WAEC SSCE - Agricultural Science - 1997 (Objective)

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When granting loans to farmers, the credit officer should consider mostly the production and essential needs of the farmers. This means that the loan should be granted based on the farmer's intended use of the funds to produce crops or raise livestock. The credit officer should assess the viability of the project, the potential yield, and the marketability of the product to ensure that the loan will be used for a profitable venture that will enable the farmer to repay the loan. Factors such as the age, consumption needs, family size, and experience of the farmer may also be considered, but they are secondary to the production and essential needs of the farmers in assessing the viability of the loan.

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The answer is "ammonification". Ammonification is a biological process that converts organic nitrogen to ammonia and ammonium ions, which can contribute to soil fertility. However, it is not directly involved in rock weathering. The other options - water, carbonation, roots, and temperature - all play significant roles in the weathering of rocks. Water can cause physical weathering through erosion and can chemically weather rocks through dissolution and oxidation. Carbonation is the reaction of carbon dioxide with minerals in rocks, which can dissolve and break down the rock. Roots can grow into cracks in rocks and exert pressure, causing physical weathering. Temperature can also cause physical weathering through thermal expansion and contraction.

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The question is asking which option is not an aim of crop improvement. Crop improvement involves the application of scientific techniques to produce crops with desired characteristics. The options listed are aims of crop improvement, except for "improving the infrastructural facilities in a farm". While infrastructure may facilitate crop production, it is not considered an aim of crop improvement. Therefore, the answer is "improving the infracstructural facilities in a farm".

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Night blindness in animals is caused by a deficiency of vitamin A. Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that is necessary for maintaining normal vision. Animals that do not have enough vitamin A in their diet may experience a range of vision problems, including night blindness. Night blindness is the inability to see clearly in low light or at night, which can be dangerous for animals that are active during these times. Therefore, ensuring that animals have a diet that is rich in vitamin A is important for maintaining their vision and overall health.

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The effect of North-East trade winds on agriculture are well-known. However, one of the options listed is not a direct effect of these winds, which is "causing heavy rainfall." While North-East trade winds bring moisture and precipitation to some regions, they do not typically cause heavy rainfall. Therefore, the correct answer is "causing heavy rainfall."

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The hormone generally called pregnancy hormone in farm animals is progesterone. Progesterone is a hormone that is essential for the maintenance of pregnancy in mammals. It is produced by the corpus luteum in the ovary and later by the placenta after implantation of the fertilized egg. It helps to prepare the uterus for implantation and maintain the pregnancy by inhibiting contractions of the uterus. In farm animals, progesterone is used to synchronize estrus cycles and to support pregnancy in breeding programs.

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New-born animals should be fed with colostrum because it contains antibodies protecting them against diseases. Colostrum is the first milk produced by the mammary glands of female mammals after giving birth. It is rich in antibodies, growth factors, and other essential nutrients that are important for the development and survival of the newborn. The antibodies present in colostrum provide passive immunity to the newborn, protecting them against diseases and infections. Colostrum is essential for the health and survival of the newborn animal.

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The function of organic matter in soil is very important for soil health and productivity. The options (a), (b), (c) and (e) are all functions of organic matter in the soil. Organic matter helps to retain moisture in the soil, reduces soil erosion, prevents nutrient leaching and improves soil structure. However,, "inhibiting seed germination", is not a function of organic matter in the soil. In fact, organic matter helps to provide nutrients and a favorable environment for seed germination and plant growth.

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The farm manager has several roles to play on the farm, but planting crops and vegetables is not one of them. The farm manager is responsible for planning the farm programme of work, co-ordinating the farm activities, organizing sales of farm products, controlling farm workers and managing the resources of the farm to ensure maximum productivity. The farm manager is also responsible for managing the finances of the farm, including budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting. In addition, the farm manager is responsible for managing risk and making strategic decisions to ensure the long-term sustainability of the farm.

