Relevance Of Biology To Agriculture - SS1 Biology Past Questions and Answers - page 2
Which of the following is a common crop pest that damages leaves by feeding on their tissues?
Aphids
Earthworms
Ladybugs
Which of the following is a fungal disease that affects cereal crops, causing black, elongated lesions on the stems?
Rust
Downy mildew
Powdery mildew
What is the primary method of controlling crop pests and diseases using organisms that prey on or parasitize the pests
Genetic engineering
Biological control
Chemical pesticides
Which of the following pests is known to cause significant damage to farm animal populations by sucking their blood and transmitting diseases?
Ticks
Flies
Mosquitoe
Which of the following diseases primarily affects farm poultry and is characterized by respiratory symptoms, decreased egg production, and high mortality rates?
Avian influenza
Foot-and-mouth disease
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome
Which of the following is a parasitic disease commonly found in livestock that affects the digestive system, leading to weight loss, anemia, and diarrhea?
Bovine tuberculosis
Brucellosis
Coccidiosis
1. How does agricultural practices such as pesticide use affect the biodiversity of ecosystems?
Pesticide use in agriculture can lead to the loss of biodiversity by directly killing non-target organisms and disrupting food chains, as well as indirectly impacting pollinators and other beneficial organisms.
1. Discuss the environmental consequences of deforestation for agricultural purposes.
Deforestation for agriculture can result in the loss of habitat for countless species, increased soil erosion, disruption of water cycles, and contribute to climate change through the release of carbon dioxide from tree removal.
1. Explain the concept of nutrient runoff from agricultural fields and its impact on aquatic ecosystems.
Nutrient runoff, primarily from fertilizers used in agriculture, can enter water bodies, and cause excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants. This process, called eutrophication, can lead to oxygen depletion, fish kills, and the degradation of aquatic ecosystems.
Discuss the impact of diseases and pests on crops and livestock, highlighting the consequences for food production and strategies for disease and pest management.
Diseases and pests have significant detrimental effects on both crops and livestock. Crop diseases can lead to reduced yields, lower quality produce, and financial losses for farmers. Livestock diseases can cause illness, reduced productivity, and even death, impacting both the welfare of animals and the livelihood of farmers. Pests, such as insects and rodents, can damage crops by feeding on plant tissues, spreading diseases, and reducing overall crop quality and yield. The impact of diseases and pests on crops and livestock can disrupt food production, leading to potential food shortages and increased prices. Disease and pest management strategies include implementing preventative measures, such as crop rotation, maintaining hygiene practices, and using disease-resistant crop varieties. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques involve a combination of biological, chemical, and cultural methods to minimize the impact of pests while minimizing harm to the environment. Vaccination and regular health monitoring are crucial in preventing and controlling diseases in livestock. Early detection and rapid response to diseases and pests are essential to limit their spread and minimize their impact on agricultural systems. Educating farmers about disease and pest identification, prevention, and management strategies is crucial for sustainable agriculture and food security.