Improvement In Food Resources - Practice Test, Class 9 Science MCQs & solutions

Apiculture deals with

• Beekeeping: Apiculture primarily focuses on the rearing and management of honey bees.


• Rearing pigs: Apiculture does not involve the rearing of pigs.


• Rearing cows and buffaloes: Apiculture does not involve the rearing of cows or buffaloes.


• Rearing silk moths: Apiculture does not involve the rearing of silk moths.

Apiculture, or beekeeping, involves:
- The management and care of honey bee colonies.
- The cultivation and harvesting of honey and other bee products such as beeswax, pollen, and royal jelly.
- Providing a suitable environment for bees to thrive and reproduce.
- Controlling pests and diseases that may affect the bee colonies.
- Pollination services, where beekeepers transport their colonies to agricultural fields to enhance crop pollination.
Overall, apiculture is focused on the sustainable and responsible management of honey bee populations for the production of honey and other valuable bee products, as well as the vital role bees play in pollination for agriculture and ecosystems.

Which of the following is not a marine fish?
The correct answer is C: Catla.
Explanation:
Marine fish refers to fish species that live in saltwater environments such as oceans and seas. Catla, on the other hand, is a freshwater fish found in rivers and lakes. Therefore, it is not a marine fish.
Here is a detailed explanation of each option:
A: Pomphret
- Pomphret is a marine fish belonging to the family Bramidae.
- It is commonly found in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
B: Mackerel
- Mackerel is a widely distributed marine fish.
- It is found in both temperate and tropical waters.
C: Catla
- Catla is a freshwater fish found in rivers and lakes.
- It is commonly found in South Asia, particularly in India and Bangladesh.
D: Sardines
- Sardines are small marine fish belonging to the family Clupeidae.
- They are commonly found in coastal waters and are known for their abundance.
In conclusion, out of the given options, Catla is the fish that is not a marine fish.

Explanation:
The food-fodder mixed farming system refers to a farming practice where both food crops and fodder crops are grown together. This system aims to meet the dual purpose of producing food for human consumption and fodder for livestock.
Benefits of food-fodder mixed farming system:
- Diversification: This system allows farmers to diversify their agricultural production by growing both food and fodder crops.
- Maximizing land utilization: By growing both food and fodder crops, farmers can make efficient use of their land resources.
- Sustainable livestock production: The availability of fodder crops ensures a consistent supply of feed for livestock, leading to sustainable livestock production.
- Nutrient cycling: The integration of food and fodder crops helps in nutrient cycling as the residues of fodder crops can be used as organic matter for food crops, promoting soil fertility.
- Risk reduction: Growing a mix of food and fodder crops reduces the risk of crop failure as it provides a buffer against adverse weather conditions or pest attacks.
Therefore, the correct answer is option D: Growing food crops and fodder crops.

The unlikely row pattern practiced in intercropping is 1:4, as mentioned in option D. Here is a detailed explanation:
Intercropping:
Intercropping is a farming practice where two or more crops are grown together in the same field. It is beneficial as it maximizes land utilization, reduces pest and disease incidence, and increases overall yield.
Row Pattern:
The row pattern refers to the arrangement of crops in rows within the field. It determines the spacing between crops and affects their growth and productivity.
Unlikely Row Pattern:
The row pattern mentioned as the unlikely one for intercropping is 1:4. This means that for every one row of the first crop, there are four rows of the second crop. This pattern is uncommon in intercropping because it may lead to competition for resources such as sunlight, water, and nutrients, as the second crop would be densely planted.
Other Row Patterns:
In intercropping, some common row patterns include:
- 1:1: In this pattern, there is one row of the first crop followed by one row of the second crop. This pattern allows for equal spacing and efficient resource utilization.
- 1:2: This pattern consists of one row of the first crop followed by two rows of the second crop. It provides more space for the second crop and reduces competition.
- 1:3: Here, one row of the first crop is followed by three rows of the second crop. This pattern allows for even greater spacing and reduces competition between crops.
Conclusion:
Among the given options, the unlikely row pattern practiced in intercropping is 1:4 (option D). This pattern is uncommon due to the increased competition for resources it may cause. Intercropping is typically practiced using row patterns such as 1:1, 1:2, or 1:3 to ensure optimal growth and productivity of the crops.

