JAMB UTME - Agricultural Science - 2024

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In Nigeria, **establishing agriculture and forestry** should be given more attention to achieve self-sufficiency in food production. Here's why:

Agriculture:

• Nigeria has a vast stretch of arable land which can be utilized for growing diverse crops. By focusing on agriculture, the country can produce sufficient food to meet the local population's needs.
• Promoting agriculture leads to job creation, especially for the rural communities, thereby improving livelihoods.
• Expanding agricultural activities also boosts the local economy, reduces food importation, and fosters community development.

Forestry:

• Forestry complements agriculture by protecting the environment, preserving biodiversity, and maintaining the ecosystem balance.
• Trees improve soil fertility, which is essential for high crop yields and sustainable agriculture.
• Forestry can also provide additional resources, such as timber and non-timber forest products, further improving local economies.

While building research centers, establishing wildlife preserves, and constructing roads are essential in their own right, focusing on agriculture and forestry provides the foundation for ensuring food security, sustaining livelihoods, and fostering holistic economic growth in Nigeria.

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The activity that does not fit into the agricultural use of land is mining. Here's why:

• Crop Production: This involves growing plants for food, fiber, and other uses. It requires preparing the land, planting seeds, and nurturing crops until harvest. This is a typical agricultural activity.
• Animal Production: This includes the raising of livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and poultry, for food, fiber, and other products. It is an integral part of agriculture.
• Forest Establishment: Although primarily not seen as agriculture, it can involve the planting and managing of forests for resources such as wood or to improve the environment, aligning it with sustainable land use practices in agriculture.
• Mining: This activity involves the extraction of minerals, ores, and resources from the Earth, which is fundamentally an industrial or geological activity, not related to agriculture. Mining does not typically contribute to the production of food or the management of land for biological growth.

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The options provided refer to various processes that can affect rocks. To understand which process does not lead to the physical disintegration of rocks, let's explore each one clearly.

Expansion and contraction of rock minerals: This process refers to changes in the size of rock minerals due to temperature fluctuations. When minerals heat up, they expand, and when they cool down, they contract. Over time, this can cause the rock to crack and break apart. Therefore, this process does cause physical disintegration.

Formation of cracks and crevices in the rocks: This directly involves the breaking apart of rocks into smaller pieces due to the creation of openings or splits. Hence, it leads to physical disintegration.

Heating and cooling of rock surface: Rocks on the Earth's surface undergo cycles of heating during the day and cooling at night. These temperature variations cause the rock to expand and contract, similar to the effect on the rock minerals, eventually leading to cracking and breaking apart. Thus, this also causes physical disintegration.

Rapid cooling and solidification of rocks: This process typically refers to how molten rock (magma or lava) cools and hardens to form solid rock. When it cools rapidly, it solidifies quickly and forms a hard structure. This process does not involve breaking apart or physical disintegration of existing rock structures. Rather, it is about the formation of new rock. Therefore, this process does not result in the physical disintegration of rocks.

In conclusion, the process that does not lead to the physical disintegration of rock is the rapid cooling and solidification of rocks.

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A **biotic factor** influencing agricultural production is a **predator**. Biotic factors are those that are living components in an ecosystem. In agriculture, predators, which include animals such as insects, birds, and mammals, can significantly affect crop yields. They influence the farming ecosystem by feeding on crops or on organisms that are beneficial or harmful to crops.

For instance, some predators might eat pests that could otherwise damage the plants, thereby indirectly helping in the production process. On the other hand, certain predators may attack the crops themselves, reducing yields. Therefore, understanding and managing **predator populations** is crucial in agricultural production to ensure crops are protected and can grow optimally.

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Plants that grow on other plants but do not take nutrients from them are called epiphytes. Unlike parasites, which extract nutrients from their host plant, epiphytes simply use the host plant for physical support. This allows them to gain better access to light, air, and rainwater. Epiphytes are common in rainforests, where they grow on larger trees to reach sunlight. They have special adaptations, like aerial roots, to absorb moisture and nutrients from the air rather than relying on the soil.

