Improvement In Food Resources, Science, Class 9 - Test - Class 9 MCQ

The use of fertilizers in farming is an example of high-cost production.
The use of fertilizers in farming is a common practice to enhance crop yield and improve plant growth. However, the use of fertilizers can incur significant costs for farmers. Here are some points to support the assertion that the use of fertilizers is an example of high-cost production:
1. Cost of purchasing fertilizers: Fertilizers are not free, and farmers need to invest in purchasing them. The cost of fertilizers can vary depending on the type and quality of the product.
2. Application and distribution costs: Applying fertilizers to the fields requires specialized equipment and labor. Farmers may need to invest in machinery or hire additional workers for proper application and distribution.
3. Environmental and regulatory costs: Fertilizer usage is subject to regulations and guidelines to prevent environmental pollution. Farmers may need to invest in measures to comply with these regulations, such as implementing proper storage and handling practices.
4. Monitoring and testing costs: To ensure optimal fertilizer application, farmers need to monitor soil conditions and nutrient levels regularly. This may involve soil testing and analysis, which incur additional costs.
5. Long-term effects on soil health: Over-reliance on fertilizers can lead to soil degradation and nutrient imbalances, which may require additional investments in soil remediation and restoration.
6. Market price fluctuations: The cost of fertilizers can vary over time due to factors such as supply and demand, transportation costs, and market fluctuations. Farmers need to consider these price changes when planning their budget.
Overall, the use of fertilizers in farming involves various costs, including purchasing, application, regulatory compliance, monitoring, and potential long-term effects on soil health. These factors contribute to the classification of fertilizer usage as an example of high-cost production in agriculture.

Macro-nutrients:
- Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are examples of macro-nutrients.
- These nutrients are required by plants in large quantities for their growth and development.
- They play crucial roles in various physiological processes of plants such as photosynthesis, protein synthesis, and energy transfer.
Micro-nutrients:
- Micro-nutrients are essential elements required by plants in small amounts for their proper growth and development.
- Examples of micro-nutrients include iron, manganese, zinc, copper, molybdenum, boron, and chlorine.
- While nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are macro-nutrients, they are not considered micro-nutrients.
Fertilizer:
- Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are commonly found in fertilizers.
- These nutrients are added to the soil to replenish the nutrient levels and promote plant growth.
- Fertilizers provide plants with the necessary nutrients they may not receive in sufficient quantities from the soil alone.
Conclusion:
- Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are examples of macro-nutrients, which are required by plants in large quantities for their growth and development.
- While they are commonly found in fertilizers, they are not considered micro-nutrients.

Weeds:
- Xanthium, Parthenium, and Cyperinus are examples of weeds.
- Weeds are unwanted plants that grow in agricultural fields, gardens, and other areas where they are not desired.
- They are often fast-growing and compete with cultivated plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight.
- Weeds can reduce crop yields and impact the overall health of ecosystems.
- Xanthium, commonly known as cocklebur, is a weed that produces spiky burrs and can be harmful to livestock.
- Parthenium, also known as congress grass, is an invasive weed that can cause allergies and respiratory problems in humans.
- Cyperinus, or nutgrass, is a perennial weed that spreads through underground rhizomes and is difficult to control.
Types of Weeds:
- Weeds can be classified into different types based on their life cycle and growth habit.
- Annual weeds complete their life cycle within a year, germinating from seeds and producing new seeds before dying.
- Biennial weeds have a two-year life cycle, germinating in the first year, overwintering as rosettes, and producing seeds in the second year.
- Perennial weeds live for more than two years and can reproduce through seeds, rhizomes, or other vegetative structures.
- Some common types of weeds include grassy weeds, broadleaf weeds, and sedges.
Impact of Weeds:
- Weeds can have several negative impacts on agriculture and the environment.
- They compete with crops for resources such as water, nutrients, and sunlight, reducing crop yields.
- Weeds can also harbor pests and diseases, increasing the risk of crop damage.
- In natural ecosystems, invasive weeds can outcompete native plants and disrupt the balance of the ecosystem.
- Weeds can also impact human health by causing allergies, skin irritations, or respiratory problems.
Weed Control:
- Effective weed control strategies include cultural, mechanical, chemical, and biological methods.
- Cultural methods involve practices such as crop rotation, proper irrigation, and planting weed-competitive crops.
- Mechanical methods include hand-pulling, hoeing, mowing, and tilling to physically remove weeds.
- Chemical methods involve the use of herbicides to kill or suppress weeds selectively.
- Biological control involves the use of natural enemies, such as insects or pathogens, to control weed populations.
- Integrated weed management, which combines multiple control methods, is often the most effective approach to weed control.
In conclusion, Xanthium, Parthenium, and Cyperinus are examples of weeds. Weeds are unwanted plants that compete with cultivated crops for resources and can have negative impacts on agriculture and the environment. Effective weed control strategies include cultural, mechanical, chemical, and biological methods. Integrated weed management is often the most effective approach to controlling weeds and minimizing their impact.

