JAMB UTME - Agricultural Science - 2020
Question 1 Report
Spermatozoa are produced in the
Answer Details
Spermatozoa are produced in the testicles. The testicles are part of the male reproductive system and are responsible for producing and storing sperm. Sperm are the male reproductive cells that are necessary for fertilization, which is the process by which sperm combine with an egg to form an embryo. The testicles are located outside the body in a sac called the scrotum. This location helps to maintain a temperature that is cooler than the body, which is necessary for optimal sperm production. The production of sperm is a continuous process that starts during puberty and continues throughout a man's life.
Question 2 Report
The damage to the stem of maize plants resulting in hollowness and lodging is most likely caused by
Answer Details
The most likely cause of the damage to the stem of maize plants resulting in hollowness and lodging is stem borers. Stem borers are insects that feed on the inside of the stem of maize plants, causing it to become hollow and eventually collapse, a condition known as lodging. The damage from stem borers can reduce the yield and quality of maize crops, making it an important pest to control. Rodents, grasscutters, and weevils can also cause damage to maize plants, but stem borers are specifically known for causing damage to the stem and resulting in hollowness and lodging.
Question 3 Report
Smut disease of cereals is caused by a
Answer Details
Smut disease of cereals is caused by a fungus. A fungus is a type of microorganism that can cause diseases in plants. The fungus infects the cereal plant and causes it to produce abnormal growths, called galls, in place of kernels. These galls eventually burst open and release spores of the fungus that can infect other plants. This can result in significant yield loss and reduced quality of the cereal crop.
Question 4 Report
Answer Details
The main purpose of including leguminous crops, such as beans and peas, in pastures is to serve as a source of proteins for livestock. These crops are high in protein and provide an important source of nutrition for animals, helping to keep them healthy and productive. Additionally, leguminous crops help to improve the quality of the soil by fixing nitrogen, which makes it more fertile and better able to support other plants.
Question 5 Report
Which of the following may cause disease in a fish pond?
Answer Details
All of the options listed can contribute to disease in a fish pond, but poor management practices are particularly significant. Poor management practices can include things like overstocking the pond, failing to maintain proper water quality, not properly cleaning and disinfecting equipment, and not providing adequate nutrition to the fish. These practices can create an environment that is favorable for the growth and spread of disease-causing pathogens, leading to outbreaks of disease in the pond. Mixed stocking refers to the practice of stocking a pond with different species of fish. This can increase the risk of disease by introducing new pathogens or by creating stress in the fish that weakens their immune systems. Liming is the practice of adding lime to a fish pond to adjust the pH of the water. While liming is important for maintaining the health of the fish, it can also increase the risk of disease if not done properly. Harvesting refers to the removal of fish from a pond. While harvesting itself is not a direct cause of disease, it can disrupt the balance of the pond and increase the risk of disease if not done properly. For example, if fish are harvested too frequently or if diseased fish are not properly disposed of, it can create an environment that is favorable for the growth and spread of disease-causing pathogens.
Question 6 Report
Given a normal situation, what effect will an increase in the supply of cowpea have on its market price? The price
Answer Details
An increase in the supply of cowpea will generally lead to a decrease in its market price. This is because, with more cowpea available, there is greater competition among sellers to find buyers for their product, which puts downward pressure on the price. Think of it like this: if there are many people trying to sell the same product, each person will have to lower their price to attract buyers and make a sale. The same is true for cowpea. In a normal market situation, the law of supply and demand states that when the supply of a product increases, the price of the product will decrease, assuming everything else remains constant. This is because the increased supply creates an excess of the product, making it more readily available and easier for consumers to find. With more supply and no change in demand, the price drops to encourage people to buy more.
Question 7 Report
A soil with pH2 can be described as
Answer Details
A soil with a pH of 2 can be described as highly acidic. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. A soil pH below 7 is considered acidic and a soil pH above 7 is considered alkaline. The lower the pH number, the more acidic the soil is. So, a soil with a pH of 2 is significantly more acidic than a neutral soil (pH 7) and can be described as highly acidic.