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A major symptom of onion/twister is the appearance of dark brown spots on leaves. Onion/twister is a disease that affects onion plants, causing the leaves to twist and curl

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The **alternate heating and cooling of rocks** will primarily result in **fragmentation**. This process is commonly known as **physical weathering** or **mechanical weathering**.

Here's how it works:

• During the day, **rocks heat up due to sunlight**. This causes the outer layers of the rock to **expand**.
• At night, the **temperature drops**, causing the rock layers to **cool and contract**.
• This repeated process of expansion and contraction due to temperature changes creates **stress within the rock structure**.
• Over time, this stress causes the outer layers of the rock to **crack and break apart**, leading to **fragmentation** of the rock.

In contrast, the other processes listed involve different conditions:

• **Sublimation** refers to the direct transition of a substance from a solid to a gas, which is not relevant to rock weathering through temperature changes.
• **Solidification** involves the hardening of a substance from a liquid to a solid state, not fragmentation.
• **Molten magma** is formed under conditions of intense heat that melt rock into a liquid state, unrelated to the cooling process described above.

Thus, the **alternate heating and cooling of rocks** primarily results in their **fragmentation** into smaller pieces.

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Agriculture is best defined as the science and art of farming to satisfy human needs. This definition encompasses a broad range of activities that include both the cultivation of soil for growing crops and the raising of livestock. The concept of agriculture covers various aspects such as soil management, crop production, breeding, genetics, plant pathology, and more. It is both a science, because it involves understanding biological, chemical, and ecological processes, and an art, because it requires skill and expertise to effectively manage these processes to produce food and other resources needed by humans. Therefore, among the definitions provided, this one captures the full scope of what agriculture truly involves.

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Goats, like other ruminants, have a unique digestive system adapted to break down fibrous plant material. Their stomach is divided into four compartments, each with specialized functions. Understanding the correct sequence of these compartments is crucial for comprehending how goats digest their food.

The correct sequence of a goat’s stomach is:

1. **Rumen**: This is the first and largest compartment. It serves as a fermentation vat where complex plant fibers are broken down by bacteria and other microorganisms. The rumen allows for the initial breakdown of food and is crucial for the digestion of cellulose found in plants.

2. **Reticulum**: Sometimes considered part of the rumen (together referred to as the reticulo-rumen), the reticulum works closely with the rumen. It traps foreign materials like small stones or metal objects and forms smaller food particles into cud, which are regurgitated back to the mouth for further chewing and digestion.

3. **Omasum**: This compartment acts as a filter. It absorbs water and minerals from the digested food and grinds the food particles further. The omasum has many folds, increasing its surface area to maximize absorption.

4. **Abomasum**: Known as the "true stomach," the abomasum is similar to a monogastric stomach (like in humans). It uses acids and digestive enzymes to break down proteins and complete the digestion process, preparing the food for intestines.

Thus, the correct sequence is rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum.

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Government laws and reforms in the agricultural sector are primarily aimed at increasing agricultural production. This is achieved through a variety of mechanisms, such as providing subsidies, implementing policies that support farmers, investing in agricultural research and technology, and ensuring access to resources like water and land. These efforts are designed to enhance the efficiency and productivity of agricultural activities. By increasing agricultural production, the government can ensure food security, reduce dependency on imports, and support the livelihood of farmers and related industries.

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The provision of farm inputs to farmers by the government can best be described as a subsidy.

A subsidy is a form of financial assistance given by the government to reduce the cost of products or services, making them more affordable for the public. When the government provides farm inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and equipment at reduced costs or even for free, this helps farmers to lower their production costs. By doing so, farmers can produce agricultural goods more efficiently and affordably, leading to increased agricultural output and potentially lower prices for consumers.

Providing farm inputs as a subsidy can encourage agricultural productivity, support small-scale farmers, and boost the agricultural sector's overall growth and contribution to the economy. Unlike a loan or credit, which must be repaid, a subsidy does not require repayment, making it a direct form of assistance to farmers.

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The roles of government in the development of agriculture include many supportive activities aimed at enhancing the sector's productivity and sustainability. Here's an explanation of the options:

• Provision of subsidies: This is a typical role of the government. Subsidies are financial supports that help reduce the cost for farmers to encourage increased production and sustainability of agriculture. By providing subsidies on seeds, fertilizers, or equipment, the government assists farmers in maintaining profitability.