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Commodity boards were responsible for the marketing of various crops, especially cash crops. However, yams are not typically considered cash crops, but rather subsistence crops. Therefore, it can be concluded that commodity boards were not responsible for the marketing of yams.

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Iron is a soil micro-nutrient. Micro-nutrients are essential elements required by plants in small amounts for their growth and development. Iron is required for the formation of chlorophyll in plants, which is necessary for photosynthesis, and it also plays a vital role in the respiration process of plants. Although iron is required in small quantities, its deficiency can lead to chlorosis or yellowing of leaves, which can reduce the plant's growth and yield.

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The branch of crop production that is normally concerned with crop improvement is plant breeding. Plant breeding involves selecting and crossing plants with desirable traits, such as increased yield, disease resistance, or improved quality, in order to develop new and improved varieties. This is done through careful selection of parent plants, controlled pollination, and evaluation of offspring. Plant breeding is an important aspect of agriculture as it helps to develop crops that can better meet the needs of farmers and consumers.

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Cassava is a popular crop that is cultivated in many ecological zones due to its tolerance to low rainfall and poor soil fertility. Unlike other crops, cassava can grow in areas with low rainfall and in soils that are not very fertile. Additionally, cassava has a relatively short growth period, making it possible to harvest the crop after about 8 to 18 months of planting. Cassava can be used for both industrial and domestic purposes, and it is also resistant to some diseases and pests. Its low production costs make it a suitable crop for smallholder farmers, contributing to food security in many regions.

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The crop that cannot be grown as a cover crop is Nicotiana tabacum. Cover crops are crops that are grown primarily to provide ground cover to protect the soil against erosion, suppress weed growth, and improve soil health. They are usually grown between periods of regular crop production. The other options listed - pueraria phaseoloides, stylozanthes gracillis, centrosema pubescens, and calopogonium mucunoides - are all examples of crops that can be grown as cover crops.

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Reforestation is the organised planting of trees in areas from which forest trees have been removed. It is a deliberate effort to restore the ecological function and structure of deforested or degraded land. The objective of reforestation is to establish a forest with a structure and composition that is as similar as possible to the original forest. It is a crucial process for mitigating the negative impacts of deforestation on the environment, including soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and climate change.

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The question asks for an option that is NOT a role of government in the development of agriculture. Therefore, we need to look for an option that is not a responsibility of the government in the development of agriculture. The correct option is "training of farmers' children" because it is not a direct role of the government in agriculture development. While the government may provide education and training opportunities for farmers, it is not specifically responsible for the education of their children. The other options listed are all roles that the government can play in promoting and supporting agricultural development.

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In cattle, high fever and sudden death are symptoms of anthrax. Anthrax is a highly infectious bacterial disease that affects mainly animals, especially cattle, sheep, and goats. The disease is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which forms spores that can survive in the soil for many years. In cattle, the disease can cause high fever, depression, and sudden death, with little or no warning. Other symptoms may include bloody discharge from the body orifices and difficulty breathing. Anthrax is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans, and therefore, it is important to take necessary precautions to prevent its spread.

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The agent of controlled pollination in crops is man. Controlled pollination is the process of transferring pollen from one plant to another with a specific goal in mind, such as developing a new variety or increasing yield. In this process, humans intervene to manipulate the transfer of pollen, rather than relying on natural pollination by wind or insects. This is done by using tools such as brushes or by physically transferring the pollen by hand. Hence, the answer is "man".

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The amount of air and water in the soil is mostly affected by the structure of the soil. Soil structure refers to the arrangement of soil particles into aggregates or clumps. The spaces between these aggregates determine the amount of air and water in the soil. If the soil has a good structure with well-formed aggregates, there will be more spaces for air and water to move through the soil. On the other hand, if the soil has poor structure, with few or no aggregates, the soil will have poor aeration and drainage. The other options, such as location, rainfall, chemical composition, and living organisms, can also have an impact on soil air and water content, but they are not the primary factors.

