WAEC SSCE - Agricultural Science - 1991 (Objective)

Antwoorddetails

Antwoorddetails

The correct activity about agricultural extension agents is "educating farmers on the use of improved inputs and techniques in agriculture." Agricultural extension agents are individuals who work directly with farmers to help them improve their farming practices and increase their crop yields. They do this by providing farmers with information about the latest research findings, improved agricultural techniques, and new technologies. Agricultural extension agents also help farmers to identify and access improved inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. While teaching farmers the management of exotic breeds of animals and crops, training school leavers to become professional farmers, encouraging graduates to take up agriculture as a profession, and understudying the researchers and recording their findings are all important activities in agriculture, they are not specific to the role of agricultural extension agents. Agricultural extension agents are primarily focused on providing technical assistance and education to farmers, with the aim of improving their agricultural practices and increasing their yields.

Antwoorddetails

Antwoorddetails

Antwoorddetails

The major cause of spoilage in fresh fish is bacterial attack. When fish dies, bacteria present in the fish's digestive system start to break down the fish's protein into simpler compounds. If the fish is not properly preserved or refrigerated, these bacteria will multiply quickly, causing the fish to spoil. Signs of bacterial spoilage include slimy texture, off odor, and discolored flesh. Therefore, proper storage and preservation techniques such as refrigeration, drying, smoking, or salting can help to prevent bacterial growth and prolong the shelf life of fresh fish.

Antwoorddetails

Antwoorddetails

When burning is used as a means of land clearing, the nitrogen and sulphur contents of vegetation are released by burning and lost as gases. This means that they are not retained in the soil or the ash after burning. Nitrogen and sulphur are essential nutrients for plants, and their loss through burning can result in reduced soil fertility and plant growth. Additionally, the release of these gases into the atmosphere can contribute to air pollution and acid rain. Therefore, burning should be avoided as a means of land clearing whenever possible, and alternative methods that preserve soil nutrients should be used.

Antwoorddetails

Antwoorddetails

Antwoorddetails

A farmer uses agricultural loans to fund various aspects of their farm operations, such as purchasing seeds, hiring machinery and tools, paying labour wages, purchasing drugs for livestock, and marketing their crops. However, the option that the farmer does not use their agricultural loans for is "marketing his crops." Agricultural loans are used for upfront expenses that are necessary to produce and harvest crops. Once the crops are harvested, they are sold in the market, and the revenue generated from the sale can be used to pay back the loan and other operational costs. Therefore, the marketing of crops is typically not covered by agricultural loans.

Antwoorddetails

The correct answer is "rocks". The different types of soil are determined by the relative amounts of air, water, minerals, and organic matter. Soil is made up of varying proportions of these components, and the type of soil is determined by the relative amount of each component. Rocks, although they may be present in soil, do not determine the type of soil.

Antwoorddetails

The daily management routines in poultry farming include egg collection, record keeping, water and feed provision, and health care. However, debeaking is not one of the daily routines in poultry farming. Debeaking is a management practice that involves removing a portion of the chicken's beak to reduce pecking and cannibalism among birds. It is usually done at a young age, and it is not a daily routine. Rather, it is done periodically or as needed to address behavioral issues within the flock. In summary, egg collection, record keeping, water and feed provision, and health care are the essential daily management routines in poultry farming, while debeaking is a periodic or as-needed management practice.

Antwoorddetails

Poor management practices can cause disease in a fish pond. This can include overfeeding the fish, not maintaining good water quality, and not removing dead or sick fish from the pond. When the water quality deteriorates, harmful bacteria and parasites can grow and spread, causing disease in the fish. Overfeeding can also lead to excess waste and uneaten food in the pond, which can further degrade water quality and create a breeding ground for disease. Mixed stocking, liming, harvesting, and fertilization do not necessarily cause disease in a fish pond. Mixed stocking can actually be beneficial for a pond, as different species can complement each other and help control pests. Liming is used to adjust the pH level of the water and can improve water quality. Harvesting is necessary to maintain the right population density of fish in the pond. Fertilization is also important for promoting the growth of phytoplankton, which is a vital food source for fish. However, if these practices are not done correctly or in the right amounts, they could potentially lead to problems in the pond.

Antwoorddetails

Antwoorddetails

The length of the oestrus cycle in goats can vary depending on the breed and individual animal. However, on average, the oestrus cycle of a goat lasts between 18 to 21 days. During this cycle, a goat is receptive to mating and may exhibit certain behaviors such as vocalization, restlessness, and a decrease in appetite. It's important to note that the oestrus cycle can also be influenced by various factors such as seasonality, nutrition, and age.

