Question 1

The three crops that humans rely on for the majority of nutrients and calories are

Accepted Answer

Wheat, rice, and maize (also known as corn) are the three crops that humans rely on for the majority of nutrients and calories. They are the most widely cultivated and consumed grains in the world, providing essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and various vitamins and minerals. Potatoes, barley, oats, rye, and beans are important crops as well, but they do not have the same level of global significance as wheat, rice, and maize.

Question 2

Wind erosion is most likely to cause problems in

Accepted Answer

Wind erosion is more likely to occur in open, arid regions where there is minimal vegetation to protect the soil.

Question 3

Famines are most often serious when there is

Accepted Answer

Famines are often most serious when there is a combination of factors, such as drought and war. War can disrupt food production and distribution, as well as lead to displacement of people from their homes and farms, exacerbating the effects of drought.

Question 4

Which of the following are forms of chemical deterioration of soil?

Accepted Answer

Salinization and acidification are both forms of chemical deterioration of soil, caused by excessive use of chemical inputs and improper management of the soil pH. Waterlogging and laterization are caused by excess water and high temperatures, respectively, while compaction and nutrient depletion are physical and biological causes, respectively. Pollution and erosion are also forms of soil degradation, but not necessarily chemical in nature.

Question 5

The energy needed to process and distribute food in the US is as much as _______ times the amount that is used to actually farm the crops.

Accepted Answer

A study conducted by the University of Michigan found that the energy used for food processing and distribution in the US is approximately five times greater than the energy used for farming the crops. Therefore, the correct answer is D) 5.

Question 6

In developed countries, the most recent increases in agricultural productivity have come from

Accepted Answer

The increase in agricultural productivity in developed countries has been primarily due to the use of new crop varieties and intensified farming techniques, such as the use of mechanization and fertilizers. This has allowed for higher yields and more efficient use of resources, without the need for significant expansion of agricultural areas or destruction of natural habitats.

Question 7

Waterlogging results from

Accepted Answer

Waterlogging results from excessive irrigation, which leads to the accumulation of excess water in the soil that cannot be drained away. This can lead to reduced air flow and oxygen levels in the soil, which can negatively impact plant growth and productivity. Choices A, C, D, and E are not related to the causes of waterlogging.

Question 8

What are two common diseases that result from protein deficiencies?

Accepted Answer

Marasmus and kwashiorkor are two common diseases that result from protein deficiencies. Marasmus is a condition characterized by severe malnutrition and a lack of all essential nutrients, including protein, while kwashiorkor results from a lack of protein specifically.

Question 9

Sustainable farming

Accepted Answer

The answer of Sustainable farming
...

Question 10

Obesity is a disease that affects

Accepted Answer

Obesity is a disease that is more prevalent in wealthy, developed nations where processed and high-calorie foods are abundant and sedentary lifestyles are common. Developing nations tend to have higher rates of malnutrition and undernourishment.

Question 11

Undernourished parents often raise children who are undernourished because the parents

Accepted Answer

Undernourished parents often raise undernourished children because they cannot afford to provide proper nutrition for their children. This creates a vicious cycle of poverty and undernutrition. While genetic deficiencies can play a role in malnutrition, it is not the main factor in this scenario. Lack of knowledge and access to information may also contribute, but the inability to afford nutritious food is the primary driver.

Question 12

The parent material layer of a soil is composed of weathered

Accepted Answer

The parent material layer of soil is the layer that underlies the topsoil and is composed of the parent rock that has undergone weathering over time. This layer consists of various rock fragments, minerals, and other materials that are broken down through physical and chemical processes to form the starting point for soil development. Therefore, choice E, rock fragments, is the most appropriate answer. Choices A and B are incorrect because humus and organic detritus are part of the topsoil, not the parent material layer. Choice C is incorrect because residual aluminum and iron are not typically found in the parent material layer, but rather in deeper layers of soil. Choice D is also incorrect because soil itself is the result of weathering and is not the parent material layer.

Question 13

Contour plowing and strip farming are methods designed to

Accepted Answer

Contour plowing and strip farming are both methods aimed at preventing water and soil loss. Contour plowing involves plowing along the contour of a hillside, rather than up and down, which helps to prevent erosion and water runoff. Strip farming involves planting different crops in alternating strips or rows, which helps to prevent soil depletion and erosion. Both of these methods are designed to protect the health of the soil and the environment, and to ensure a sustainable method of farming.

Question 14

High responder crops of the green revolution produce tremendous yields

Accepted Answer

High responder crops of the green revolution, such as wheat and rice, were developed to respond well to the application of fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation. These practices were used to increase the yields of these crops, particularly in areas where food shortages were a major issue. However, the yields were not necessarily high in all conditions, and the use of these techniques also came with environmental consequences.

Question 15

Goiter is a common disease resulting from a shortage of dietary

Accepted Answer

Goiter is caused by iodine deficiency, which leads to an enlargement of the thyroid gland. Iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones, and when the body does not get enough iodine, the thyroid gland enlarges in an effort to produce more hormones.

Question 16

The layer of soil that is a mixture of minerals and organic material is the

Accepted Answer

The A horizon is the top layer of soil that contains a mixture of minerals and organic material, making it the most fertile layer for plant growth. The O horizon, on the other hand, is the layer of decomposing organic material, while the E horizon is a layer of leached minerals in between the A and B horizons. Humus is organic matter that has decomposed and is found in the O and A horizons, but it is not a separate layer of soil. "Primary layer" is not a term used in soil science.

Question 17

What is the basis of the statement that we could feed more people if we would eat grain rather than feeding it to livestock?

Accepted Answer

The Second Law of Thermodynamics involves energy transfer and loss, indicating that energy is lost at each trophic level, making direct grain consumption more efficient than feeding it to livestock.

Question 18

Vitamin A deficiencies are associated with

Accepted Answer

Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy eyes and vision. Deficiencies in vitamin A can lead to dry eyes and retinal degeneration, which can eventually lead to blindness. While anemia, weak bones, and lack of energy can also be associated with nutrient deficiencies, they are not specifically related to vitamin A deficiency. Poorly developed neural systems in embryos can be a consequence of vitamin A deficiency in mothers during pregnancy.

Question 19

Soil organisms usually stay __________ the soil.

Accepted Answer

Soil organisms usually stay close to the surface of the soil because that is where they can find organic matter and moisture, which are necessary for their survival. However, some organisms do live deeper in the soil depending on their specific needs and adaptations. Therefore, option E is not the best answer because it suggests that half of the soil organisms stay deep below the surface and the other half stay close to the surface, which is not entirely accurate.

Question 20

Fifty years ago, there were several hundred varieties of wheat grown in the Middle East. Now a few of the more modern high responder varieties have replaced the indigenous species. What are the implications of this change?

Accepted Answer

By relying on only a few high responder wheat varieties, the genetic diversity of wheat has been greatly reduced. This leaves the crop vulnerable to epidemics of disease that could wipe out entire crops.

Quiz 7: Food and Agriculture