Question 8 Report
The soil nutrient which is important as a constituent of plant proteins and hormones is
Answer Details
Sulphur is important as a constituent of plant proteins and hormones. Sulphur is a crucial element for plants, playing a role in many of the plant's key processes, such as growth and the creation of proteins and hormones. Proteins are the building blocks of all living things, and hormones control important functions like flowering and fruiting. Without sufficient sulphur, plants can become stunted and their growth and development can be slowed down. Additionally, some crops like brassicas (e.g. broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage) are particularly sensitive to sulphur deficiency and may show visible signs of yellowing or stunted growth.
Question 9 Report
Management practices in a piggery include the following except
Answer Details
The management practice in a piggery that is not included is weekly vaccination of pigs. Disinfecting pens helps prevent the spread of disease by killing germs and bacteria. Regular cleaning of feed and water troughs ensures that the pigs have access to clean food and water, promoting their health and well-being. Isolating sick animals helps prevent the spread of disease to healthy pigs, and is an important part of disease control in a piggery. However, weekly vaccination of pigs is not a standard practice in a piggery. Pig vaccination schedules vary depending on the specific disease being targeted, the age and health of the pigs, and other factors. Typically, pig vaccination is done on a regular basis, but not necessarily every week. It is important to consult with a veterinarian to develop an appropriate vaccination schedule for your pigs.
Question 10 Report
The mating of a white fulani bull and an N'dama cow could be termed?
Answer Details
The mating of a white fulani bull and an N'dama cow is called cross breeding. Cross breeding is the mating of two animals from different breeds, or sometimes even different species, with the aim of creating offspring with desirable traits from both parents. In this case, the white fulani bull and N'dama cow are two different breeds, therefore their mating would be considered cross breeding.
Question 11 Report
Crop rotation has the following effects on the soil except
Answer Details
The option that does not describe an effect of crop rotation on the soil is "predisposing soil to leaching". Leaching is the process of soil erosion by water, where water removes nutrients and minerals from the soil. Crop rotation can have the opposite effect on the soil, by improving its structure and maintaining its fertility, which can help to retain nutrients and minerals in the soil. In simple terms, crop rotation helps to keep the soil healthy and productive by alternating different types of crops in a specific order, which helps to prevent the build-up of soil pests, improve the soil structure, and maintain soil fertility.
Question 12 Report
Which of the following characteristics is not correct of pigs?
Answer Details
The characteristic that is not correct for pigs is "source of land". Pigs are not a source of land, they are a source of meat. Pigs are known for being efficient feed converters, meaning they can convert feed into meat efficiently, and they are also prolific animals, meaning they can produce a lot of offspring. In simple terms, pigs are raised for their meat, and are valued for their ability to convert food into meat quickly and efficiently, but they are not a source of land.
Question 13 Report
Agricultural extension programme would succeed in disseminating new ideas to farmers except if the programme
Answer Details
Question 14 Report
The length of oestrus cycle (in days) in goat is
Answer Details
The length of the oestrus cycle in goats is typically 18 to 21 days. The oestrus cycle is the period in which a female goat is receptive to mating and can become pregnant. During this time, the goat will show signs of heat, such as increased activity, restlessness, and a swollen vulva. The length of the cycle can vary slightly between individual goats, but it is typically between 18 to 21 days.
Question 15 Report
Investments with long life span in agricultural economics are otherwise known as
Answer Details
The term used to describe investments with a long lifespan in agricultural economics is "capital." Capital refers to the resources, including money, property, and equipment, that are invested into a business or enterprise with the expectation of generating long-term income or profit. In agriculture, capital is often used to purchase land, build structures, buy machinery, or make other investments that will support the production of crops or livestock over a period of many years. This type of investment is different from savings deposits, which are designed to be a low-risk, short-term way of saving money, or from profit, which refers to the money made from a business after all expenses have been taken into account.
Question 16 Report
The diagram above shows parts of a plough.
Study it and answer this question.
The part labelled I in the diagram is the
Answer Details
Question 17 Report
Which of the following is not an advantage of drip-irrigation?
