WAEC SSCE - Agricultural Science - 2003

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Improvement of yam through breeding is difficult because it possesses no sexual reproductive system. Unlike many other crops, yam does not produce flowers or seeds that can be used in conventional breeding techniques. Instead, yam is propagated vegetatively, which means that new plants are grown from sections of the tuber. This makes it difficult to introduce new genetic material into yam populations and to create new varieties with desirable traits. Additionally, yam plants are often heterozygous, which means that their genes do not segregate in a predictable manner, making it difficult to select for specific traits through breeding. Therefore, improving yam through breeding is a time-consuming and difficult process that requires a lot of expertise and resources.

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To calculate the percentage water content of a soil sample, we need to know the weight of the water in the sample and the weight of the dry soil. The weight of the water can be calculated by subtracting the weight of the dry soil from the weight of the fresh soil. In this case, the weight of the water can be calculated as follows: Weight of water = Weight of fresh soil - Weight of dry soil = 180 g - 120 g = 60 g The weight of the water is 60g. To calculate the percentage water content, we divide the weight of the water by the weight of the fresh soil, and multiply the result by 100. Percentage water content = (Weight of water / Weight of fresh soil) x 100% = (60 g / 180 g) x 100% = 0.333 x 100% = 33.3% Therefore, the percentage water content of the soil sample is 33.3%. Therefore, the correct answer is 33.3%.

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The option that is not a sign of heat in farm animals is "udder enlargement". Heat, also known as estrus, refers to the period when a female animal is receptive to mating. During heat, farm animals may exhibit signs such as restlessness, increased vocalization, decreased appetite, and a desire to be mounted by other animals. However, udder enlargement is not typically a sign of heat in farm animals. Udder enlargement usually occurs during pregnancy or after giving birth, when the animal is producing milk.

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The class of nutrients that is used mainly for energy production in farm animals is carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose which is then used by the animal's body for energy production. Proteins, vitamins, and minerals have other important functions in the animal's body, such as building tissues, regulating metabolic processes, and maintaining good health, but they are not primarily used for energy production.

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Newcastle disease attacks poultry. It is a highly contagious viral disease that affects domestic and wild birds, including chickens, turkeys, and pigeons. The virus is spread through contact with infected birds, their droppings, or contaminated equipment, and can cause respiratory, nervous, and digestive symptoms in infected birds. Newcastle disease can have a significant impact on poultry production, as infected birds may die or require culling to prevent the spread of the disease. While other animals may be susceptible to other diseases, Newcastle disease specifically affects poultry.

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The most efficient irrigation method on large scale farms is overhead irrigation facilities. This is because the irrigation system can cover a large area of land with minimal effort, and the water can be applied evenly to the crops. Overhead irrigation facilities can be in the form of center pivot or linear move systems, which can irrigate thousands of hectares of farmland. Additionally, this method reduces the amount of water lost due to evaporation, runoff, or deep percolation, making it a more efficient use of water resources.

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Weevils can be controlled by storing dry grain in air-tight containers. Weevils are a type of beetle that infest stored grains and can cause significant damage to crops. By storing dry grain in air-tight containers, the weevils are denied access to the grain and are unable to lay their eggs. Without the eggs, the weevil population cannot reproduce and the infestation can be controlled. Additionally, proper sanitation and cleaning of storage facilities can help prevent weevil infestations from occurring in the first place.

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Metamorphic rocks are formed by changes in pre-existing rocks through the application of heat and pressure. As the rocks are buried deep within the Earth's crust, they are subjected to high temperatures and pressures, causing them to undergo changes in their mineral composition, texture, and structure. These changes occur due to the recrystallization of minerals and the reorientation of grains in the rock. The heat and pressure cause the atoms and molecules within the rock to become more tightly packed, resulting in a denser and more compact rock. Therefore, the correct factors involved in the formation of metamorphic rocks are heat and pressure.