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Overgrazing can have negative effects on the soil. The options given in the question are possible effects of overgrazing except for one. One of the effects mentioned is the "improvement of soil structure", which is not a negative effect of overgrazing. Overgrazing can lead to the exposure of soil to erosion, which is the removal of the topsoil layer by wind or water. This can result in soil infertility, as the topsoil is rich in nutrients necessary for plant growth. Overgrazing can also lead to the depletion of soil nutrients, as the plants are not given enough time to replenish the soil with their root system. In addition, overgrazing can lead to soil compaction, as the constant pressure of animal hooves on the soil can cause it to become tightly packed. Finally, overgrazing can lead to the exposure of soil to direct rays of the sun, which can cause the soil to dry out and become less fertile.

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The difference between the total assets and total liabilities of a farm enterprise within a specified period before taxation is known as "net worth". This is because it represents the residual interest of the owner(s) in the assets of the farm after all liabilities have been settled. In other words, net worth is the value of the farm to its owners. It is calculated by subtracting the total liabilities from the total assets.

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The most important pests of vegetable crops are insects. Insects are the most common and harmful pests that attack vegetable crops, causing damage to leaves, stems, roots, and fruits. They feed on the plant tissues, sucking the sap or chewing the leaves, and can also transmit diseases. Some of the most common insects that attack vegetable crops include aphids, caterpillars, whiteflies, thrips, mites, and beetles. Insects can cause significant damage to crops, resulting in reduced yields and economic losses for farmers. Therefore, effective pest control measures are necessary to protect vegetable crops from insect damage.

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Smut diseases are a group of fungal diseases that affect various crops. The symptoms include the formation of black soot-like masses of spores on the affected parts of the plant. Based on the options given, the group of crops that can be attacked by smut diseases include rice, maize, and guinea corn.

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The causal organism of mastitis in cattle is a bacterium. Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland in cows which can be caused by various bacteria, but the most common ones are Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Escherichia coli. Bacteria can enter the udder through the teat canal and cause an infection which results in swelling, pain, and the production of abnormal milk.

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Quartz is a mineral that has a glass-like appearance, is granular in nature, semi-translucent, and has a shiny surface. However, one characteristic that does not apply to quartz is having cleavage. Cleavage is the tendency of a mineral to break along specific planes of weakness, producing smooth surfaces. Quartz lacks cleavage, and instead has a conchoidal fracture, which is a type of fracture that produces curved, shell-like surfaces when the mineral is broken.

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The answer is "slow growth". A good pasture is one that can support the grazing needs of animals by providing high quality grasses and legumes with a high leaf to stem ratio. It should also have the ability to withstand trampling from the animals and be drought-resistant. Slow growth, on the other hand, would be a disadvantage as it means that the animals would have to wait longer for the grass to grow back after grazing. This would result in overgrazing and eventually lead to the depletion of the pasture.

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The primary function of the gizzard is to grind ingested food into smaller particles. This is necessary for the mechanical breakdown of food in the digestive system of birds and some other animals, since these animals lack teeth to chew and grind their food. The gizzard is a muscular, thick-walled organ that contracts rhythmically to break down food particles by grinding them against each other and against small stones or grit that the animal has ingested. The ground-up food then passes on to the rest of the digestive system for further processing and absorption of nutrients.

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For effective dissemination of new ideas and techniques to farmers, the agricultural extension officer must work with existing community organizations and local leaders. This is because the agricultural extension officer needs to understand the cultural, social, and economic factors that affect the farmers' practices and behavior. By working with local leaders and organizations, the extension officer can gain the trust and support of the community, which is necessary for the successful adoption of new practices. The extension officer can also use these local networks to disseminate information and provide support to the farmers. Giving financial support, equipment or inputs alone is not sufficient without working with the community and local leaders.