• Establishment of farm settlements: Governments often develop farm settlements to facilitate agricultural activities. Such settlements are planned communities where farmers can benefit from shared resources like water, electricity, storage facilities, and other essential infrastructure, making farming more efficient.


• Training of farmers: This is a vital governmental role; however, the emphasis is on training the farmers themselves and not specifically their children. Governments implement training programs to educate farmers on modern farming techniques, pest control, crop rotation, and efficient resource management.


• Recommending loans: Governments play a significant role in facilitating financial support systems like loans. They may not directly recommend loans but often work to ensure farmers have access to low-interest loans through agricultural banks or cooperative societies. This helps farmers invest in necessary resources to improve their farming operations.

In this context, the exception is the "training of farmers' children." While it is important to have educational programs available for future generations in agriculture, direct involvement in the training of farmers' children is not a typical, direct role of the government within the context of immediate agricultural development support.

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Smut diseases are caused by a group of fungi that primarily attack cereal crops. The infection leads to the formation of thick-walled and often black, sooty spores. The crops most affected by smut diseases are those in the grass family. These fungi often attack the grains or inflorescences of the plants, which can lead to significant agricultural losses.

Out of the given options, the crops rice, maize, and guinea corn are susceptible to smut diseases. Here's why:

• Rice: Known to be affected by diseases such as kernel smut.
• Maize (corn): Commonly affected by common corn smut (Ustilago maydis), which is noted for its gall formations on ears and kernels.
• Guinea corn (Sorghum): Can suffer from several smut diseases including covered smut, loose smut, and head smut.

Therefore, rice, maize, and guinea corn form the group of crops that can be attacked by smut diseases.

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Agriculture is fundamentally vital to many aspects of human society and the economy. Let's explore how the given points pertain to the importance of agriculture:

Provision of Raw Materials for Agro-Based Industries: Agriculture supplies essential raw materials like cotton, jute, sugarcane, and rubber that are crucial for various industries. This makes it an important backbone for industrial operations.

Serving as a Main Source of Foreign Exchange: Agricultural products such as coffee, cocoa, tea, and spices are often exported globally. This means agriculture is a significant contributor to foreign exchange earnings, helping stabilize economies, especially in developing countries.

Supply of Food: One of the fundamental roles of agriculture is to provide food for human consumption. It is the primary source of sustenance for the global population, making it an indispensable element for food security.

Provision of Employment: Agriculture is a major employment sector worldwide. It provides jobs for millions of people, particularly in rural areas, contributing significantly to livelihoods and income generation.

The point that is not correct in highlighting the importance of agriculture from a different context would depend on the wider economic and geographical setting, but generally, all stated points are commonly acknowledged as essential roles played by agriculture.

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Air sacs are present in poultry, which includes birds like chickens, ducks, and turkeys. These air sacs are an essential part of the avian respiratory system. Unlike mammals, birds have a unique respiratory system that includes a series of air sacs that facilitate a continuous flow of air through their lungs. This system allows for more efficient gas exchange, which is crucial for their energy needs during activities like flying.

In more detail, when birds inhale, air doesn't just go into their lungs but also fills these air sacs. On the next exhalation, the air moves from the air sacs into the lungs, where oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide. This method ensures that the bird's lungs have a continuous supply of fresh air, both when they inhale and exhale.

Other animals listed, such as rabbits, goats, and cattle, have different respiratory systems without air sacs; they rely on diaphragm-based breathing similar to humans for their oxygen needs. The specialized respiratory system of birds thus gives them an advantage in terms of metabolic efficiency, which is particularly important given the energy demands of flying.

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To explain this reproductive process comprehensively, let's break down each term and how it fits into the reproductive cycle of a farm animal.

Gestation: This is the period during which a female animal carries a developing embryo or fetus inside her body. In farm animals, gestation varies depending on the species. For example, the average gestation period for cows is about nine months, while for pigs it's around three months. During this phase, the female's body supports the developing young until birth.

Heat: Otherwise known as estrus, this is the period when a female animal is receptive to mating. It is part of the estrous cycle and signals that ovulation is about to occur. *During this time, the female exhibits specific behavioral changes that attract the male animal for breeding.