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Nitrogen may be lost from the soil through crop removal, soil erosion, and leaching, but not through irrigation. Crop removal occurs when plants absorb nitrogen from the soil and are harvested, taking the nitrogen with them. Soil erosion can lead to the loss of topsoil, which contains organic matter and nitrogen. Leaching occurs when excess water moves through the soil, carrying nitrogen with it and depositing it in groundwater or surface water. However, irrigation is the process of adding water to the soil, which does not remove or add nitrogen to the soil. Therefore, nitrogen is not lost from the soil through irrigation.

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Moths, aphids, and mealy bugs cause damage to crops by their piercing and sucking activities. These pests use their mouthparts to pierce the plant tissues and suck the sap or plant juices out of the plant. This can cause damage to the plant's structure, affect its growth and development, and even lead to the plant's death. Additionally, these pests can also transmit diseases to the plant while feeding. Therefore, it is important to control these pests to prevent damage to crops and ensure optimal plant growth and development.

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Cassava is mainly propagated by cuttings. Cuttings are stem pieces from a mature cassava plant, which are planted in soil to grow into new cassava plants. This method of propagation is preferred because cassava does not produce true seeds or they take a very long time to mature, and cuttings can be taken from a healthy and productive mother plant to ensure the genetic quality of the new plants. Additionally, cuttings are easy to handle, transport, and plant, and they can rapidly produce new plants that are ready for harvest in 8 to 18 months.

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The scientific name for guinea grass is Panicum maximum. Guinea grass is a tropical grass species that is commonly found in African countries. It is a tall, fast-growing grass that can grow up to 3 meters in height. Guinea grass is known for its high productivity, high nutritional value, and drought tolerance. It is a popular forage crop for livestock and is used for hay, silage, and pasture. Guinea grass is also used in erosion control and land reclamation projects due to its ability to establish quickly and provide good ground cover.

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An advantage of the individual system of land ownership is that it encourages long-term planning. When individuals own land, they have a personal stake in its management and are motivated to make investments and improvements that will increase its productivity and value over time. This encourages farmers to plan for the long-term, such as crop rotations, soil conservation, and other sustainable practices that benefit the land and the environment. In contrast, communal or government-owned land may be subject to short-term decisions or neglect, as multiple users have different priorities and may not feel personally responsible for its care. On the other hand, the fragmentation of land ownership may create challenges for large-scale agricultural production and may limit the ability of farmers to access credit or use their land as collateral. Additionally, individual ownership may also lead to land litigation if boundaries are unclear or disputes arise between neighboring landowners.

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Spermatozoa are produced in the testicles. The testicles are part of the male reproductive system and are responsible for producing sperm as well as testosterone, a male hormone. Spermatozoa are the male reproductive cells that fertilize the female egg during sexual reproduction, leading to the formation of a zygote, which eventually develops into a fetus.

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Mechanization refers to the use of machines and equipment to carry out agricultural activities in a more efficient and productive manner. The use of machines and equipment can help to increase yields, reduce labor costs, and improve overall efficiency. Out of the given options, clearing land with a cutlass does not clearly describe the art of mechanization. Clearing land with a cutlass is a manual process that involves using a handheld tool to remove vegetation and other obstacles. While it is a common method of land preparation in some parts of the world, it is not a mechanized process. In contrast, using milking machines on dairy animals, harvesting maize with a harvester, and using a tractor to apply herbicides are all examples of mechanized processes. Using milking machines can help to speed up the milking process and reduce labor costs, while using a harvester to harvest maize can help to increase yields and reduce the amount of manual labor required. Using a tractor to apply herbicides can help to ensure that herbicides are applied evenly and efficiently, and can help to reduce the amount of herbicide required.