Antwoorddetails

Antwoorddetails

The causal organism of damping-off disease of okra is a fungus. Damping-off is a common fungal disease that affects the germinating seeds and young seedlings of many plants, including okra. The fungus attacks the base of the stem, causing it to rot and the seedling to wilt and collapse. The disease is favored by cool, wet conditions and can be prevented by using well-draining soil, avoiding over-watering, and maintaining good air circulation around the plants. Fungal diseases can often be controlled with fungicides, but prevention is the best approach.

Antwoorddetails

Among the given options, the best control measure for rinderpest disease in cattle is vaccination. Rinderpest is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cattle, buffalo, and other cloven-hoofed animals. It spreads rapidly through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated objects, and can cause significant economic losses and even death in affected livestock. Vaccination is the most effective and practical way to prevent rinderpest disease in cattle. It involves administering a vaccine that contains a weakened or inactivated form of the virus to stimulate the animal's immune system to produce antibodies against the disease. These antibodies provide protection against future infections and prevent the spread of the virus in the herd. Sanitation, isolation, use of antibiotics, and eradication of infected stock can also help control the spread of rinderpest disease, but they are not as effective as vaccination. Sanitation measures such as cleaning and disinfecting animal housing and equipment can reduce the risk of transmission, but they do not provide long-term protection. Isolation can help prevent the spread of the disease, but it is not practical for large herds of cattle. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses, so they cannot be used to treat rinderpest disease. Eradication of infected stock can help prevent the spread of the disease, but it is costly and can lead to significant economic losses. In conclusion, vaccination is the best control measure for rinderpest disease in cattle because it provides long-term protection against the disease and is cost-effective. Vaccination programs can significantly reduce the incidence and impact of rinderpest disease in cattle and other cloven-hoofed animals.

Antwoorddetails

The symptom that can be used to identify maize rust is the presence of raised brown spots on the leaves. These spots can be small or large and may merge with each other as the disease progresses. The spots are usually surrounded by a yellowish halo, and the affected leaves may eventually dry up and fall off. Other symptoms of maize rust include the yellowing and browning of leaves, as well as the appearance of stripes of yellow and green on infected leaves. However, the most distinctive symptom is the presence of raised brown spots on the leaves.

Antwoorddetails

The sentence is saying that basal feeds have a high proportion of easily digestible nutrients. It goes on to specify that the type of nutrient that is easily digestible is not mentioned, but it suggests that basal feeds may contain a high proportion of either carbohydrates, proteins, or fats that can be easily broken down by the animal's digestive system. Out of the options given, the most likely answer is "carbohydrates" since these are the primary source of energy in most animal diets and are often found in high quantities in basal feeds.

Antwoorddetails

The fertilizers that usually contain one nutrient which can be used directly by plants are commonly called straight fertilizers. Straight fertilizers are generally composed of a single nutrient, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium, and are used to supplement specific nutrient deficiencies in soil. They are typically applied in their pure form, without any additional additives or fillers, making it easier to precisely control the amount and type of nutrient being added to the soil. Straight fertilizers can be either organic or inorganic, and are often used in combination with other fertilizers or soil amendments to create a nutrient-rich growing environment for plants.

Antwoorddetails

The factor that does not bring about soil formation is "sunshine." While sunlight is important for plant growth, it is not a direct factor in the formation of soil. The four primary factors that contribute to soil formation are climate, time, parent material, and topography. Climate affects soil formation through the amount and distribution of precipitation, temperature, and wind patterns. Time allows for weathering processes to take place and for soil to develop. Parent material refers to the underlying rock or sediment that contributes to the soil's composition. Topography influences soil formation through factors such as slope, drainage, and erosion.

Antwoorddetails

Antwoorddetails

Antwoorddetails

Overgrazing is not a method of improving rangeland. In fact, it is a harmful practice that leads to the degradation of rangeland. Overgrazing occurs when too many animals are allowed to graze on a particular area of land for an extended period of time, without giving the plants enough time to recover. This leads to the depletion of vegetation, soil erosion, and other negative impacts on the ecosystem. On the other hand, controlled stocking, rotational grazing, use of fertilizers, and introduction of legumes are all methods that can be used to improve rangeland. Controlled stocking involves managing the number of animals that graze on a particular area of land to prevent overgrazing. Rotational grazing involves moving animals from one area of land to another to give the plants time to recover. The use of fertilizers can provide essential nutrients to the soil, while the introduction of legumes can increase the diversity of plant species and improve soil health. Overall, overgrazing is not a viable method for improving rangeland, and can have serious negative impacts on the environment.