Ovulation: This is the process when the female's ovary releases an egg or ovum. It is a critical stage in the reproductive cycle because it's the time when fertilization by the male's sperm can occur. **Ovulation is timed with the heat period, making conception possible.**

Lactation: This is the period following birth during which a female animal produces milk. Lactation is essential for the nourishment and growth of the newborn. In many farm animals, lactation starts after parturition (birth) and continues for several months, providing the necessary nutrients for the offspring's development.

In conclusion, the reproductive process in farm animals involves a sequence of stages: **the female comes into heat and ovulates, potentially leading to conception.** If the egg is fertilized, the gestation period follows, culminating in birth, after which lactation begins to provide for the newborn. Each stage is meticulously timed and crucial for successful reproduction.

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The process that will not lead to the loss of nutrients from the soil is mulching.

Here's a simple explanation of each process:

Leaching: This occurs when water (often from rain or irrigation) washes away nutrients from the soil into lower layers, making them unavailable to plants. This can result in a significant nutrient loss.

Harvesting: When crops are harvested, the nutrients that have accumulated in the plants' leaves, fruits, and other parts are removed from the environment, thus reducing the soil's nutrient content.

Erosion: This is the process where wind, water, or other natural agents wear away and move soil and its nutrients from one location to another, often leading to a reduction of soil fertility.

Mulching: This involves covering the soil with materials like straw, leaves, or wood chips. Mulching can help to retain soil moisture, reduce erosion, and enhance nutrient content as the mulch decomposes. Therefore, rather than causing nutrient loss, mulching adds nutrients back into the soil.

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The correct answer is granite. Let me explain why:

Igneous rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava. They are one of the three main types of rocks, the other two being sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Now, let’s briefly look at the options:

• Granite is a classic example of an igneous rock. It forms from the slow cooling of magma beneath the Earth’s surface, which allows large crystals to develop. This process gives granite its distinctive, coarse-grained texture.
• Sandstone is not an igneous rock. It is a sedimentary rock, formed from compacted sand-sized mineral particles or rock fragments.
• Limestone is also a sedimentary rock, primarily made of calcium carbonate, which originates from biological sources like shells or coral.
• Gneiss is a metamorphic rock, which means it forms from existing rocks that have been transformed by heat and pressure. It is characterized by its banding and does not originate from cooling magma or lava.

Therefore, based on the formation and characteristics, granite is the example of an igneous rock in the list.

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The soil profile consists of different layers, known as horizons, each having distinct characteristics. The horizon where the greatest level of microbial activity occurs is the A-horizon. Let me explain why this is the case in a simple and comprehensive way.

The A-horizon is also known as the topsoil. It is the uppermost layer of the soil and is rich in organic material. This horizon contains **humus**, which is decomposed organic matter, making it very fertile. The reasons why microbial activity is so high in the A-horizon are:

• Rich in Organic Matter: The presence of decomposed organic material provides an excellent source of nutrients, which encourages the growth and activity of microbes such as bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes.
• Favorable Conditions: The topsoil is well aerated and has good moisture content, which creates an optimum environment for microbial life.
• Presence of Plants: The root systems of plants are primarily located in the A-horizon. Root exudates provide additional nutrients that benefit microbial activity.

Overall, the combination of abundant organic material and favorable living conditions supports robust microbial communities in the A-horizon, making it the layer with the greatest microbial activity.

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New-born animals should be fed with colostrum primarily because it contains antibodies that protect them against diseases. Colostrum is the first milk produced by the mother shortly after giving birth. This special milk is rich in antibodies and nutrients essential for the new-born's health.

Antibodies are proteins that can fight infections and boost the immune system. By consuming colostrum, new-born animals receive immediate protection against common diseases and infections they might encounter in the first days of their life. This early protection is crucial because new-borns are particularly vulnerable to illnesses until their own immune systems are more developed.

While colostrum is also easily digested and is the first milk produced before birth, the primary reason it is so vital for new-borns is the presence of these protective antibodies.

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The **most important factor** that determines the rate of agricultural development in a country is the **readiness of farmers to adopt viable agricultural research results**. Here's why:

1. Innovation and Efficiency: Agricultural research provides new techniques, tools, and practices that can significantly increase crop yields, reduce costs, and improve sustainability. When farmers are ready and willing to adopt these research results, they can implement more efficient and effective farming methods.