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Animals which chew the cud are ruminants. Ruminants are mammals that have a four-chambered stomach specialized for digesting tough plant materials such as grass and leaves. They include cattle, sheep, goats, deer, and giraffes. Ruminants are unique in that they digest their food in two stages, first by softening it in a fermentation chamber called the rumen, and then by regurgitating and re-chewing the partially digested food (cud) to break it down further. This process allows ruminants to extract more nutrients from plant material than other herbivores, making them important sources of meat, milk, and other animal products for human consumption.

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Primary tillage equipment performs several functions in preparing the soil for planting, including turning over and inverting the topsoil, burying weeds and trash, and preparing the soil for secondary tillage. However, it is not primarily responsible for preparing ridges for planting. This is the job of secondary tillage equipment, such as bed shapers or furrowers. Primary tillage equipment is used to break up hard-packed soil, loosen compacted soil, and create a suitable seedbed for planting. It is typically heavier and more powerful than secondary tillage equipment and is used less frequently, usually only once a year or every few years, depending on the soil type and cropping system.

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Forestry is the science and practice of managing forests, including the maintenance and preservation of forested areas. It involves a wide range of activities, including timber harvesting, reforestation, and wildlife management. Out of the given options, the establishment of pasture is not typically considered a function of forestry. While some forestry practices may involve the removal of trees to create open areas for grazing, the primary focus of forestry is on the management and preservation of forested areas, rather than on pasture establishment. Forestry plays an important role in providing timber for building, as well as in the preservation of medicinal and economic trees. It also provides shelter and habitat for wildlife, as well as numerous other ecological benefits, such as carbon sequestration and soil conservation.

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Sexing in animal production is the process of separating the male animals from the female animals. This is done to facilitate selective breeding, as it allows farmers and animal breeders to control the reproduction of their livestock. By separating male and female animals, breeders can ensure that only the desired individuals mate and produce offspring with desirable traits. This helps to improve the quality and productivity of the herd or flock, as well as maintaining the health of the animals.

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The best method of introducing a new pesticide to rural farmers is through demonstration. This is because the farmers get to see the practical use of the pesticide and the effectiveness of the product. The demonstration provides an opportunity for the farmers to ask questions and receive answers from the extension agents or experts. The farmers can also observe the safety precautions that should be taken when handling the pesticide. This method is more practical and effective than circular letters or field trips. Farmers co-operatives could also be a good platform for introducing the new pesticide, but a demonstration would still be necessary to show the farmers how to use the product correctly.

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The term "ginning" applies to the crop of cotton. Ginning is the process of separating the cotton fiber from the seeds and other debris that are harvested along with the cotton. The cotton gin, which was invented by Eli Whitney in the late 18th century, is the machine that performs this process. The cotton gin uses a combination of mechanical teeth and air flow to separate the cotton fibers from the seeds and other unwanted materials. After ginning, the cotton fibers are baled and sent to textile mills where they are spun into thread and fabric.

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The correct answer is "land conservation". Soil formation is a natural process influenced by various factors including topography, parent material, climate, biota, and time. The topography of an area determines the drainage and accumulation of soil materials. Parent material refers to the underlying geological material that soil is formed from. Climate influences soil formation by affecting the rate of weathering, erosion, and organic matter decomposition. Biota refers to the living organisms that contribute to the formation of soil through decomposition and nutrient cycling. Land conservation is a human activity that aims to prevent soil degradation and erosion through the implementation of various practices. It does not directly influence the natural process of soil formation.

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Smut disease is a disease that affects cereal crops such as corn, wheat, and barley. It is caused by a fungus. The fungus infects the developing grain and causes it to become filled with a dark, powdery substance. This substance is actually a mass of spores that will be spread by the wind to other plants. As a result, smut disease can cause significant damage to cereal crops, reducing yield and quality.

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Management practices in a piggery include various activities that help to promote the health and well-being of the pigs and maximize their productivity. These practices typically include disinfecting pens, regular cleaning of feed and water troughs, and isolating sick animals to prevent the spread of disease. However, weekly vaccination of pigs is not a common management practice in many piggeries. While vaccination can be an effective way to prevent the spread of certain diseases, it may not be necessary to do so every week, depending on the specific diseases prevalent in the area and the health status of the herd. Other management practices that are commonly employed in a piggery include regular feeding and monitoring of the pigs, proper waste disposal, and regular veterinary checkups.