In order to develop a disease-resistant variety, a plant breeder should follow the following steps:
1. Identification of the target disease:
- The first step is to identify the specific disease that the plant breeder wants to develop resistance against. This could be a fungal, bacterial, or viral disease.
2. Selection of disease-resistant parent plants:
- The breeder selects parent plants that already possess some level of resistance to the target disease. These plants may have shown natural resistance or have been previously bred for disease resistance.
3. Hybridization:
- The selected disease-resistant parent plants are crossbred through controlled pollination to combine their desirable traits, including disease resistance. This process is known as hybridization.
4. Selection of offspring:
- The resulting offspring from the hybridization process are evaluated for their disease resistance. The breeder selects the plants that show the highest level of resistance to the target disease.
5. Continued selection and breeding:
- The selected disease-resistant plants are further bred and selected for multiple generations to stabilize and enhance the disease resistance trait. This process helps in developing a variety that consistently exhibits resistance to the target disease.
6. Field testing and evaluation:
- The developed disease-resistant variety is then subjected to field testing and evaluation to assess its performance and stability under different environmental conditions.
7. Production of crop:
- Once the disease-resistant variety has been successfully developed and tested, it can be produced on a larger scale for commercial cultivation.
Therefore, the correct first step for a plant breeder to develop a disease-resistant variety is the selection of disease-resistant parent plants.

Explanation:
In organic farming, the focus is on using natural methods and techniques to cultivate crops and raise livestock. This includes avoiding the use of synthetic chemicals and genetically modified organisms. Below is a detailed explanation of the options and why option B is not included in organic farming:
A: Compost and vermi-compost: These are natural fertilizers that are used to improve soil fertility and provide essential nutrients to plants. They are commonly used in organic farming to promote healthy plant growth.
B: Chemical fertilizers: Chemical fertilizers are not included in organic farming. Organic farming strictly prohibits the use of synthetic chemicals, including chemical fertilizers, to promote a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to agriculture.
C: Green manures: Green manures are cover crops that are grown specifically to improve soil health and fertility. They are commonly used in organic farming as a natural source of nutrients and to prevent soil erosion.
D: Crop rotation: Crop rotation is a practice where different crops are grown in a specific sequence on the same piece of land. It helps to control pests and diseases, improve soil fertility, and reduce the risk of crop failure. Crop rotation is an essential component of organic farming.
Therefore, the option that is not included in organic farming is B: Chemical fertilizers.

Living organisms are used in various ways in agriculture and farming:
1. Organic manure:
- Living organisms such as earthworms and microorganisms are used to decompose organic waste materials and produce organic manure.
- These organisms break down the organic matter, releasing essential nutrients that can be easily absorbed by plants.
2. Biofertilizers:
- Biofertilizers are products that contain living microorganisms that help enhance soil fertility and plant growth.
- These microorganisms, such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria, help convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that can be used by plants.
- Biofertilizers improve soil structure, increase nutrient availability, and promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms.
3. Natural insecticides:
- Some living organisms, such as certain bacteria, fungi, and insects, can be used as natural insecticides.
- These organisms can control pests and diseases without the need for synthetic chemicals.
- For example, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a bacterium that produces proteins toxic to certain insect pests, making it an effective natural insecticide.
4. Pesticides:
- Living organisms, such as predatory insects and parasitic wasps, can be used as biological control agents to manage pests.
- These organisms prey on or parasitize pest insects, helping to control their populations and reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
- Integrated pest management (IPM) techniques often involve the use of beneficial organisms as part of a sustainable pest control strategy.
In conclusion, living organisms are used in agriculture and farming for various purposes, including organic manure production, biofertilizers, natural insecticides, and biological pest control. These methods promote sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices in agriculture.

Answer:
The fungal disease causing maximum death of a poultry bird is Aspergillosis. Here is a detailed explanation:
Aspergillosis:
- Aspergillosis is a fungal disease caused by various species of the Aspergillus fungus.
- It affects a wide range of animals, including poultry birds.
- The disease is primarily caused by inhaling spores of the fungus, which can contaminate the environment, including feed and bedding materials.
- The spores can enter the respiratory system of birds and cause a range of symptoms, including difficulty breathing, coughing, nasal discharge, and general weakness.
- Aspergillosis can be particularly severe in young birds or those with weakened immune systems.
- The fungus can invade the respiratory tract, leading to pneumonia and other complications.
- In severe cases, Aspergillosis can be fatal, causing high mortality rates in affected poultry flocks.
Other options:
- Coryza: Coryza is a bacterial respiratory disease that affects poultry, causing symptoms such as nasal discharge, facial swelling, and decreased egg production. While it can cause economic losses, it is not associated with high mortality rates.
- Pullorium: Pullorium, also known as Pullorum Disease, is a bacterial infection primarily affecting young poultry, particularly chicks. It can cause mortality in young birds but is not as prevalent or deadly as Aspergillosis.
- Rickets: Rickets is a nutritional disorder caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphorus. It affects bone development and can lead to bone deformities and weakness. While it can cause health issues in poultry, it is not a fungal disease and does not result in high death rates.
Therefore, the correct answer is D: Aspergillosis.