2. Adaptability to Change: The world of agriculture is continually evolving with advances in technology, improved crop varieties, pest control methods, and climate-smart practices. Farmers who are open to adopting research findings can quickly adapt to changes and challenges, leading to more robust agricultural development.

3. Economic Growth: By embracing new research, farmers can produce higher quality or larger quantities of agricultural products. This can lead to increased income for farmers, a reduction in poverty, and a contribution to the overall economic development of the country.

4. Sustainability: Viable agricultural research often focuses on sustainable practices. Farmers who are willing to implement these results help protect the environment, conserve resources, and ensure agricultural productivity for future generations.

While factors such as the number of machinery, herbicide use, and provision of raw materials are important, **they are secondary to the primary role of adopting research**. Machinery and herbicides are tools that can enhance farming when used appropriately, but their effectiveness largely depends on farmers being informed through research. Similarly, the provision of raw materials relies on agricultural production, which research adoption profoundly enhances.

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In the context of animal nutrition, it's crucial to distinguish the nutrient content of various feedstuffs. When considering phosphorus, which is an essential mineral for bones and other biological functions, it's important to identify feedstuffs based on their primary composition.

Limestone and oyster shell are primarily composed of calcium carbonate. They are often used in animal feeds to supplement calcium, not phosphorus. Both these materials are mainly known for their high calcium content and typically contain little to no phosphorus.

On the other hand, fish meal and blood meal are animal-derived feed components rich in proteins and generally contain phosphorus as part of their natural organic composition.

Therefore, the feedstuff that does not contain phosphorus among the options listed is limestone, since it primarily provides calcium and not phosphorus.

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In evaluating the characteristics of a good pasture, it is important to consider the elements that contribute to effective livestock grazing and growth. Let's go through each characteristic:

• Provision of balanced nutrients: A good pasture should provide a variety of nutrients essential for the growth, health, and productivity of livestock.
• High stem to leaf ratio: A high stem to leaf ratio is not a desirable characteristic in a good pasture. Ideally, a pasture should have a low stem to leaf ratio, meaning it should have more leaves than stems. Leaves are more palatable and nutritious for livestock compared to stems.


• High quality of grass: This means the grass should be nutritious and palatable, which contributes to the efficiency of feeding and overall health of the animals.
• Ability to withstand trampling: A good pasture has grasses that can endure the physical stress of being walked on by livestock, ensuring the pasture remains viable for longer periods.

Therefore, a high stem to leaf ratio is not a characteristic of a good pasture. It indicates fewer leaves, which are crucial for providing energy and nutrients to livestock.

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Subsistence agriculture is a type of farming where the primary aim is to produce enough food to meet the needs of the farmer's family, with little or no surplus for sale in the market. A characteristic feature of subsistence agriculture is the reliance on the supply of labor by farm families. This means that the farm work is primarily done by the family members themselves, and there is minimal use of hired labor.

In subsistence agriculture, the farmers often use traditional farming methods and tools, making family labor essential for farming activities. Unlike commercial agriculture, which focuses on maximizing production for sale, subsistence farming is primarily about meeting the family's food needs. As a result, the decisions on what to plant and how much to produce are driven by the household's consumption needs rather than market demands.

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Clay soil presents several challenges for agricultural crop production despite being rich in nutrients. One primary issue is that it often fails to release its nutrients effectively. The fine particles of clay hold onto nutrients too tightly, making it difficult for plant roots to absorb them. This means that although the nutrients are present, they are not always available to plants.

Another significant concern is that clay soil is too compact and poorly aerated. The tiny particles pack closely together, preventing air from circulating. This lack of aeration can lead to waterlogging, where plants cannot access oxygen needed for healthy root development. As a result, root systems can become weak and unable to support plant growth.

Additionally, clay soil may contain excessive amounts of iron, aluminum, and boron. While these elements are necessary in small quantities, their high levels can be toxic to plants, affecting their growth and development negatively.

