JAMB UTME - Agricultural Science - 2019

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The maturity period of groundnut is typically between 4 to 5 months. This means that from the time the groundnut is planted until it is fully grown and ready for harvest, it takes between 4 to 5 months. During this period, the groundnut undergoes several stages of growth, including germination, flowering, and pod development, until it reaches maturity. The length of the maturity period can vary depending on the specific variety of groundnut and the growing conditions, such as climate, soil, and water availability. However, on average, it takes about 4 to 5 months for groundnuts to reach maturity and be ready for harvesting.

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Demand for most farm products is inelastic. People can consume only so much then they are satiated. Even if price drops they will not buy much more. When demand is inelastic a drop in price that spurs more quantity being sold results in lower revenue and profit for the producer.
Choice B is correct. A price inelastic demand would mean that an increase in price would not necessarily lead to a decline in quantity demanded or in case it does proportion of quantity change would be lesser vis a vis the change in price.
Demand tends to be price inelastic for agricultural produce for the following reasons.
1. Price changes don't affect consumption much
2. These produce are mostly necessities
3. Possibility of postponement is not there for most of these produce

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The head of a tapeworm is known as the "scolex". The scolex is the attachment organ of the tapeworm that enables it to attach to the host's intestinal wall. It is a small, flattened structure that contains suckers and hooks, which the tapeworm uses to hold onto the intestine. The rostellum is a structure found on some tapeworms that helps them attach to the host's intestinal wall, but it is not the same as the scolex. Therefore, the correct answer is "scolex" when referring to the head of a tapeworm.

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There are different varieties of oil palm: dura palms have kernels with a thick shell; pisifera palms have kernels with no shell; tenera palms have kernels with a thin shell. Tenera is a variety of oil palm. Choice C is correct

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The target groups of an agricultural Extension agent are typically individuals or groups who are involved in agriculture or rural development. These can include farmers, rural youth, women's groups, agribusinesses, cooperatives, and others who are engaged in agricultural activities. Of the options given, the one that is not a target group of an agricultural Extension agent is political parties. Political parties are not directly involved in agricultural activities or rural development, and therefore would not typically be a target group for agricultural Extension services. Extension agents are typically tasked with providing education, training, and other forms of support to help farmers and rural communities improve their productivity, sustainability, and economic well-being. They may work with individual farmers or groups, providing information and guidance on topics such as crop and livestock management, pest and disease control, soil fertility, marketing, and other issues that can affect agricultural productivity and profitability. So, the correct answer is political parties.

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Fertilizers are applied to fishponds to serve as nutrients for plankton. Plankton are tiny organisms that live in water and are a primary source of food for fish. Fertilizers contain essential nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus that are necessary for the growth and reproduction of plankton. As the plankton grow and multiply, they provide a valuable food source for fish in the pond. Additionally, the plankton consume nutrients in the water, which can help purify it by reducing the levels of harmful chemicals and pollutants. Therefore, applying fertilizers to fishponds can help promote the growth of plankton and ultimately support a healthy ecosystem for fish.

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Irrigation is not a factor to consider when planning a farmstead because it is not a requirement for a farmstead. A farmstead refers to a farm and the buildings and other structures on the farm, such as a house, barn, and outbuildings. Accessibility, topography, and soil type are all important factors to consider when planning a farmstead because they can impact the type of crops or livestock that can be raised on the farm, as well as the design and placement of buildings and other structures. Accessibility refers to the ease of getting to and from the farm, which can impact the transportation of goods and people. Topography refers to the natural features of the land, such as hills and valleys, which can impact the placement of buildings and the type of crops that can be grown. Soil type refers to the type of soil on the farm, which can impact the type of crops that can be grown and the fertility of the soil.

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The part of the ruminant stomach from which digestive juices are secreted is the abomasum. Ruminants, such as cows, sheep, and goats, have a four-compartment stomach that allows them to break down tough plant material through a process of fermentation. The four compartments of the ruminant stomach are the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. The rumen and reticulum are the first two compartments and work together to break down food through fermentation and mixing with digestive juices. The omasum is the third compartment and is responsible for absorbing water and some nutrients. The abomasum is the fourth and final compartment and is equivalent to the true stomach in non-ruminant animals. It is where the majority of digestive juices are secreted and where the final stages of protein digestion occur. The abomasum also secretes enzymes that help to break down fats and carbohydrates. In summary, while the rumen and reticulum of the ruminant stomach are responsible for fermentation and mixing of food, it is the abomasum where the majority of digestive juices are secreted and where the final stages of protein digestion occur.