The Gundhy bug is a pest that affects agricultural crops. Specifically, it is known to be a pest of rice. Here is a detailed explanation:
Gundhy bug:
The Gundhy bug (Leptocorisa oratorius) is a common insect pest found in rice-growing regions. It belongs to the family Alydidae and is known for causing significant damage to rice crops.
Pest of rice:
Rice is one of the major crops affected by the Gundhy bug. The pest feeds on the sap of rice plants, causing stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and reduced grain production. It can also transmit viruses and fungal diseases, further impacting the crop's health and yield.
Other crops:
While the Gundhy bug primarily targets rice crops, it can also infest other crops to a lesser extent. However, its impact on crops like sugarcane, cotton, and wheat is relatively minimal compared to rice.
Prevention and control:
To prevent and control Gundhy bug infestations, farmers can take several measures, including:
- Regular monitoring of rice fields for early detection of the pest.
- Maintaining proper water management practices to avoid creating favorable conditions for the bug's breeding.
- Using resistant rice varieties that are less susceptible to Gundhy bug damage.
- Implementing cultural practices like crop rotation and maintaining proper field hygiene.
- If necessary, chemical control methods such as insecticides can be used as a last resort.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Gundhy bug is a pest that primarily affects rice crops. While it may infest other crops to a lesser extent, its impact on rice is more significant. Farmers need to be vigilant and implement appropriate pest management strategies to mitigate the damage caused by this pest.

Pigeon Pea as a Good Source of Protein:
Pigeon pea, also known as Cajanus cajan, is a nutritious legume that is widely cultivated and consumed in various parts of the world. It is rich in several essential nutrients, making it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. One of the key nutrients found in pigeon pea is protein. Here's a detailed explanation of why pigeon pea is a good source of protein:
1. Protein Content:
- Pigeon pea is known for its high protein content, making it a valuable source of this essential macronutrient.
- It contains approximately 22-25 grams of protein per 100 grams of cooked pigeon pea.
2. Essential Amino Acids:
- Pigeon pea protein is considered a complete protein as it contains all the essential amino acids required by the human body.
- Essential amino acids are those that our bodies cannot produce on their own and must be obtained from our diet.
3. Muscle Growth and Repair:
- Protein is a vital nutrient for muscle growth, repair, and maintenance.
- Consuming pigeon pea, with its high protein content, can help support muscle development and repair after exercise or physical activity.
4. Satiety and Weight Management:
- Protein-rich foods like pigeon pea can help promote feelings of fullness and satiety.
- Including pigeon pea in your meals can assist in weight management by reducing hunger and preventing overeating.
5. Nutrient Density:
- Pigeon pea is not only a good source of protein but also provides other essential nutrients such as dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- It contains significant amounts of iron, potassium, magnesium, and folate, which are important for overall health and well-being.
In conclusion, pigeon pea is a good source of protein due to its high protein content and the presence of essential amino acids. Including pigeon pea in your diet can contribute to muscle growth, repair, weight management, and overall nutrient intake.

Explanation:
Nodules with nitrogen-fixing bacteria are present in:

• Gram: Gram is not a plant or crop, so it does not have nodules with nitrogen-fixing bacteria.


• Wheat: Wheat does not have nodules with nitrogen-fixing bacteria.


• Mustard: Mustard does not have nodules with nitrogen-fixing bacteria.


• Cotton: Cotton does not have nodules with nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

Therefore, the correct answer is A: Gram.