Lastly, clay soil has a tendency to lose its nutrients readily after rain. Heavy rains can cause leaching, where water carries nutrients away from the root zone. Despite its nutrient richness, clay soil can become nutrient-deficient quickly after heavy rains, requiring frequent fertilization.

Overall, while clay soil is nutrient-rich, its composition and physical properties can significantly hinder crop production, making it less suitable for agriculture without proper management and amendment strategies.

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The foot and mouth disease of cattle is caused by a virus. This particular virus is known as the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV). It is a highly contagious viral infection that affects not only cattle but other cloven-hoofed animals like sheep, goats, and pigs. The disease is characterized by the development of blisters in the mouth and on the feet, leading to lameness and drooling.

The virus spreads rapidly among animals through direct contact, contaminated feed, and even the wind, making it challenging to control. Managing this disease involves strict biosecurity measures, vaccination programs, and sometimes culling infected animals to prevent further spread. Understanding that the cause is viral is crucial because it informs the strategies used for prevention and control, which differ significantly from those for diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, or nematodes.

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In arid regions, the most active agent of physical weathering is wind.

Arid regions, known for their dry climates and minimal vegetation, provide ideal conditions for wind to actively erode and weather the landscape. Here's how it works:

• Loose Particles: The lack of vegetation means there is little to hold soil and small particles in place. This makes them easily picked up and carried by the wind.
• Abrasion: When wind carries particles like sand, they collide with rocks and surfaces, effectively sandblasting them. This process breaks down rocks into smaller pieces over time.
• Sculpting: Wind action can create unique rock formations as it wears away softer materials, leaving behind harder rock structures.
• Transportation: The wind can transport weathered material over long distances, affecting not just the source area but also where these particles are eventually deposited.

Although temperature, water, and ice can also contribute to physical weathering, wind is particularly significant in arid regions due to its persistence and effectiveness in altering the landscape without the need for much moisture.

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The **main aim** of wildlife management is to prevent the extinction of species. Wildlife management involves the practices and strategies aimed at sustaining healthy animal populations and habitats. This field of study ensures that animal species do not disappear from our planet by addressing factors such as habitat degradation, overhunting, and the effects of climate change.

Conservation efforts focus on maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity, which is critical for the survival of numerous species. By protecting and managing wildlife and their habitats, we not only prevent species extinction but also sustain ecosystems that support all forms of life.

While concepts such as providing protein, controlling parasites, and generating income from wildlife might be related goals, they are not the primary focus. The ultimate objective of wildlife management is the conservation of biodiversity, ensuring that species continue to thrive for future generations.

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The water-snail is important in the life cycle of the liver fluke. Liver flukes are parasitic flatworms that cause a disease called fascioliasis in the liver of various mammals, including humans, cattle, and sheep.

Here is a simple explanation of how the water-snail fits into the liver fluke's life cycle:

1. Egg Stage: The adult liver fluke lives in the host's liver and produces eggs, which are excreted in the host's feces.

2. Miracidium Stage: These eggs hatch in a water environment into larval forms called miracidia.

3. Snail Host: The miracidia must find and penetrate a specific species of freshwater snail. The water-snail serves as the intermediate host where the liver fluke undergoes a significant part of its development.

4. Sporocyst, Rediae, and Cercariae Stages: Inside the snail, the liver fluke develops through several stages: sporocysts, rediae, and cercariae.

5. Free-swimming Cercariae: The cercariae leave the snail and enter the water, seeking to attach to aquatic plants or other surfaces.

6. Metacercariae on Plants: The cercariae encyst to form metacercariae on these plants, waiting to be ingested by the next mammalian host.

Thus, the water-snail plays a crucial role as an intermediate host, enabling the fluke to transform into forms that are ready to infect mammals. Without the snail, the liver fluke's life cycle cannot continue.

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Financial assistance from the government to farmers generally comes in various forms. Let's explore each of them:

Subsidy: A subsidy is a financial support provided by the government to farmers. It helps in lowering the cost of agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and machinery, making farming more affordable and sustainable. The aim is to enhance production and stabilize food prices.

Loans: Governments often provide loans to farmers at low interest rates. These loans help farmers invest in better equipment, seeds, and technology, which can improve productivity and reduce dependency on traditional methods.