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The main mode of infection of rinderpest disease in cattle is through inhalation. Rinderpest is a viral disease that affects cattle and other cloven-hoofed animals. The virus is highly contagious and can spread rapidly through herds. The virus is shed in large amounts in nasal and ocular discharges, saliva, and feces of infected animals, which can contaminate the environment and infect other animals. Inhalation of the virus occurs when healthy animals breathe in the virus from the air or from contaminated surfaces, such as feed and water troughs or fences. The virus can survive for several days in the environment, which means that even if an infected animal has been removed from a location, the virus can still be present and infect other animals. While grazing and drinking contaminated water can also lead to infection, inhalation is the primary mode of transmission for rinderpest. The virus can also be spread through contact with contaminated objects or through the handling of infected animals, but these modes of transmission are less common compared to inhalation. In summary, the main mode of infection of rinderpest disease in cattle is through inhalation of the virus, which can be present in the air or on contaminated surfaces.

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Oil palm trees do well in soils with a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5. Soil pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil, and it affects the availability of nutrients to plants. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with a pH of 7 considered neutral. Values below 7 are considered acidic, and those above 7 are alkaline. Oil palm trees have specific nutrient requirements, and the availability of these nutrients can be affected by soil pH. Soils with a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5 are considered slightly acidic to neutral, which is optimal for oil palm growth and production. In soils that are too acidic or alkaline, certain nutrients may be unavailable to the plant, leading to nutrient deficiencies and reduced yields. It's worth noting that different soils have varying levels of acidity or alkalinity, and it's important to test the soil pH level before planting oil palm trees to ensure the soil is suitable for the crop. Soil pH can be adjusted through the application of soil amendments such as lime to increase the pH or sulfur to decrease the pH, depending on the specific needs of the soil and the crop.

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The option that is not usually related to an increase in farm produce is "improved sales of crop and livestock." Improved sales refer to better marketing and selling strategies, which can result in higher profits, but it does not directly increase the quantity of farm produce. On the other hand, the use of improved crop varieties, increased use of manure and fertilizer, and use of better farm equipment and tools are all factors that can contribute to an increase in farm produce. Improved crop varieties have traits that are better adapted to the local growing conditions, such as resistance to pests and diseases, or tolerance to drought or floods. Increased use of manure and fertilizer helps to improve soil fertility and nutrient levels, which can increase the yield and quality of crops. Better farm equipment and tools can make the farming process more efficient, allowing farmers to cultivate larger areas in less time and with less labor. Therefore, to summarize, the option that is not usually improved by an increase in farm produce is "Improved sales of crop and livestock", as it refers to better marketing strategies and does not directly increase the quantity of farm produce.

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A crop not requiring more than 750mm of annual rainfall is most suitable for cultivation in the "Sahel savanna". The Sahel savanna is a region located in West and Central Africa, characterized by hot temperatures and low to moderate levels of rainfall, typically ranging from 500mm to 750mm per year. This makes it well-suited for crops that do not require high levels of moisture and can tolerate arid conditions. Rainforests, on the other hand, receive much higher levels of rainfall, typically over 2000mm per year, making them less suitable for crops that require less moisture. The Sudan and Guinea savannas, which are located further south, receive slightly higher levels of rainfall compared to the Sahel savanna, but not enough to support crops that require a lot of moisture.

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The process whereby rocks are broken down into small particles through both physical and chemical factors is known as weathering. Weathering is the process by which rocks and minerals are broken down into smaller particles, called sediment, through a combination of physical and chemical processes. Physical weathering can occur when rocks are exposed to factors such as temperature changes, freeze-thaw cycles, or abrasion by wind or water. Chemical weathering can occur when rocks are exposed to substances like acid rain or the natural acids produced by organic matter in soil. Over time, these processes can cause rocks to break down into smaller and smaller particles, eventually forming soil and sediment that can be transported by erosion.

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Turkeys incubate for 27 - 28 days at 100.5 degrees. There are two methods of incubation. In the case of natural incubation with broody hens, for instance, naturally turkeys are good brooders and the broody hen can hatch 10-15 numbers of eggs. 27 days is the incubation period of turkey while 21 days is for chicken.

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The by-product of fish that is not on the list is "leather." Fish can be a valuable source of various by-products that are useful in various industries. For example, fish can be processed into fish meal, which is a high-protein feed ingredient used in animal feed production. Fish oil is another by-product that is commonly extracted from fish, which has a wide range of applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Fish silage is another by-product that is produced when fish waste is ensiled, which can then be used as a fertilizer or feed ingredient. However, leather is not a by-product that is typically associated with fish. Leather is usually made from the skin or hide of animals such as cows, sheep, and goats. Therefore, leather is not a by-product of fish. In summary, while fish can be processed into a range of useful by-products like fish meal, oil, and silage, leather is not one of them.

