can be used to propagate improved varieties. DNA sequencing helps in identifying and selecting for desirable genetic traits, facilitating the development of plant and animal varieties with improved characteristics such as disease resistance, yield, and nutritional value.

Question 7

Neo-colonialism may be regarded as an aspect of globalization.

Accepted Answer

Neo-colonialism, which involves the use of economic, political, cultural, or other pressures to control or influence a country, especially former dependencies, can be seen as an aspect of globalization since it often results from and contributes to the global integration of economies, cultures, and political systems.

Question 8

The majority of genetically modified cropland is found in less developed countries.

Accepted Answer

The majority of genetically modified (GM) cropland is found in more developed countries, with the United States, Brazil, Argentina, Canada, and India leading in GM crop cultivation.

Question 9

One early example of genetically modifying produce was the creation of a frost-free tomato by adding genes from the flounder, a cold-water fish.

Accepted Answer

The answer of One early example of genetically modifying produce...

Question 10

One potential risk from genetically modified crops is the accidental creation of a "superweed."

Accepted Answer

Genetically modified crops can potentially transfer genes to wild relatives through cross-pollination, leading to the creation of "superweeds" that are resistant to herbicides or have other enhanced survival traits, making them difficult to control.

Question 11

Shifting agriculture is not only an effective way of maintaining soil fertility; it provides adequate returns for minimal capital and labour inputs.

Accepted Answer

Shifting agriculture, also known as slash-and-burn or swidden agriculture, allows for the natural replenishment of soil nutrients as land is left fallow and vegetation regrows after a period of cultivation. This method requires relatively low capital and labor inputs compared to more intensive farming practices, making it an effective strategy for certain communities, especially in tropical regions.

Question 12

In rice farming, the crop is submerged under water for much of the growing period.

Accepted Answer

Rice farming often involves submerging the crop under water for a significant part of its growing period to control weeds and pests, and to ensure the plants have adequate water. This method is known as paddy cultivation.

Question 13

California uses a Mediterranean type of agriculture.

Accepted Answer

California's climate is conducive to Mediterranean agriculture, characterized by dry summers and mild, wet winters, allowing for the cultivation of crops such as grapes, olives, and various fruits and nuts.

Question 14

Pastoral nomadism remains an important type of agriculture in China.

Accepted Answer

Pastoral nomadism is not an important type of agriculture in China.

Question 15

Contemporary mixed farming is associated with crops and livestock and is not commercial in nature.

Accepted Answer

Contemporary mixed farming involves the integration of crops and livestock but is often commercial in nature, aiming at maximizing profits through diversification and efficient resource use.

Question 16

Mediterranean agriculture might be described as a hybrid form of subsistence and commercial agriculture.

Accepted Answer

Mediterranean agriculture combines elements of both subsistence farming, where food is primarily grown for the farmer's family, and commercial agriculture, where crops such as olives, grapes, and citrus fruits are grown for sale in domestic and international markets.

Question 17

The major grain producers in the world are the United States, Canada, and Ukraine.

Accepted Answer

The United States, Canada, and Ukraine are indeed among the major grain producers in the world, with the U.S. and Canada being leading producers of wheat and corn, and Ukraine being a significant producer of wheat, corn, and barley, often referred to as the "breadbasket of Europe."

Question 18

Today, ranchers are experiencing successful economic times.

Accepted Answer

Many ranchers are facing economic challenges due to factors such as rising feed costs, drought, and fluctuating market prices, which can make it difficult to maintain profitability.

Question 19

Many Canadian farmers today do not live on their farms; they commute from city residences to work on the farm.

Accepted Answer

This trend has been increasing due to various factors such as the high cost of farm living, better amenities in cities, and the desire for a different lifestyle, while still maintaining farming operations.

Question 20

Restructuring in agriculture is seen as a process of ongoing adjustment to changing circumstances.

Accepted Answer

Restructuring in agriculture involves adapting farming practices, technologies, and economic strategies to meet the evolving demands of markets, environmental conditions, and policy frameworks, reflecting a continuous process of adjustment to changing circumstances.

Quiz 9: Geographies of Food and Agriculture