Credit: Similar to loans, credit involves providing financial resources to farmers. It can be in the form of credit lines that farmers can draw from as needed, allowing them flexibility in managing cash flows for various farming needs.

Now, let's consider tax.

Tax is not a form of financial assistance; it is actually the opposite, as it involves the government collecting money from individuals and businesses. Taxes contribute to the government's revenue but do not directly assist farmers financially like subsidies, loans, or credit.

Therefore, among the options listed, tax is the exception as it is a form of financial obligation rather than assistance.

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The Land Use Act is a policy that was enacted to manage and regulate land ownership and use. Here is an exploration of each statement:

• The government having control over unused land is a correct aspect of the Land Use Act, as it gives the government the power to allocate land based on its use and development priorities.
• The statement that land cannot be used for any purpose is incorrect. The Land Use Act actually allows land to be used for various purposes as long as it aligns with government policies and provides for economic and social development. Restrictions are only placed to ensure proper planning and sustainable use.
• Another objective of the Land Use Act is indeed the re-allocation of land for farming purposes among other uses to promote agricultural activities and boost food production.
• The Act is deliberately structured to prevent land fragmentation by consolidating land ownership to ensure optimal use and prevent the consequences of excessive subdivision.

Thus, the statement that land cannot be used for any purpose is the one that is not correct about the Land Use Act, as the Act actually facilitates multiple uses of land.

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The replacement of traditional farming methods with modern methods is a step in agricultural development. This is because development involves improving and advancing the way things are done to increase efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. By introducing modern methods, farmers can benefit from higher yields, better resource management, and improved quality of agricultural products.

Modern agricultural methods include the use of advanced technology such as tractors, automated machinery, and precision farming tools, as well as techniques like genetic modification and advanced irrigation systems. These methods help to optimize the use of resources, reduce the time and labor needed, and minimize environmental impact.

Traditional methods, on the other hand, often rely on manual labor and are subject to limitations such as low yields, more susceptibility to pests, and inefficient use of resources. By adopting modern techniques, agriculture becomes more efficient, sustainable, and capable of meeting the needs of a growing population.

Therefore, transitioning from traditional to modern methods is a sign of progress and development in agriculture.

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Gneiss is a type of metamorphic rock that primarily forms from the metamorphism of granite. Let's break this down to understand it better.

Metamorphic rocks are formed when existing rocks are subjected to high heat, high pressure, or chemically active fluids. This process, known as metamorphism, alters the mineral composition and structure of the original rock, also known as the parent rock or protolith.

Granite is an igneous rock composed mainly of quartz, feldspar, and mica. When granite undergoes metamorphism, typically deep within the Earth's crust where pressures and temperatures are high, it changes into a different kind of rock.

The specific conditions cause the minerals within the granite to align into bands or layers, giving gneiss its characteristic banded appearance. This banding is called "foliation."

While other types of rocks like slate, shale, and sandstone can also undergo metamorphism, they result in different metamorphic rocks. For instance:

• Slate forms from shale.
• Shale forms into slate and eventually into phyllite, schist, or gneiss under different conditions.
• Sandstone forms into quartzite.

In summary, gneiss is primarily the result of the metamorphism of granite.

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The type of soil water that is tightly held to the surface of soil particles is hygroscopic water.

Here is a simple explanation:

• Hygroscopic water is so strongly attracted to the surface of soil particles that it forms a very thin film around them. This layer of water is held by strong forces of attraction called adhesive forces.
• This type of water is not available to plants because it is held too tightly for plant roots to extract it.
• Hygroscopic water is always present on soil particles, and even under very dry conditions, a certain amount of it remains attached to the particles.

In contrast, the other types of soil water, like capillary water and gravitational water, are less tightly bound and more available to plants or can be drained away under the force of gravity.

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When evaluating the factors that affect the number and activities of soil microorganisms, it's essential to understand how each factor influences their environment:

Soil Moisture: Water is crucial for the survival of microorganisms as it facilitates their metabolic processes and nutrient transfer. Soil moisture can significantly affect microbial activity and population. Too much or too little water can reduce microbial activity since it impacts their ability to respire and access nutrition.