Antwoorddetails

The act of parturition in rabbits is called "kindling". This term is used specifically for the birthing process in rabbits. It refers to the process of giving birth to a litter of baby rabbits, also known as kits. The female rabbit, also called a doe, usually gives birth to a litter of 4-12 kits, depending on the breed and size of the doe. The process of kindling usually takes place in a nest box or a designated area prepared by the rabbit owner.

Antwoorddetails

Antwoorddetails

Maize does not require a nursery. Maize is a crop that can be directly sown into the field without the need for a nursery. The seeds are planted at the desired spacing and depth directly into the soil. Maize is a hardy crop that can tolerate a range of soil conditions and weather patterns, making it an easy crop to grow for many farmers. In contrast, crops like rice, tobacco, tomato, and oil palm require a nursery. A nursery is a protected area where seedlings are grown before they are transplanted into the field. This helps ensure that the seedlings are strong and healthy before being exposed to the harsher conditions of the field. The seedlings are grown in ideal conditions that are carefully controlled, such as temperature, humidity, and sunlight, which helps promote healthy growth and development. Once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size, they are transplanted into the field.

Antwoorddetails

A soil with particles of less than 0.002mm in diameter is referred to as "clay." Clay particles are the smallest soil particles and have a very fine texture. Due to their small size, clay particles have a large surface area relative to their volume, which makes them very effective at holding water and nutrients. This can be beneficial for plant growth, but it can also lead to soil compaction and poor drainage if the clay content is too high. Soils with a high clay content can also be difficult to work with, as they tend to be sticky and can form clumps when wet.

Antwoorddetails

Crop improvement programmes aim to develop new crop varieties with desirable traits, such as disease resistance, high yield potential, and adaptation to different environmental conditions. These traits improve the productivity and profitability of crop production. However, the objective is not to produce crops resistant to all pests, as that is not currently possible due to the complexity of pest populations and their interactions with crops. Therefore, the option "crops resistant to all pests" is the correct answer to the question.

Antwoorddetails

The correct answer is "size of the head." The growth and development of young animals are affected by various factors such as breed of the animal, nutritional status, health status, and housing conditions. However, the size of the head is not a factor that affects the growth and development of young animals. Therefore, it is the exception in the given list.

Antwoorddetails

Forages that are cut fresh and preserved in a silo or pit are referred to as "silage." Silage is a type of livestock feed made from grass, corn, or other crops that have been cut and stored in airtight conditions, allowing fermentation to occur. This method of preservation helps to retain the nutritional quality of the forage and provides a source of feed for livestock during times when pasture is not available or during the winter months.

Antwoorddetails

The crop that is not correctly grouped with its industrial product is orange-margarine. Oranges are not commonly used as a raw material in the production of margarine. Margarine is typically made from vegetable oils such as soybean oil, canola oil, and palm oil. Cocoa is used to make chocolate, rubber is used to make boots, coconut is used to produce oil, and cotton is used to produce textiles.

Antwoorddetails

The symptoms listed above are indicative of the gummosis disease of citrus. Gummosis is a fungal disease that affects the bark of citrus trees, causing water-soaked bark that eventually peels off. The disease also leads to shrunken new leaves, and gum-like exudation from the cracks on the bark. Additionally, the leaves may turn pale due to reduced photosynthesis caused by the disease. The fungus that causes gummosis thrives in moist conditions, making it common in areas with high humidity or rainfall. Proper pruning, sanitation, and the use of fungicides can help to prevent and manage gummosis in citrus trees.

Antwoorddetails

Antwoorddetails

Antwoorddetails

Poor management practices may cause disease in a fish pond. This may include overfeeding, overcrowding, inadequate water quality monitoring, and poor sanitation practices. These factors can create an environment that is conducive to the growth and spread of harmful bacteria and parasites, which can cause disease in the fish. The other options listed may have different effects on a fish pond. Mixed stocking, for example, may help to control certain types of pests, while liming can help to adjust the pH levels in the water. Harvesting and fertilization are management practices that are necessary for the success of the fish farm, but they do not directly cause disease.

Antwoorddetails

Antwoorddetails

The question is asking to identify the climate factors that affect agricultural production in Nigeria, but one of the options is not a climate factor. Therefore, the answer is "topography" because it is not a climate factor, but rather a physical feature of the land. The other options listed, including temperature, rainfall, relative humidity, and sunlight, are all climate factors that can affect agricultural production.