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High fibre and low energy feeds are classified as roughages. Roughages are feed materials that are high in fibre and low in energy, such as hay, straw, and silage. These feeds are often bulky and take longer to digest, providing sustained energy over a longer period of time. Roughages are an important component of the diet for ruminants like cows and sheep, as their digestive systems are adapted to break down fibrous plant material. In contrast, concentrates are feed materials that are high in energy and low in fibre, such as grains and oilseed meals. They provide a quick source of energy and are often used to supplement roughages in an animal's diet.

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The statement that is not true about rearing livestock under the free-range system is "adequate veterinary care." In a free-range system, livestock are allowed to move freely and fend for themselves, which makes it difficult to provide adequate veterinary care. This is because the animals are not confined in a specific location, and it is challenging to monitor their health and provide them with necessary treatments. As a result, livestock under the free-range system are at higher risk of infestation by parasites, and the young animals may have a high mortality rate due to lack of care. Also, since the animals are free to move around, there is a higher chance of loss due to predators or accidents.

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Energy for photosynthesis in crops is provided by the sun. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use energy from sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose and oxygen. The process of photosynthesis occurs in specialized structures in plant cells called chloroplasts, which contain chlorophyll pigments that absorb light energy from the sun. This light energy is then used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, which the plant uses as a source of energy for growth and development. Therefore, the energy for photosynthesis in crops is provided by the sun.

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The main component of egg shell is calcium. Egg shell is a hard, protective covering that surrounds the egg and serves as a source of calcium for the developing embryo. Calcium is an essential nutrient for bone growth and strength, and it is also required for muscle function, nerve transmission, and other physiological processes in the body. Therefore, calcium is an important nutrient for both the developing embryo and for the health of the adult bird.

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Progeny selection involves selecting breeding stock based on the performance of their offspring. This means that the offspring of a particular breeding pair are evaluated for specific traits or characteristics, such as growth rate, meat quality, milk production, or disease resistance. The animals that perform well in these traits are then selected as breeding stock for future generations. By selecting based on offspring performance, the breeder can improve the overall genetic quality of the herd or flock over time. This is in contrast to other forms of selection, such as selection based solely on the merits of the parents or on pedigree, which may not necessarily result in the desired traits being passed on to the offspring.

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When crops are grown in nitrogen deficient soil, they suffer from a lack of nitrogen which is an essential nutrient for plant growth. As a result, they exhibit several characteristics including poor growth, stunted growth, chlorosis in growing crops, and yellowing of lower leaves. The nitrogen deficiency slows down the plant's metabolic processes, which can delay the ripening of the fruit. Therefore, the correct option is (E) timely ripening of fruits, as it is not a characteristic of crops grown in nitrogen deficient soil.

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The answer is "bone meal". Bone meal is a feed ingredient made of ground animal bones and is used as a source of minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. It does not contain carbohydrates, which are a major source of energy for animals. The other options listed are all feedstuffs that supply carbohydrates to animals, such as maize, guinea corn, rice bran, and palm kernel cake.

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The proportion of the different types of feed given to an animal daily is known as a ration. It is the total amount of feed provided to an animal in a day, including roughages, concentrates, supplements, and additives. The correct balance of each component in a ration is critical for the animal's health, productivity, and overall well-being. The proper ration will vary depending on the animal's species, breed, age, weight, and level of activity. The goal of formulating a balanced ration is to provide the animal with all the essential nutrients it needs to maintain health, growth, and production.

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The pasture grass among the options given is Cynodon dactylon. This is because Cynodon dactylon, also known as Bermuda grass or African couch grass, is a well-known and widely used pasture grass that is native to Africa but is now found in many parts of the world. It is a highly valued grass because it is drought-tolerant, grows well in warm climates, and can withstand heavy grazing pressure. The other options listed are legumes that are often grown alongside grasses in pastures to improve soil fertility and provide additional nutrition for grazing animals.