Agriculture, Geography, Class 8 -Test - Class 8 MCQ

Tertiary Activities
- Tertiary activities are economic activities that involve the provision of services to other businesses and consumers.
- These activities do not involve the extraction or production of raw materials.
- They are often referred to as the "service sector" of the economy.
- Examples of tertiary activities include retail sales, transportation, healthcare, banking, and tourism.
- These activities are essential for the functioning of the economy and contribute to the overall development of a country.
Identifying the Tertiary Activity
Among the given options, the correct answer is B: selling grocery because:
- Selling grocery involves providing a service to consumers by offering them a variety of food products and household items.
- It does not involve manufacturing (A), which is a secondary activity that involves the production of goods.
- Agriculture (C) is a primary activity that involves the cultivation of crops and the rearing of animals, and it is not considered a tertiary activity.
- Option D states that none of the given options are tertiary activities, but this is incorrect as selling grocery falls under this category.
In conclusion, selling grocery is the correct answer as it is a tertiary activity that involves the provision of services to consumers.

Answer:
The breeding of fish is known as pisciculture. Pisciculture is the practice of raising fish for commercial purposes in controlled environments such as fish farms, ponds, or tanks. It involves the artificial breeding, rearing, and harvesting of fish species for various purposes, including food production, stocking water bodies, and ornamental fish trade.
Key Points:
- Pisciculture refers to the breeding of fish for commercial purposes.
- It involves raising fish in controlled environments such as fish farms, ponds, or tanks.
- Pisciculture includes activities such as artificial breeding, rearing, and harvesting of fish.
- The primary purposes of pisciculture are food production, stocking water bodies, and ornamental fish trade.

Main Crop in Intensive Subsistence Agriculture: Rice
Intensive subsistence agriculture is a farming system where farmers cultivate a small plot of land with high labor input and use simple tools and techniques to maximize their crop yields. The main crop grown in intensive subsistence agriculture is rice.
Here are some reasons why rice is the main crop in intensive subsistence agriculture:
1. A staple food: Rice is a staple food for a large population in many countries, especially in Asia. It provides the necessary carbohydrates and nutrients for the population's diet.
2. High yield potential: Rice has a high yield potential compared to other crops, making it a suitable choice for small-scale farmers who want to maximize their production on limited land.
3. Adaptability: Rice can be grown in a wide range of environments, including flooded fields, upland areas, and even in drought-prone regions. This adaptability makes it a reliable crop for farmers in different agro-climatic conditions.
4. Income generation: Rice cultivation can generate significant income for farmers, especially when they have access to markets where rice is in high demand. This income can help improve their livelihoods and support their families.
5. Cultural significance: Rice has deep cultural significance in many societies, and its cultivation is often intertwined with local traditions and rituals. This cultural attachment further reinforces its importance in intensive subsistence agriculture.
It is important to note that while rice is the main crop in intensive subsistence agriculture, farmers may also grow other crops such as vegetables, pulses, or fruits to diversify their food sources and income streams. However, rice remains the primary focus due to its significance in terms of food security, income generation, and cultural value.

Explanation:
Shifting cultivation is the form of farming that is also known as "slash and burn" agriculture. Here is a detailed explanation:
Definition:
Shifting cultivation is an agricultural practice in which a plot of land is cleared of vegetation and cultivated for a short period of time. After the soil fertility decreases, the plot is abandoned, and a new plot is cleared and cultivated.
Characteristics of shifting cultivation:
1. Clearing: Vegetation is cut down and burned to create space for farming.
2. Cultivation: Crops are planted in the cleared area, and the land is used for a few years until the soil fertility declines.
3. Abandonment: The plot is left fallow for a period of time to allow the land to recover its fertility naturally.
4. Rotation: Farmers move on to a new plot and repeat the process, creating a cycle of clearing, cultivation, and abandonment.
Reasons for using shifting cultivation:
1. Sustainable land use: By allowing the land to regenerate naturally, shifting cultivation minimizes soil erosion and maintains biodiversity.
2. Adaptability: Shifting cultivation is often practiced by indigenous communities in remote areas with limited infrastructure and resources.
3. Cultural significance: This form of farming is deeply rooted in the traditions and practices of many indigenous cultures.
Advantages and disadvantages of shifting cultivation:
Advantages:
- Allows for sustainable use of land in remote areas with limited resources.
- Preserves biodiversity and natural ecosystems.
- Supports the cultural practices and traditions of indigenous communities.
Disadvantages:
- Can contribute to deforestation and loss of habitat.
- Soil fertility may decline over time if not managed properly.
- May not be suitable for large-scale commercial agriculture.
In conclusion, shifting cultivation, also known as "slash and burn" agriculture, is a form of farming in which land is cleared and cultivated for a short period of time before being abandoned and left fallow. It is used by indigenous communities in remote areas as a sustainable and adaptable agricultural practice.