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Birds temporarily store their food in the crop. The crop is an expandable pouch located at the base of a bird's neck that connects to the esophagus. When a bird eats, food is stored in the crop until it moves on to the next part of the digestive system. The crop allows birds to consume large amounts of food quickly and then digest it slowly over time. It also allows them to store food to bring back to their nests or young.

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The question is asking for the problem that is NOT a cause of wastage of perishable farm produce. The answer is "inadequate water supply in rural areas". This is because water supply, although important for agricultural activities, is not directly linked to the issue of perishable farm produce wastage. The other options are directly linked to the problem, as inadequate storage and processing facilities can lead to spoilage, poor roads leading to rural areas can cause delays and damage to produce during transportation, and inadequate plying of rural roads can lead to difficulties in transporting produce to markets on time.

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Nitrogen is an essential nutrient that plays a critical role in plant growth and development. It is a constituent of proteins, nucleic acids, and other essential compounds. When plants lack nitrogen, they may exhibit a range of symptoms. Stunted growth, lower protein content of crop products, and general yellowing of leaves are some of the common signs of nitrogen deficiency in plants. However, excessive growth is not a typical symptom of nitrogen deficiency. In fact, when plants lack nitrogen, their growth is often stunted because nitrogen is required for the production of essential growth hormones. Therefore, the answer to the question is "excessive growth."

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The correct term used to describe the process of giving birth in farm animals is "parturition". This process refers to the act of delivering young offspring, such as calves, lambs, piglets, or chicks, from the mother's uterus to the outside world. During parturition, the muscles of the uterus contract and push the fetus through the birth canal until it is born. It is an essential stage in the reproductive cycle of farm animals and is carefully monitored by farmers and veterinarians to ensure the health of both the mother and offspring.

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An advantage of the communal land tenure system is that each member of the community can own land. In communal land systems, land is owned by the community as a whole, rather than by individuals. This allows for a more equitable distribution of land, as each member of the community has access to land for their own use. This can be especially important in areas where land is scarce or where traditional cultural practices emphasize communal land ownership. Additionally, communal land tenure systems can also foster a sense of community and cooperation, as members work together to manage and care for the land. This can lead to the sharing of knowledge and resources, and can encourage sustainable land management practices. However, communal land tenure systems may also have disadvantages, such as a lack of incentive for individual investment in land and potential conflicts over land use and management.

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Plant quarantine was introduced to control incoming diseases and pests. Plant quarantine refers to the measures taken to prevent the spread of plant diseases and pests across borders. The main objective of plant quarantine is to control the introduction and spread of harmful pests and diseases from one country to another through the movement of plants, plant products, and other regulated articles. By controlling the spread of these pests and diseases, plant quarantine helps to protect the agricultural productivity and biodiversity of a country.

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The variety of maize that is less susceptible to weevil attack is flint maize. This is because flint maize has a harder kernel compared to other varieties of maize, making it difficult for weevils to penetrate and cause damage. Yellow maize, floury maize, and sweet maize have a relatively softer kernel, and are therefore more susceptible to weevil attack.

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The addition of calcium carbonate can improve a soil with a low pH value. Soil pH is a measure of the soil's acidity or alkalinity, with a pH of 7 being neutral, below 7 acidic, and above 7 alkaline. Calcium carbonate is an alkaline substance that reacts with soil acidity, raising the pH level towards a more neutral or alkaline range. By adding calcium carbonate to the soil, the soil becomes less acidic, which can help plants grow better because most plants prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH. Additionally, the calcium in calcium carbonate can improve soil structure, making it easier for plant roots to penetrate and access water and nutrients.