Answer Details
The disadvantage of drip-irrigation is that its efficiency on water distribution in steep slopes is poor. This means that if the field or the area being irrigated has a steep slope, the water may not be evenly distributed and some areas may receive more or less water compared to others. This can lead to uneven growth or drying of crops in some areas.
Question 18 Report
Daily management routines in poultry include the following except
Answer Details
The option that does not belong in a typical daily management routine in poultry is "debeaking." Debeaking is a procedure that involves removing the tip of a bird's beak to prevent pecking and cannibalism in crowded conditions. It is not a daily routine but rather a management practice that may be performed once in the lifetime of a bird, typically when they are young. Egg collection, water and feed provision, and health care are all important daily routines in poultry management. Egg collection involves gathering the eggs that the hens have laid, water and feed provision involves making sure the birds have access to fresh water and food, and health care involves monitoring the birds for signs of illness and taking action to prevent or treat diseases.
Question 21 Report
The most common soil mineral found in all crystalline rocks and a main constituent of granite and sandstone is
Answer Details
The most common soil mineral found in all crystalline rocks and a main constituent of granite and sandstone is quartz. Quartz is a mineral made up of silicon and oxygen and is one of the most abundant minerals on the Earth's surface. It is often found in granite and sandstone, which are types of rocks made up of various minerals including quartz. Quartz is also found in many other types of rocks and soils, and is an important component of the Earth's crust.
Question 22 Report
Which of the following groups of crops requires a nursery?
Answer Details
All of the groups of crops listed can be grown from seedlings in a nursery, but the specific crops grown in a nursery depend on the farmer's goals and resources. A nursery is a place where young plants are grown until they are big enough to be transplanted into the field. This allows farmers to control the growing conditions, such as temperature, moisture, and light, and to protect the young plants from disease and pests. Crop selection for a nursery will often depend on factors such as the climate, soil type, and market demand for the crops. For example, tomato, cotton, and sorghum are often grown in nurseries in regions with hot and dry climates, while crops such as rice, maize, and cocoa are more commonly grown in nurseries in regions with a tropical or subtropical climate. In conclusion, all of the groups of crops listed can be grown in a nursery, but the specific crops grown in a nursery will depend on various factors such as the climate, soil type, and market demand.
Question 23 Report
In subsistence agriculture,
Answer Details
Subsistence agriculture is a type of farming where the primary goal is to produce enough food to feed the farmer's family and sometimes a small community. The focus is on meeting the basic needs of the farmers rather than making a profit. In subsistence agriculture, yields are often not as high as in commercial agriculture because the farmers use simple tools and techniques and may not have access to modern inputs like fertilizers and pesticides. The surplus produced is small because the primary aim is to feed the family, so only a small amount is left over for sale or trade. Savings are not a priority in subsistence agriculture, as the focus is on producing enough food to meet the family's needs. The farm sizes are usually small, as the farmer only needs to cultivate enough land to feed their family. Overall, subsistence agriculture is a way of life for many farmers in developing countries, and it provides a basic level of food security for the farmers and their families.
Question 24 Report
Andropogon gayanus is commonly called
Answer Details
Andropogon gayanus is commonly called "gamba grass." Gamba grass is a species of grass that is native to Africa and is known for its tall, dense growth. It grows well in hot, wet conditions and is commonly used for forage for livestock, as well as for erosion control and as a fuel source. The name "gamba" comes from the Bantu language and refers to the tall stature of the grass.
Question 25 Report
Farm surveying can be defined as the
Answer Details
Farm surveying can be defined as the process of making measurements on land from which maps are drawn. This involves taking measurements of the land's boundaries, elevations, and other physical features, and then using this information to create detailed maps that show the layout of the land and its features. The goal of farm surveying is to provide accurate and up-to-date information about a farm's land and structures, which can be used for various purposes, such as planning and development, assessing the land's value, or determining the best use for the land.
Question 26 Report
When a cockerel is castrated, it becomes a
Answer Details
When a male chicken, also known as a cockerel, is castrated, it becomes a capon. Castration is the process of removing the testicles, which results in the bird having a more tender and flavorful meat, as well as a calmer personality. Castrated male chickens are often raised for food, and are known for their plump and juicy meat.