Explanation:

    Mullets are species of finned fish that are found in the tropical marine water. Some are freshwater species, but most of them are marine fish.
    Prawns are the arthropods that are mainly marine. They are sometimes edible and a good source of different minerals, but its gluten can be allergenic to some persons.
    Mussels are a type of shelled mollusks that are mainly marine but sometimes found in freshwater. They are sometimes edible.

Apis cerana indica is commonly known as the Indian bee.
Explanation:
- Apis cerana indica refers to a specific subspecies of honey bee found in India.
- This subspecies is commonly known as the Indian bee due to its prevalence in the country.
- The name "Indian bee" distinguishes it from other species of bees found in different regions around the world.
- The Indian bee is known for its important role in pollination and honey production in India.
- It is a native species that is well-adapted to the Indian climate and environment.
- The Indian bee is smaller in size compared to other honey bee species and has distinct behavioral characteristics.
- It is highly valued for its ability to produce high-quality honey and is also used in apitherapy, a form of alternative medicine.
- The Indian bee plays a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance in India's agricultural landscapes.
- It is an important species for the sustainability of agriculture and the preservation of natural habitats in India.

The production and management of fish is called pisciculture.
Pisciculture is the practice of breeding and raising fish in controlled environments such as ponds, tanks, or cages. It involves the cultivation of fish for commercial purposes, including food production, recreational fishing, and ornamental fish trade.
Some key points about pisciculture:
1. Definition: Pisciculture refers to the controlled breeding, rearing, and harvesting of fish in aquatic environments.
2. Purpose: Pisciculture is primarily done for commercial purposes, including food production and economic gain.
3. Methods: Fish can be raised in various systems, such as ponds, tanks, raceways, and cages, depending on the species and production requirements.
4. Species: Pisciculture can involve the cultivation of various fish species, including freshwater and marine fish, as well as shellfish and crustaceans.
5. Techniques: Different techniques are used in pisciculture, such as hatchery operations, feed management, water quality monitoring, disease prevention, and stock management.
6. Importance: Pisciculture plays a crucial role in meeting the increasing global demand for fish, reducing pressure on wild fish stocks, and supporting livelihoods in many coastal and inland communities.
7. Environmental considerations: Sustainable and responsible practices are essential in pisciculture to minimize environmental impacts, ensure fish welfare, and maintain ecosystem balance.
In conclusion, pisciculture is the term used to describe the production and management of fish in controlled environments, and it plays a significant role in meeting the demand for fish while ensuring sustainable practices.

Answer:
Introduction:
Catla and Rohu are two species of fish that are commonly found in freshwater ecosystems. In this response, we will discuss the characteristics of these fish and why they are classified as freshwater fish.
Characteristics of Catla and Rohu:
1. Habitat: Both Catla and Rohu are primarily found in freshwater habitats, such as rivers, lakes, and ponds.
2. Adaptation: These fish have developed specific adaptations to survive in freshwater environments, such as the ability to tolerate varying water temperatures and salinity levels.
3. Diet: Catla and Rohu are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of food sources including plankton, insects, and plant matter.
4. Size: These fish can grow to a significant size. Catla can reach lengths of up to 1.8 meters and weigh around 45 kilograms, while Rohu can grow up to 1 meter in length.
5. Commercial Importance: Catla and Rohu are economically important fish species in many regions and are commonly consumed by humans.
Reasons for Classification as Freshwater Fish:
1. Habitat Preference: Catla and Rohu are primarily found in freshwater habitats and are well-adapted to survive in these environments.
2. Physiological Characteristics: These fish have physiological adaptations that enable them to maintain a proper osmotic balance in freshwater. They have specialized organs, such as gills and kidneys, that help them regulate water and ion balance.
3. Reproduction: Catla and Rohu reproduce in freshwater environments. They migrate to specific areas for spawning and lay their eggs in freshwater bodies.
4. Community Interactions: Catla and Rohu are part of freshwater ecosystems and interact with other freshwater organisms like plants, invertebrates, and other fish species.
Conclusion:
Catla and Rohu are classified as freshwater fish due to their habitat preference, physiological adaptations, reproductive behavior, and their role in freshwater ecosystems. Understanding the classification of these fish helps in studying their ecology and conservation in freshwater environments.