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The factor that usually affects the colour of egg yolk is the type of feed given to the laying hen. The colour of the yolk is determined by the pigments, primarily xanthophylls, that the hen ingests and deposits into the yolk as it is formed. Hens that are fed with diets rich in xanthophylls, such as corn or alfalfa, tend to produce yolks with a darker, more orange-yellow colour. On the other hand, hens that are fed with diets low in xanthophylls, such as wheat or barley, tend to produce yolks with a lighter, more yellowish colour. Other factors, such as age of the hen or type of housing, may indirectly affect the colour of the yolk by influencing the type of feed given to the hen, but they do not directly affect the colour of the yolk. The colour of the cock, however, has no effect on the colour of the yolk.

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Grain legumes are a group of crops that are grown for their edible seeds, which are high in protein and other nutrients. Legumes are also important because they can fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, which helps to improve soil fertility. Out of the given options, pigeon is an example of a grain legume. Pigeon pea, also known as red gram, is a widely cultivated legume crop that is grown in many parts of the world, particularly in South Asia and East Africa. The seeds of pigeon pea are a rich source of protein, and the crop is also used as a forage for livestock. Maize, sorghum, and millet are not examples of grain legumes. Maize and sorghum are both cereal crops that are grown for their edible grains, while millet is a small-seeded grass that is grown as a cereal crop in many parts of the world. While these crops are important sources of food and feed, they are not classified as grain legumes.

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The activities of middlemen can cause several problems for farmers and consumers. For example, they may reduce the profit margin of farmers by buying produce at low prices and selling them at high prices, which may lead to financial losses for farmers. They may also create an artificial scarcity of produce by hoarding goods and creating a shortage in the market. Additionally, they may inflate prices by charging high fees for their services or manipulating the market to their advantage. However, middlemen do not directly cause inadequate storage facilities, which is typically the responsibility of the government or other entities. Therefore, inadequate storage facilities would not be a problem caused by the activities of middlemen.

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Coccidiosis is a disease caused by the invasion of the intestinal tract of livestock by coccidian parasites. To treat coccidiosis, sulphamethazine is commonly used. Sulphamethazine is an antibiotic that is effective in treating coccidiosis because it targets the coccidian parasites, which cause the disease. Sulphamethazine works by blocking the growth and reproduction of the coccidian parasites, which helps to reduce the severity of the infection and promote recovery in affected animals.

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Farm records are essential for managing a farm effectively and efficiently. They provide important information about the farm's operations and performance, which can be used for future planning and decision-making. Additionally, farm records can help to determine the profitability of the farm, assess the quality of farm produce, and provide information to determine the creditworthiness of farmers. However, one reason that farm records may not be important is for assessing the quality of farm produce. While farm records can provide information about the production of crops and animals, they do not necessarily provide information about the quality of the produce itself. Quality assessments are typically conducted through laboratory tests or physical inspections, rather than through farm records. Therefore, while farm records are important for many reasons, they may not be directly related to assessing the quality of farm produce.

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The role of government in promoting agricultural development is significant. It includes formulating policies, providing rural infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and water supply, establishing and funding research centers, and breeding plants and animals to increase productivity. However, one of the options provided is not a role of the government in promoting agricultural development. Breeding of plants and animals is not a role of the government but rather a responsibility of agricultural research institutions and individual farmers. Hence, the correct answer is "breeding of plant and animals."

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The main use of a Gunter's cabin is taking measurements of distance. A Gunter's cabin is a device used for measuring distances, and it was invented by Edmund Gunter, a mathematician and astronomer in the 17th century. It consists of a rectangular wooden box with a glass window on one side and a series of brass rods or chains inside that are used for measuring distances. The Gunter's cabin is placed at the starting point of a measurement, and the person taking the measurement looks through the glass window to line up the cabin with the target. They then count the number of chains or rods required to reach the target to determine the distance. The Gunter's cabin is an early form of surveying equipment and is still used today in some cases.

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