Question 27 Report
The national tree-planting campaign is aimed at stimulating
Answer Details
The national tree-planting campaign is aimed at stimulating afforestation. Afforestation refers to the process of establishing a forest, or stand of trees, in an area where there was no forest. The goal of the national tree-planting campaign is to increase the number of trees in a specific area, either for conservation purposes, to provide timber, or for other benefits such as improving air quality and reducing soil erosion. Taungya farming involves the planting of trees in fields, where crops are also grown. This type of farming provides benefits to both the trees and the crops, as the trees provide shade and improve soil fertility, while the crops provide food and income. Forest reservation involves setting aside forests for conservation purposes, usually to protect wildlife and their habitats. While all of these practices can contribute to improving the health and sustainability of forests, the primary focus of a national tree-planting campaign is likely to be on afforestation.
Question 28 Report
Leguminous cover crops do not
Answer Details
Leguminous cover crops do not reduce the soil microbial population. In fact, they do the opposite - they aid in increasing the soil microbial population. This is because leguminous cover crops have the ability to fix nitrogen from the air and add it to the soil, providing a source of nutrition for soil microorganisms. Additionally, their roots and leaves also add organic matter to the soil as they decompose, which further supports the growth of soil microorganisms. So, leguminous cover crops are beneficial for soil health and fertility, not detrimental.
Question 29 Report
Study the diagram above and answer question
The farm tool associated with the diagram above is
Answer Details
Question 30 Report
From the curve above, at what point is it advisable for the farmer to stop further addition of input?
Answer Details
Question 31 Report
The act of giving birth in farm animals is called
Answer Details
The act of giving birth in farm animals is called "parturition." Parturition refers to the process of giving birth, from the onset of labor to the delivery of the offspring. It is a natural process that occurs in mammals, including farm animals such as cows, pigs, sheep, and horses. During parturition, the mother's uterus contracts to push the baby out, and the baby is then born.
Question 33 Report
The windmill is normally used as a source of power in
Answer Details
The windmill is normally used as a source of power in pumping well water. A windmill harnesses the power of the wind to turn its blades and generate energy. This energy is then used to power a pump that brings water from a well to the surface, where it can be used for irrigation, livestock watering, or other purposes. By using a windmill, farmers and rural communities can have access to a sustainable source of water without relying on electricity from the grid.
Question 36 Report
Study the diagram above and answer question
The crop associated with the diagram above is?
Answer Details
Question 38 Report
A biotic factor influencing agricultural production is
Answer Details
A biotic factor influencing agricultural production is a predator. A predator is an organism that hunts and eats other organisms, and in agriculture, predators can have a significant impact on crop production. For example, pests such as insects or rodents can damage or destroy crops, reducing the yield and quality of the harvest. To control these biotic factors, farmers may use various methods such as crop rotation, pest-resistant crops, and chemical pesticides.
Question 39 Report
The primary role of agriculture is the provision of
Answer Details
The primary role of agriculture is to provide food for people and their animals. This includes crops such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and livestock such as cattle, pigs, and chickens. Agriculture is a fundamental part of our food system, as it produces the majority of the food that we consume on a daily basis. Agriculture is also important for providing employment and income for farmers, as well as raw materials for industries such as food processing, textiles, and biofuels. Additionally, agriculture can also contribute to a country's foreign exchange earnings by exporting crops and livestock to other countries. However, despite these other important roles, the primary purpose of agriculture remains to provide a reliable and sustainable source of food for the growing global population.
Question 40 Report
The process of stopping a young animal from milk and placing it under hand feeding is
Answer Details
The process of stopping a young animal from drinking milk from its mother and feeding it by hand is called weaning. Weaning is the process of gradually introducing solid food and reducing the amount of milk or formula that the young animal receives. This is an important step in the development of the young animal as it helps them transition from a milk-based diet to a more solid and varied diet. The goal of weaning is to promote healthy growth and development, and to prepare the young animal for a self-sufficient life.