The plantation products mentioned in the question are rubber, coffee, rice, and tea. The product that is not a plantation product is rice (Option C).
Here is a detailed explanation:
Plantation Products:
- Rubber: Rubber is derived from the sap of rubber trees. These trees are cultivated on plantations.
- Coffee: Coffee beans are grown on coffee plantations.
- Rice: Rice is not typically grown on plantations. It is primarily cultivated in paddy fields or rice paddies.
- Tea: Tea leaves are cultivated on tea plantations.
Explanation:
- Rubber, coffee, and tea are all derived from specific plants and are cultivated on plantations.
- However, rice is not typically grown on plantations. It is commonly cultivated in flooded fields called paddy fields or rice paddies.
Therefore, the correct answer is option C: rice.

In what season is wheat grown in India?
Wheat is primarily grown in India during the winter season. The cultivation of wheat in India is influenced by various factors such as climate, rainfall, and temperature. Here is a detailed explanation of wheat cultivation in India:
Winter Season:
- Winter season in India usually lasts from November to February.
- This season provides favorable conditions for the growth of wheat due to the cool and dry climate.
- Farmers sow wheat during this period as it allows the crop to mature before the arrival of the hot summer months.
- The temperature during the winter season is ideal for the growth and development of wheat plants.
Other Seasons:
- Wheat cultivation during the summer season is not common in India due to the high temperature and inadequate moisture.
- Monsoon season, characterized by heavy rainfall, is also not suitable for wheat cultivation.
- Autumn season, which follows the monsoon, is not suitable for wheat cultivation either as it is still relatively warm and wet.
Benefits of Winter Cultivation:
- Winter cultivation of wheat allows the crop to benefit from the cooler temperatures and reduced pest and disease pressure.
- The wheat crop grown during the winter season tends to have better quality and higher yields compared to crops grown in other seasons.
In conclusion, wheat is primarily grown in India during the winter season due to the favorable climatic conditions and the benefits it offers in terms of crop quality and yield.

The staple diet of tropical and sub-tropical regions is rice.
Explanation:
- Rice is the most commonly consumed staple food in tropical and sub-tropical regions. It is a versatile grain that can be prepared in various ways and is a major source of carbohydrates for these regions.
- Rice is a staple in countries such as India, China, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and many others in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
- The climate in tropical and sub-tropical regions is suitable for rice cultivation, which is why it is a widely grown and consumed crop in these areas.
- Rice is a rich source of energy, essential nutrients, and vitamins. It provides dietary fiber, protein, and minerals such as iron and magnesium.
- Rice can be cooked as a main dish, used in soups, stews, and salads, or made into flour for the production of various food products.
- The cultivation and consumption of rice have also influenced the cultural and culinary traditions of these regions, with many traditional dishes and recipes revolving around rice as the main ingredient.
- Other staple foods such as wheat, jute, and coffee are not commonly consumed as a primary food source in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Wheat is more commonly consumed in temperate regions, while jute is a fiber crop and coffee is a beverage crop.

Introduction:
Agriculture is heavily dependent on the topography of the soil and climate conditions. Both of these factors play a crucial role in determining the success and productivity of agricultural practices.
Benefits of Favourable Topography of Soil:
- Soil composition: Fertile soil with a good composition of organic matter, minerals, and nutrients provides a suitable environment for plant growth.
- Drainage: Proper drainage prevents waterlogging and allows excess water to flow away, preventing damage to crops.
- Soil depth: Deep soil allows roots to penetrate deeper, accessing more nutrients and water.
- Soil texture: A balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay enhances the soil's water-holding capacity and nutrient retention.
- Soil erosion: Favorable topography helps prevent soil erosion, which can lead to the loss of fertile topsoil.
Benefits of Favourable Climate:
- Temperature: Optimal temperature ranges support plant growth, seed germination, and photosynthesis.
- Precipitation: Adequate rainfall or irrigation is crucial for plant growth and productivity.
- Sunlight: Sufficient sunlight promotes photosynthesis, which is essential for plant growth and the production of food.
- Frost and freeze-free period: A suitable duration without frost or freeze helps in the cultivation of various crops.
- Growing season: A longer growing season allows for the cultivation of multiple crops throughout the year.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the presence of favorable topography of soil and climate conditions is vital for agriculture. These factors directly impact the fertility of the soil, water availability, and the overall growth and productivity of crops. Farmers and agricultural practices should consider these factors when choosing suitable areas for cultivation.