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Most biological activity in soil occurs in the A-horizon. The A-horizon, also known as the topsoil, is the uppermost layer of soil that is composed of a mixture of mineral particles, organic matter, and living organisms. This layer is particularly rich in organic matter, which provides a food source for microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi that play a vital role in breaking down organic materials and releasing nutrients that plants can use for growth. Additionally, the A-horizon is where plant roots grow and interact with soil organisms, which can influence the health and productivity of both plants and soil. Therefore, the A-horizon is considered the most biologically active layer of soil.

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Phalaris minor is a species of grass native to North Africa, Europe, and South Asia. The bunchgrass is widely naturalised elsewhere. Common names include little seed canary grass, small-seeded canary grass, small canary grass, lesser-canary grass, guli danda (Hindi), and sittee booti (Urdu). Phalaris minor is a crop associated with wheat. Choice A is correct.

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Out of the four options, "Involvement in local politics" is not a quality of a good extension worker. An extension worker is a professional who helps farmers and rural communities to adopt new technologies and improve their agricultural practices. To be effective in this role, an extension worker should have certain qualities, such as: - Organizational Ability: The ability to plan and carry out activities efficiently, and to manage resources effectively. - Clear Judgement: The ability to analyze information, make sound decisions, and provide advice to others. - Initiative: The ability to take the lead in solving problems and identifying opportunities for improvement. Involvement in local politics is not a quality of a good extension worker because extension workers should maintain impartiality and not align themselves with any particular political party or interest group. They should be focused on providing impartial and evidence-based advice to support the development of the rural communities they serve.

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In poultry nutrition, the minerals that prevent the laying of thin-shelled eggs are calcium and phosphorus. Eggshells are primarily composed of calcium carbonate, so it is important that hens receive an adequate supply of calcium in their diet in order to produce eggs with strong shells. Phosphorus is also important for eggshell quality, as it helps to regulate calcium metabolism and aids in the development of the skeletal system. If a hen does not receive enough calcium and phosphorus in her diet, she may lay eggs with thin, weak shells that are more susceptible to cracking or breaking. This can be a serious problem for egg producers, as it can lead to reduced egg quality and lower profits. Therefore, to prevent the laying of thin-shelled eggs, it is important to ensure that hens receive a balanced diet that includes adequate levels of both calcium and phosphorus.

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Land race is not a breed of rabbits. Landrace is actually a breed of domestic pigs that originated in Denmark, and is known for its good maternal instincts and high fertility. New Zealand White, Chinchilla, and Californian White, on the other hand, are all breeds of rabbits. New Zealand White is a breed that is commonly used for meat production, while Chinchilla is a breed that is valued for its soft and dense fur. Californian White is a breed that was developed in the United States, and is also commonly used for meat production. Therefore, Land race is the option that is not a breed of rabbits, but rather a breed of domestic pigs.

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A good silage should be free of moulds. Silage is made by fermenting green fodder in a silo or pit to preserve it as animal feed. Moulds can grow on the silage if the conditions are not right, such as when there is too much moisture or oxygen in the silo. This can lead to a decrease in the quality of the silage, as well as potential health problems for the animals consuming it. Mouldy silage can contain mycotoxins, which are toxic substances produced by certain types of moulds. When consumed by animals, mycotoxins can cause a range of health problems, including reduced milk production, poor weight gain, and even death in severe cases. Therefore, it is important to ensure that silage is made under the right conditions, such as with the correct moisture content and sufficient compaction to exclude oxygen. This will help to prevent the growth of moulds and ensure that the silage is of good quality for animal consumption.

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The causative organism of maize rust is a fungus. Maize rust is a fungal disease that affects maize plants and is caused by the fungus Puccinia polysora. The fungus infects the leaves of the maize plant, causing yellow to brownish-orange rust-like pustules or spots on the leaves. Maize rust can have a significant impact on crop yield and quality, and it is important for farmers to take steps to prevent and control the disease. This can include the use of disease-resistant maize varieties, crop rotation, proper sanitation practices, and timely application of fungicides when necessary. So, the correct answer is fungus.

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Mobile nutrients are nitrogen in the form of nitrate, phosphorus (P) in the form of phosphate, potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), chlorine (Cl), zinc (Zn) and molybdene (Mo). Calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), iron (Fe), boron (B) and copper (Cu) are immobile. Boron (B) is highly immobile because of its size. Therefore, choice A is correct.