Explanation:
The question asks for an example of a crop that is not considered a Rabi crop. Here is a detailed explanation:
Rabi crops:
Rabi crops are crops that are sown in the winter season and harvested in the spring season. They require a cool climate and are typically grown in the months of October to December. Some examples of Rabi crops include wheat, mustard, and gram.
Identifying the non-Rabi crop:
To find the crop that is not considered a Rabi crop, we need to determine which option does not fit the criteria of being sown in the winter season and harvested in the spring season.
Analysis of options:
Let's analyze each option to identify the non-Rabi crop:
- Option A: Wheat - Wheat is a Rabi crop, as it is sown in the winter season and harvested in the spring season. This is a Rabi crop.
- Option B: Mustard - Mustard is also a Rabi crop, as it is sown in the winter season and harvested in the spring season. This is a Rabi crop.
- Option C: Gram - Gram is another example of a Rabi crop, as it is sown in the winter season and harvested in the spring season. This is a Rabi crop.
- Option D: Maize - Maize is not a Rabi crop. It is a Kharif crop, which means it is sown in the rainy season and harvested in the autumn season. This is the non-Rabi crop.
Conclusion:
Based on the analysis, the crop that is not considered a Rabi crop is Maize (Option D).

To determine which of the following options is not a type of biotic stress, we need to understand the definition of biotic stress. Biotic stress refers to the negative impact on living organisms caused by other living organisms.
Let's analyze each option to identify which one does not fit the definition of biotic stress:
A. Diseases:
- Diseases are caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses.
- These microorganisms are living organisms that can harm other living organisms, including plants and animals.
- Therefore, diseases are a type of biotic stress.
B. Insect:
- Insects are living organisms that can cause damage to plants and animals.
- They feed on plants, sucking sap or chewing leaves, which can lead to reduced growth or even death.
- Insects are considered a type of biotic stress.
C. Frost:
- Frost is not caused by living organisms.
- It is a type of abiotic stress, meaning it is a result of non-living factors such as temperature.
- Frost is not considered a type of biotic stress.
D. Nematodes:
- Nematodes are microscopic worms that can infect and damage plants, causing stunted growth, wilting, and yield losses.
- Nematodes are living organisms that can harm other living organisms.
- Therefore, nematodes are considered a type of biotic stress.
Answer:
- The option that does not fit the definition of biotic stress is C. Frost.
In summary, frost is not considered a type of biotic stress because it is caused by non-living factors, whereas diseases, insects, and nematodes are all living organisms that can harm other living organisms.

Application of nitrogenous manure to a plant causes:
- Growth retardation due to toxicity of ammonia: Nitrogenous manure, such as ammonia-based fertilizers, can release ammonia gas, which can be toxic to plants at high concentrations. This toxicity can lead to growth retardation and damage to the plant.
- Early flowering: Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plants and plays a crucial role in flower development. Adequate nitrogen supply can promote flower formation and result in early flowering.
- Early fruiting: Nitrogen is also important for fruit development. A sufficient supply of nitrogen can stimulate fruiting and promote the growth and development of fruits, leading to early fruiting.
- Vigorous vegetative growth: Nitrogen is a key component of proteins, enzymes, and chlorophyll, which are all essential for plant growth and development. Adequate nitrogen supply can result in lush, green foliage and vigorous vegetative growth.
In the given options, the most appropriate answer is D: Vigorous vegetative growth. When nitrogenous manure is applied to plants, it provides a readily available source of nitrogen, which promotes the growth of leaves and stems, leading to vigorous vegetative growth.

Breeds of Cows:
- Red Sindhi: Red Sindhi is a breed of cattle that originated in the Sindh region of Pakistan. It is known for its adaptability to hot climates and high resistance to diseases.
- Sahiwal: Sahiwal is a breed of cattle that originated in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. It is known for its high milk production, heat tolerance, and resistance to diseases.
- Jersey: Jersey is a breed of small dairy cattle that originated on the British Channel Island of Jersey. It is known for its high butterfat content in its milk, making it ideal for cheese and butter production.
- Brown Swiss: Brown Swiss is a breed of dairy cattle that originated in Switzerland. It is known for its large size, high milk production, and excellent milk quality.
These breeds of cows have distinct characteristics and are bred for specific purposes such as milk production, meat production, or both. They are highly valued for their productivity, adaptability, and genetic traits.