Degree of Soil Acidity (pH): The pH level of soil affects the growth and diversity of microorganisms. Each microorganism has its preferred pH range, and extreme acidity or alkalinity can hinder their growth. Hence, the acidity of the soil plays a crucial role in determining the microbial population.

Soil Aeration: Oxygen availability is vital for the respiration of aerobic soil microorganisms. Good soil aeration ensures that oxygen can penetrate the soil, which supports aerobic microbial activity. Poorly aerated soils may favor anaerobic organisms but lower the overall microbial diversity and activity.

Topography: Contrary to the other factors, topography itself does not directly affect the number and activities of soil microorganisms. However, it can indirectly influence factors like moisture and temperature distribution across the landscape. The impacts of topography are often significant but are more mediated through secondary effects rather than being a direct factor influencing microbial numbers and activities.

In conclusion, while soil moisture, acidity, and aeration directly influence the presence and activity of soil microorganisms, topography primarily affects them indirectly through its effects on other environmental conditions.

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Wastage of agricultural products during the harvesting period is primarily due to inadequate storage and processing facilities. Let's break this down:

When crops are harvested, they need to be properly stored to maintain their quality and prevent spoilage. Without adequate storage facilities, farmers may not be able to keep their produce under the right conditions, leading to deterioration. This is especially important for perishable products like fruits and vegetables, which can spoil quickly if not kept in cool, dry places.

Furthermore, processing facilities are crucial for handling agricultural products soon after harvesting. Processing can include cleaning, sorting, drying, or packaging produce, which helps extend its shelf life and makes it ready for market. Without these facilities, produce can quickly degrade, resulting in significant wastage.

In summary, having sufficient and efficient storage and processing facilities is key to reducing wastage of agricultural products during the harvest period. It ensures that produce maintains its quality and can reach consumers without spoilage.

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Quartz is a very common mineral, and some of its main characteristics include being glass-like in appearance and having a shiny surface. These properties are due to its ability to form into well-defined crystals that reflect and refract light. Additionally, quartz can appear granular when it is found in massive form, often forming compact, grain-like masses.

However, the characteristic that does not align with quartz is having cleavage. Cleavage in minerals refers to the tendency to break along smooth, flat surfaces, which is a property due to weaknesses in the mineral's structure. Unlike some minerals, quartz does not have cleavage. Instead, it exhibits a property known as conchoidal fracture, which means it breaks with curved, shell-like surfaces rather than smooth, flat planes.

In summary, the property that does not describe quartz is having cleavage, as quartz is known for its conchoidal fracture. The other characteristics such as being glass-like, shiny, and sometimes appearing granular are true descriptions of quartz.

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When a piece of land is leased to a farmer, the land is said to be allocated on a rental basis.

Let me explain further:

Leasing is a common agreement where the owner of a property (in this case, the land) grants someone else (the farmer) the right to use that property for a specified period. This does not involve buying the land; instead, the farmer pays a regular fee, often called rent, to the landowner.

In this arrangement, the landowner retains ownership of the land, and the agreement usually includes terms such as duration, financial compensation, and specific uses of the land. At the end of the lease, the land typically returns to the owner's control unless the lease is renewed.

Thus, leasing involves the use of the land under a rental agreement, not purchasing it, receiving it as a gift, or as a subsidy.

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The gestation period is defined as the period of time between conception and parturition. This means it is the duration from when an egg is fertilized by a sperm, leading to the formation of a fertilized egg, until the birth of the young animal. In humans, this period is typically about nine months. It is the time during which the embryo or fetus develops inside the mother's body, leading up to the birth.

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The intestinal tract of a fowl, like other avian species, has a peculiar feature known as the cloaca. This is a common cavity at the end of the digestive tract into which the intestinal, urinary, and reproductive tracts open. While many animals have separate openings for these systems, birds have a single opening called the cloaca.

The cloaca is a unique characteristic because it serves multiple functions. It receives waste from the intestines, urine from the kidneys, and eggs or sperm from the reproductive system. The cloaca then opens to the outside of the body, allowing the bird to excrete waste and reproduce.

This structure is different from mammals, which have separate systems for digestion, waste excretion, and reproduction. The cloaca is an efficient way for birds to streamline these processes, making it a distinctive and important feature of their anatomy.