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Features of subsistence farming are as follows:
(a) It is practised by majority of the farmers in the country.
(b) It is characterised by small and scattered land holdings and use of primitive tools.
(c) The farmers do not use fertilisers and high yielding variety of seeds as they are poor.
Choice A, C and B explains the features of subsistence agriculture but option D did not state the feature of subsistence agriculture.
Choice D is correct.

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Soil texture is a classification instrument used both in the field and laboratory to determine soil classes based on their physical texture. Soil texture can be determined using qualitative methods such as texture by feel, and quantitative methods such as the hydrometer method. Soil Texture is the classification of soil based on its physical texture and characteristics, particularly the size of the particles that make up the soil.

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Fixed cost is the option that does not affect the change in supply of agricultural produce. Fixed costs are the expenses that do not change with changes in the level of output or production, such as rent or salaries. In contrast, factors that affect the change in supply of agricultural produce are those that influence the quantity of goods that farmers are willing and able to produce and sell in a given period of time. Technology can increase the efficiency and productivity of agricultural production, leading to an increase in supply. Changes in the cost of production, such as changes in the price of inputs like fertilizer or labor, can affect the profitability of farming and impact the supply of agricultural produce. Changes in commodity prices can also affect the supply of agricultural produce, as farmers may be more willing to produce more goods if they can sell them at higher prices. In summary, while fixed costs are an important consideration in farming and agricultural production, they do not directly affect the change in supply of agricultural produce.

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The factor of production whose reward is profit is entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship involves the ability to identify business opportunities, take risks, and organize resources (such as land, labor, and capital) in order to create and run a successful business. Entrepreneurs are typically the ones who invest their own time, money, and effort into starting and managing a business. In return for taking on the risks and uncertainties associated with starting and running a business, entrepreneurs are rewarded with profits. Profit is the return on investment that entrepreneurs receive for successfully creating and managing a business that provides goods or services that are valued by consumers. So, to sum up, the factor of production whose reward is profit is entrepreneurship, as it is the driving force behind the creation and success of businesses that generate profits.

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Maize grows best on loamy soil. Loamy soil is a mixture of sand, silt, and clay, and is considered one of the best soil types for growing crops like maize. This is because loamy soil has a balanced mix of particles that allows it to hold water and nutrients well while also providing good drainage. The balance of sand, silt, and clay in loamy soil allows for good aeration, which is important for healthy root growth in maize plants. Sandy soil, on the other hand, has larger particles that do not hold water or nutrients well and can lead to poor crop growth. Sandy-clay soil and silty-clay soil have higher clay content, which can lead to poor drainage and waterlogging in wet conditions, making them less suitable for growing maize. In summary, maize grows best on loamy soil, which has a balanced mix of sand, silt, and clay that provides good drainage, aeration, and nutrient holding capacity for healthy crop growth.

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Crops grown primarily for feeding animals are known as forage. Forage crops are grown specifically to be used as animal feed, either by grazing animals directly on the pasture or by harvesting the forage and feeding it to animals as silage or hay. Forage crops can include grasses, legumes, and other plants that are high in fiber and provide the necessary nutrients for animal growth and development. These crops can be grown for a variety of animals, such as cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. Vegetables, cereals, and shrubs, on the other hand, are not primarily grown for feeding animals. Vegetables are grown for human consumption, while cereals can be grown for both human consumption and animal feed. Shrubs, although they can be used as animal feed in some cases, are typically not grown specifically for this purpose. Therefore, forage is the term used to describe crops that are grown primarily for feeding animals.

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Prevention, or at least alleviation, of the effects of viruses, involves:
(1) Elimination of sources of virus.
(2) Elimination of the virus from infected plants.
(3) Control of vectors.
(4) Breeding for resistance and the use of cross-protection methods.
Each of these approaches to control will be considered.
Planting resistant varieties of a plant/crop is the most effective method of controlling or preventing viral diseases since, the varieties can resist viral infections.

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The pox disease in livestock are caused by "viruses". Pox diseases are a group of viral infections that affect livestock, including cattle, sheep, and goats. These diseases are highly contagious and can spread rapidly through populations of animals, causing skin lesions, respiratory symptoms, and, in severe cases, death. Bacteria, protozoa, and fungi are not the cause of pox diseases in livestock. Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that can cause a wide range of diseases in livestock, but they are not responsible for pox diseases. Protozoa are single-celled organisms that can also cause diseases in livestock, but they are not the cause of pox diseases. Fungi are multicellular organisms that can cause infections in livestock, but they are not the cause of pox diseases.

