Test: Biology in Human Welfare - SSC CGL MCQ

Maize, also known as Zea mays, is a versatile plant extensively used for various purposes such as food, fodder, starch production, alcoholic beverages, and biodiesel. It plays a crucial role in several industries and provides a wide array of products. Additionally, Zeatin, a cytokinin, is obtained from maize grains in the milk stage, highlighting its significance in biotechnological applications.

Sugarcane, scientifically known as Saccharum officinarum, is a plant that serves as a crucial source of sugar production along with molasses, cardboard, paper, bagasse for energy generation, and molasses used for ethanol and fertilizer production. This plant plays a significant role in the sugar industry and various other sectors due to its versatile utility.

Teak, scientifically referred to as Tectona grandis, is renowned for its high-quality wood that is utilized in the crafting of furniture due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. This plant is commonly employed in the construction of carved door panels and wooden statues, showcasing its importance in the woodworking industry and interior decoration.

Agroforestry is the agricultural practice that integrates trees and shrubs with crops and/or livestock to use the interactive benefits of this combination. This approach helps in enhancing biodiversity, improving soil health, and increasing overall sustainability of agricultural systems.

Ranching involves raising grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and poultry. In this farming practice, livestock are allowed to graze on open pastures or rangelands, and it is a common method of livestock production in many regions around the world.

Sustainable Agriculture emphasizes organic methods of fertilizer production such as vermi composting and green manure. These practices enhance soil fertility, reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals, and promote environmentally friendly farming techniques for long-term agricultural sustainability.

The Sahiwal breed of Indian cow is primarily found in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Sahiwal cows are known for their high milk production and are well adapted to the tropical climate of the Indian subcontinent. They are prized for their drought-resistant characteristics and are popular among dairy farmers for their milk yield and resilience.

The Shahabadi breed of Indian sheep is found all over India. This breed is known for its hardy nature and adaptability to various climatic conditions across different regions of the country. Shahabadi sheep are valued for their meat and wool production, making them an important breed in the Indian sheep farming industry.

Artificial insemination is a common method used to overcome infertility among animals, including humans. This technique involves the introduction of semen from a male into the reproductive tract of a female to facilitate fertilization. Artificial insemination is widely practiced in animal husbandry to improve breeding efficiency, genetic diversity, and overall reproductive success rates in livestock populations.

The primary goal of plant breeding is to develop improved crop varieties that are commercially successful. This involves enhancing plant varieties to make them more desirable both agronomically and economically. By developing such varieties, plant breeders aim to address specific agricultural challenges, increase yields, improve resistance to diseases and pests, and enhance overall quality. This process plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and sustainability in agriculture.

Hybridization is a common method used in plant breeding to combine desirable traits from two different plants. This process involves crossing two plants with different beneficial characteristics to create offspring that inherit the desired traits from both parents. Through hybridization, plant breeders can introduce new genetic variations into crops, leading to improved traits such as higher yields, resistance to diseases, and better adaptation to environmental conditions.

The method of selection in plant breeding involves identifying and choosing plants with specific desirable traits for further propagation. Plant breeders carefully evaluate individual plants within a population and select those that exhibit the desired characteristics, such as high yield, disease resistance, or improved quality. By consistently selecting and breeding plants with these traits over successive generations, breeders can develop new varieties that possess the desired traits in a more pronounced and stable manner.

Vaccines work by introducing a small, non-harmful portion of an antigen into the body, which stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies. These antibodies help the body recognize and fight off the actual disease-causing antigen in the future.

The terms "vaccine" and "vaccination" were coined by Louis Pasteur. He made significant contributions to the field of microbiology and immunization, laying the foundation for modern vaccination practices.

Recombinant Vector Vaccines are developed using genetic engineering techniques and utilize bacteria and viruses as vectors to deliver antigens into the body. This approach helps in triggering an immune response and stimulating the production of antibodies against specific diseases.