Plant Breeding as an Art
Introduction:
Plant breeding is the process of manipulating plant species to develop new and improved varieties with desirable traits. It combines both scientific knowledge and artistic skills to achieve the desired outcomes. While plant breeding is predominantly a science, there are certain aspects of it that can be considered an art.
Explanation:
1. Technique of hybridisation:
- Hybridization is the process of crossing two different plants to obtain offspring with desirable traits.
- The technique of hybridization requires artistic skills in selecting the parents based on their genetic makeup and traits.
- Breeding the plants with specific traits in mind requires creativity and intuition, making it an art within plant breeding.
2. Clonal selection:
- Clonal selection involves selecting and propagating plants with desirable traits through asexual reproduction.
- The process requires keen observation and artistic judgment to identify plants with superior characteristics.
- The selection process involves visual assessment, taste testing, and other sensory evaluations, which can be considered artistic.
3. Pure line selection:
- Pure line selection involves the selection and propagation of plants with uniform and stable traits over generations.
- It requires meticulous observation and artistic skills to identify and maintain pure lines.
- The process involves careful selection and attention to detail, making it an art within plant breeding.
Conclusion:
While plant breeding is primarily a scientific endeavor, certain aspects of it, such as the technique of hybridization, clonal selection, and pure line selection, involve artistic skills. These processes require creativity, intuition, and attention to detail, making plant breeding a combination of science and art.

Popular Improved Variety of Rice: Pusa Basmati
- Pusa Basmati is a popular improved variety of rice.
- It is known for its long grains and aromatic fragrance.
- Developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Pusa Basmati is a hybrid variety.
- It is a high-yielding variety, which means it produces a large quantity of rice per unit area.
- Pusa Basmati has gained popularity due to its superior quality and taste.
- It is often preferred for making biryani, pulao, and other rice-based dishes.
- The variety is also known for its good cooking properties and non-stickiness.
- Pusa Basmati is widely cultivated in India and is exported to various countries.
- It has become a popular choice among rice consumers globally.
- The variety is a result of continuous research and development efforts to improve the quality and yield of rice.

The correct answer is B: Slash and burn farming.
Explanation:
Sustainable agriculture techniques focus on minimizing environmental impact, conserving resources, and promoting long-term sustainability. Slash and burn farming, also known as shifting cultivation, does not align with these principles because it involves the following unsustainable practices:
1. Clearing and burning of vegetation: This technique involves cutting down and burning large areas of forests or vegetation to create space for cultivation. This process releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to deforestation and climate change.
2. Destruction of biodiversity: Slash and burn farming destroys natural habitats, leading to the loss of various plant and animal species. It disrupts the delicate balance of ecosystems and reduces overall biodiversity.
3. Soil degradation: Continuous burning and cultivation without proper soil management practices result in soil erosion, nutrient depletion, and loss of fertility. This can lead to decreased crop yields over time and the need for further expansion into new areas for cultivation.
On the other hand, the other options mentioned are sustainable agriculture techniques:
- Mixed farming: This involves integrating different types of crops and livestock on the same farm. It helps in nutrient cycling, pest control, and diversifying income sources.
- Crop rotation: It is a practice of growing different crops in a sequence on the same piece of land. This helps in preventing soil erosion, nutrient depletion, and the build-up of pests and diseases.
- Crop selection: Choosing suitable crop varieties based on the local climate, soil conditions, and market demand can optimize resource use and improve yields.
In summary, slash and burn farming is not a sustainable agriculture technique due to its negative environmental impacts, while mixed farming, crop rotation, and crop selection are methods that promote sustainability and long-term agricultural productivity.

Carps:
- Carps are a type of freshwater fish that are widely cultivated and consumed.
- They are known for their fast growth and high adaptability to various environmental conditions.
The Fastest Growing Carp:
- Among the options provided, the fastest growing carp is Catla.
- Catla (Catla catla) is a species of carp that is native to South Asia.
- It is highly valued for its fast growth rate and excellent food conversion efficiency.
Comparison:
Here is a comparison of the growth rates of the carp species mentioned:
- Catla: Catla has a fast growth rate and can reach a weight of up to 15-20 kg within a span of 3-4 years.
- Rohu: Rohu (Labeo rohita) is another popular carp species, but it grows at a slightly slower rate compared to Catla.
- Mrigal: Mrigal (Cirrhinus cirrhosus) is also known for its fast growth, but it is not as fast-growing as Catla.
- Silver carp: Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) is a fast-growing carp species, but it is not as fast as Catla.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, among the options given, Catla is the fastest growing carp species. Its fast growth rate and high food conversion efficiency make it a popular choice for aquaculture.