Explanation:
To answer this question, we need to understand the meaning of the word "pasturage" and its relationship to various activities.
Definition:
Pasturage refers to the land or area where animals are grazed or allowed to feed on vegetation.
Relationships:
1. Cattle: Cattle are commonly raised for meat and milk production and require pasturage for grazing. Therefore, pasturage is related to cattle as it provides them with the necessary vegetation for feeding.
2. Fishery: Pasturage is not directly related to fishery. Fishery refers to the activity of catching, breeding, or rearing fish in a body of water, such as a river, lake, or ocean. Unlike cattle, fish do not depend on pasturage for feeding.
3. Apiculture: Apiculture refers to the keeping and breeding of bees for the production of honey and other bee products. Bees collect nectar from flowers, which can be considered a form of pasturage for bees. Therefore, pasturage is related to apiculture as it provides the necessary flowers for bees to collect nectar.
4. Poultry: Poultry refers to domesticated birds raised for meat and egg production, such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys. While poultry birds may have access to pasturage for grazing, it is not a requirement for their feeding. Poultry can be raised in indoor or outdoor environments, and their diet consists of grains and other feed, not solely dependent on pasturage.
Conclusion:
From the given options, pasturage is most closely related to apiculture as it provides the necessary vegetation (flowers) for bees to collect nectar.

Inter-cropping
Inter-cropping is the practice of growing two or more crops in definite patterns. It is a common agricultural technique used to maximize land utilization and improve crop productivity. Here is a detailed explanation of inter-cropping:
1. Definition:
- Inter-cropping involves growing two or more crops simultaneously in the same field.
- The crops are planted in specific patterns or arrangements to optimize the use of space, sunlight, and nutrients.
2. Purpose:
- Inter-cropping helps diversify agricultural systems and reduce the risk of crop failure.
- It increases the overall yield per unit area by utilizing resources more efficiently.
- The practice also promotes sustainable agriculture by reducing pest and disease pressure and improving soil health.
3. Benefits of inter-cropping:
- Increased yield: Different crops have different growth patterns, root depths, and nutrient requirements. Inter-cropping allows for better utilization of resources, resulting in increased overall yield.
- Pest and disease management: Mixing different crops can disrupt pest life cycles and reduce the risk of disease outbreaks, as pests and diseases often have specific host preferences.
- Weed suppression: Inter-cropping can create a denser crop canopy, reducing weed growth and competition.
- Soil improvement: Crops with different root structures can improve soil structure, nutrient cycling, and water-holding capacity.
- Income diversification: By growing multiple crops, farmers can have a more stable and diversified income stream.
4. Examples of inter-cropping systems:
- Alley cropping: Growing rows of trees or shrubs between rows of field crops.
- Strip cropping: Planting different crops in alternating strips to create a mosaic pattern.
- Relay cropping: Planting a second crop before the first crop is harvested, maximizing the use of space and extending the growing season.
- Intercropping with legumes: Planting nitrogen-fixing legumes with other crops to enhance soil fertility.
In conclusion, inter-cropping is a sustainable agricultural practice that involves growing multiple crops in specific patterns. It offers various benefits such as increased yield, pest management, weed suppression, soil improvement, and income diversification. By adopting inter-cropping techniques, farmers can optimize land utilization and improve overall crop productivity.

Leghorn and Aseel are related to poultry farming.
- Leghorn and Aseel are specific breeds of chickens that are commonly raised for their meat and eggs.
- Poultry farming refers to the practice of raising domesticated birds, primarily chickens, ducks, turkeys, and geese, for the purpose of meat or egg production.
- Leghorn chickens are known for their high egg-laying capacity and are primarily used for egg production. They are small to medium-sized birds with white feathers and are well-adapted to various climates.
- Aseel chickens, on the other hand, are known for their meat quality and are primarily used for meat production. They are large-sized birds with strong bodies and are known for their fighting abilities.
- Both Leghorn and Aseel chickens are popular choices for poultry farmers due to their specific traits and suitability for either egg or meat production.
- Poultry farming plays a significant role in the global food industry, providing a sustainable source of meat and eggs to meet the growing demand for animal protein.
- It is important for poultry farmers to select the appropriate breed of chickens based on their farming objectives, whether it is meat production, egg production, or both.
- Leghorn and Aseel are examples of specific breeds within the broader category of poultry farming, highlighting the diversity and specialization within the industry.