Explanation:
- Subsistence farming refers to a type of farming in which the primary goal is to produce enough food for the farmer's own family to consume, rather than for sale or commercial purposes.
- In subsistence farming, household members typically contribute to the labor required for agricultural activities.
- This includes tasks such as planting, harvesting, weeding, and tending to livestock.
- The involvement of household labor in subsistence farming is essential for the family's survival and food security.
- It allows the family to produce their own food and reduce their reliance on external sources.
- Furthermore, household labor in subsistence farming is often a shared responsibility among family members and can help foster a sense of community and cooperation.
- Overall, the statement that household labor is involved in subsistence farming is true.
- It is an integral part of the subsistence farming system and plays a crucial role in ensuring the family's food security and self-sustainability.

Transport network is significant for plantation agriculture because:
1. Efficient transportation of goods:
- A well-developed transport network allows for the efficient movement of plantation agricultural products from the farms to the markets or processing facilities.
- Plantation crops such as tea, coffee, rubber, and palm oil are often grown in remote areas, and a good transport network ensures that these goods can reach consumers in a timely manner.
- It helps in reducing post-harvest losses by providing a quick and reliable means of transporting perishable plantation crops.
2. Accessibility to inputs:
- Plantation agriculture requires various inputs like fertilizers, pesticides, and machinery. A good transport network ensures that these inputs are easily accessible to farmers, thereby promoting efficient production.
3. Labor mobility:
- Plantation agriculture often requires a large workforce for activities like planting, harvesting, and processing.
- A well-connected transport network allows for the mobility of labor, enabling workers to easily reach the plantations and ensuring a steady supply of labor for the industry.
4. Market access:
- Plantation agricultural products are usually produced in large quantities, and a good transport network provides access to larger markets.
- It allows farmers to reach distant markets and sell their products at competitive prices, leading to increased profitability.
5. Economic development:
- The development of a transport network for plantation agriculture can contribute to regional economic development.
- It stimulates trade and investment, creates employment opportunities, and generates income for both farmers and transport service providers.
6. Infrastructure development:
- The establishment of transport networks for plantation agriculture often requires the development of supporting infrastructure like roads, bridges, and storage facilities.
- This infrastructure development benefits not only the agriculture sector but also other industries and communities in the region.
In conclusion, a well-developed transport network is crucial for plantation agriculture as it facilitates the efficient transportation of goods, provides accessibility to inputs, enables labor mobility, enhances market access, contributes to economic development, and promotes infrastructure development.

Answer:
Introduction:
In this question, we are asked whether major plantations are found in tundra regions. We need to determine if this statement is true or false.
Explanation:

1. Plantations are large-scale agricultural estates where crops are grown for commercial purposes.

2. The tundra region is characterized by extremely cold temperatures, a short growing season, and permafrost (permanently frozen soil).

3. Due to these harsh environmental conditions, the tundra region is not suitable for large-scale agriculture or plantations.

4. The lack of sunlight, nutrients, and water availability restricts plant growth and makes it challenging to cultivate crops.

5. Therefore, major plantations are not found in tundra regions.
Conclusion:
Based on the above explanation, it can be concluded that the statement "Major plantations are found in tundra regions" is false.

Statement: In the USA, the farmer usually resides in the farm.

Explanation:
The statement is asking whether farmers in the USA typically live on their farms or not.
Analysis:
To determine if the statement is true or false, we need to consider the living arrangements of farmers in the USA.
Key Points:
1. Farmers often live on their farms: Many farmers choose to live on their farms for various reasons, such as convenience, security, and proximity to their work.
2. Farmhouses: Farms often have farmhouses or other residential buildings where farmers and their families can reside.
3. Work-life integration: Living on the farm allows farmers to be close to their fields, livestock, and other agricultural operations, enabling them to easily manage their daily tasks and respond to emergencies.
4. Exceptions: While it is common for farmers to live on their farms, there may be exceptions where farmers have separate residences off the farm due to personal preferences or other factors.
Conclusion:
Based on the analysis, it can be concluded that the statement is generally true. While there may be exceptions, it is common for farmers in the USA to reside on their farms to facilitate the management of their agricultural activities.