Antwoorddetails

Antwoorddetails

The annual burning of forest areas is not a good practice and it does not encourage afforestation, regeneration or selective exploitation of the forest. Instead, it can lead to deforestation, which is the permanent destruction of forests, and cause harm to the environment and wildlife. The burning can also release harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. Taungya farming, which involves planting crops among trees, can be a sustainable alternative to burning and can help maintain forest cover.

Antwoorddetails

The commonest method of vegetative propagation is cutting. Cutting is the process of taking a part of the stem or root from a parent plant and then planting it in soil or water to grow a new plant. This method is widely used because it is simple, inexpensive, and can be done with many types of plants. It also allows the new plant to be identical to the parent plant in terms of its genetic makeup, which can be important for maintaining desirable traits. Layering is another method of vegetative propagation where a stem is bent down to the soil and a new plant develops from the node that touches the soil. Budding involves grafting a bud from one plant onto the stem of another. Grafting involves joining two different plants together so that they grow as one, and tillering is a method used for propagating grasses and some other plants where new shoots arise from the base of the parent plant. However, these methods are not as common as cutting.

Antwoorddetails

Antwoorddetails

Antwoorddetails

Antwoorddetails

The bacterial blight of cotton is also known as "black arm." This disease is caused by a bacterium that infects cotton plants and causes dark, sunken lesions to appear on the stems and branches. These lesions can spread and ultimately kill the plant. The name "black arm" comes from the appearance of these lesions, which often turn black as the disease progresses. Other symptoms of bacterial blight of cotton include wilting, leaf drop, and boll rot.

Antwoorddetails

Increase in oxygen level of the soil does not occur as a result of poorly drained soil. Poorly drained soil has too much water and not enough air, which can lead to a decrease in rooting depth, mottling near the top, change in color of the subsoil, and a decrease in organic matter content. When there is excess water, soil pores are filled with water, which limits the amount of oxygen that can reach plant roots. This can lead to a decrease in rooting depth, and also make it harder for plants to absorb nutrients from the soil. The decrease in oxygen level and excess water also create anaerobic conditions that can lead to mottling near the top and a change in color of the subsoil. In these conditions, organic matter in the soil can break down and produce compounds like iron and manganese that cause the soil to change color. An increase in oxygen level of the soil is actually a benefit of well-drained soil, where excess water is able to drain away, allowing air to fill soil pores and reach plant roots.

Antwoorddetails

A net worth statement is a financial statement that shows the value of an individual or organization's assets minus its liabilities. It is a summary of a person's financial position at a specific point in time. It is also known as a balance sheet and is used to track and monitor one's financial progress.

Antwoorddetails

The option that is not a sign of animal approaching parturition is "drop in milk production". The other options are signs of an animal that is about to give birth. Soft, pliable and swollen vulva, relaxed cervix, full mammary gland, and relaxed pelvic ligaments are all signs that indicate the animal is getting ready for parturition. However, a drop in milk production may indicate that the animal has already given birth or that there is a problem with lactation, but it is not a reliable sign of approaching parturition.

Antwoorddetails

The most important soil micro-organisms concerned with decay and nutrient recycling are bacteria and fungi. These micro-organisms play a vital role in breaking down organic matter such as dead plant and animal material into simpler forms, releasing important nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur back into the soil. Bacteria are particularly important in the early stages of decay, breaking down complex organic compounds into simpler forms that can be taken up by other organisms, while fungi play a crucial role in breaking down tougher materials like cellulose and lignin. Together, these micro-organisms help to maintain the fertility of the soil and support the growth of plants.

Antwoorddetails

The reason for planting trees that is not listed among the options provided is "increasing output of mineral oil". This is because the planting of trees does not have a direct correlation to the production of mineral oil. In fact, trees are not a source of mineral oil at all. Instead, they are important for controlling erosion, increasing soil fertility, preventing desert encroachment, and reducing the effects of environmental pollution. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which helps to mitigate the effects of climate change. Trees also provide habitat for wildlife, produce oxygen, and have aesthetic value. Therefore, it is important for governments to encourage the planting of trees for a variety of environmental and economic reasons, but not to increase the output of mineral oil.

Antwoorddetails

Temperature is an important factor to monitor in fish ponds because it affects the metabolic processes in fish. As the temperature of the water changes, the fish's metabolism will also change. This can impact their growth, feeding rate, and overall health. Fluctuations in temperature can also impact fish reproduction. Additionally, temperature affects how fish react to other organisms in the water and can reduce the effectiveness of natural processes that break down decaying materials in the pond. Therefore, monitoring and maintaining the temperature in fish ponds is crucial for promoting the health and productivity of the fish.