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Mucous discharge from the rectum is not a sign of heat in animals. Heat, also known as estrus, refers to the period in the reproductive cycle of female animals when they are fertile and can mate with males to produce offspring. During heat, females exhibit various physical and behavioral changes to signal their readiness to mate. These changes include swelling of the vulva, increased vaginal discharge, mounting behavior, and restlessness. Mucous discharge from the rectum is not a typical sign of heat in animals. It can indicate a digestive issue or infection, and it is not related to reproductive readiness. Therefore, if you observe mucous discharge from the rectum in your animal, it is important to seek veterinary attention to identify the cause of this symptom.

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Planter is not part of a disc plough. A disc plough is a farm implement that is used for primary tillage to break up and loosen soil in preparation for planting. It typically consists of a series of individual discs, which are arranged in a line and mounted on a frame. The coulter is a vertical blade that cuts through the soil and creates a furrow for the discs to follow. The discs themselves are typically concave and have a sharp edge, which slices through the soil and turns it over. The furrow wheel follows behind the discs and helps to control the depth of the ploughing. The disc scraper is a blade or bar that is attached to the frame of the plough and helps to prevent the discs from becoming clogged with soil or debris. It is typically positioned behind the discs and scrapes away any material that may be caught between them. Therefore, the planter is the option that is not part of a disc plough. A planter is a separate implement that is used for planting seeds or seedlings into the soil, and is not typically integrated into the design of a disc plough.

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Minerals essential for animal life include common salt (sodium chloride), calcium, phosphorus, sulfur, potassium, magnesium, manganese, iron, copper, cobalt, iodine, zinc, molybdenum, and selenium. The last six of these can be toxic to animals if excessive amounts are eaten. Palm oil not a source of minerals in animal nutrition.

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Fertilization or fertilizer application is the supplemental application of plant nutrients to crop plants to augment the supply from natural sources. This consists of applying nutrient-containing materials, called fertilizers, generally into the soil in proximity to receptor plants.

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Crop rotation is the practice of growing a series of dissimilar or different types of crops in the same area in sequenced seasons. It is done so that the soil of farms is not used for only one set of nutrients. It helps in reducing soil erosion and increases soil fertility and yield crop. Choice A is correct. Crop rotation involves the growing of crops one after other in a particular sequence

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The parent material of a soil is formed from the disintegration of rock. Soil is made up of many different components, including organic matter, minerals, water, and air. However, the most important component of soil is the parent material, which is the rock or mineral that the soil is derived from. Over time, rock is broken down into smaller and smaller pieces by physical and chemical weathering processes. This process can take thousands of years, but eventually, the rock is reduced to small particles like sand, silt, and gravel. These smaller particles become the building blocks of soil, and they provide the structure and nutrients that plants and other organisms need to grow. In conclusion, the parent material of a soil is formed from the disintegration of rock, which is broken down over time into smaller particles like sand, silt, and gravel. These particles become the foundation of soil and provide the structure and nutrients that plants and other organisms need to grow.

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In agriculture, a harrow (often called a set of harrows in a plurale tantum sense) is an implement for breaking up and smoothing out the surface of the soil. In this way it is distinct in its effect from the plough, which is used for deeper tillage. The farm machinery used to sow seeds and apply fertilizer at the same time is a harrow. Therefore, choice D is correct.

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Legumes are different from grasses because they form a symbiotic relationship with bacteria called rhizobia in the nodules of their roots. This symbiotic relationship allows legumes to fix atmospheric nitrogen into a form that is available to the plant, which in turn makes them an excellent source of nitrogen for other plants, including grasses. Grasses, on the other hand, do not have this ability to fix nitrogen and rely on other sources of nitrogen such as fertilizers or nitrogen from the atmosphere that has been fixed by other means. In addition to their ability to fix nitrogen, legumes are also an important source of protein and other nutrients for both humans and animals. This is due to the fact that they have a higher protein content than most grasses. Therefore, legumes and grasses serve different purposes in agriculture and can be used together in a complementary way to improve soil fertility and provide a balanced source of nutrition for livestock and humans.

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The type of land tenure system is the freehold system. The freehold system is a type of land tenure system in which an individual or entity owns the land outright and has the right to use, occupy, and sell the land as they see fit. This type of system is common in many countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. Under the freehold system, the owner of the land has complete control over it, and can use it for any legal purpose, such as agriculture, residential or commercial development, or conservation. The owner is also responsible for paying property taxes on the land and any structures or improvements that are built on it. This system is different from other types of land tenure systems, such as leasehold or communal systems, where individuals or groups have limited rights to use or occupy the land, and ownership may be held by a government entity or a community as a whole. Overall, the freehold system is designed to provide individuals or entities with secure and exclusive rights to use and manage the land, which can encourage investment, development, and long-term planning.