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Free JAMB Past Question for agriculture
Q.1In a ruminant's digestive system, which of the following is a primary function?
A) Simple stomach digestion of fibrous material.
B) Chewing the cud (rumination) to further break down food.
C) A single-chambered stomach.
D) Rapid passage of food through the digestive tract.
In a ruminant's digestive system, which of the following is a primary function?
A) Simple stomach digestion of fibrous material.
B) Chewing the cud (rumination) to further break down food.
C) A single-chambered stomach.
D) Rapid passage of food through the digestive tract.
Correct Answer: option b
Further reading: Digestive systems of farm animals.
Show explanation
Ruminants, such as cattle and sheep, are characterized by their multi-compartment stomach and the process of rumination, or "chewing the cud," which allows them to effectively digest fibrous plant material. Non-ruminants have a single-chambered stomach.
Q.2A farmer practicing monocropping would be growing which of the following?
A) Maize, cassava, and yam in the same field.
B) Only maize in a large field.
C) Groundnut and millet in alternate strips.
D) Different crops in rotation over different seasons.
A farmer practicing monocropping would be growing which of the following?
A) Maize, cassava, and yam in the same field.
B) Only maize in a large field.
C) Groundnut and millet in alternate strips.
D) Different crops in rotation over different seasons.
Correct Answer: option b
Further reading: Cropping systems.
Show explanation
Monocropping is a cropping system that involves growing a single type of crop in a field at one time. Growing multiple crops together is mixed or intercropping, while rotating crops is a different system.
Q.3How does the establishment of research institutes like the National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI) contribute to agriculture in West Africa?
A) By increasing the adoption of traditional farming methods.
B) By providing direct financial aid to small-scale farmers.
C) By applying science to develop agriculture.
D) By establishing new land tenure systems.
How does the establishment of research institutes like the National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI) contribute to agriculture in West Africa?
A) By increasing the adoption of traditional farming methods.
B) By providing direct financial aid to small-scale farmers.
C) By applying science to develop agriculture.
D) By establishing new land tenure systems.
Correct Answer: option c
Further reading: Historical development of agriculture in West Africa.
Show explanation
The establishment of national research institutes, such as NCRI, IAR, and IITA, is a key historical development that has led to the increased application of science to develop agriculture. Their role is to innovate and improve agricultural practices, not to promote traditional methods, provide direct finance, or alter land tenure systems.
Q.4A farmer notices a disease outbreak in his herd. He suspects the disease is caused by a protozoan. What would be an appropriate control measure?
A) Administering antibiotics.
B) Administering an antiviral vaccine.
C) Applying deworming medication.
D) Administering an antiprotozoal drug.
A farmer notices a disease outbreak in his herd. He suspects the disease is caused by a protozoan. What would be an appropriate control measure?
A) Administering antibiotics.
B) Administering an antiviral vaccine.
C) Applying deworming medication.
D) Administering an antiprotozoal drug.
Correct Answer: option d
Further reading: Disease prevention and control.
Show explanation
Different types of pathogens require specific treatments. Protozoal diseases, like coccidiosis, are controlled by antiprotozoal drugs, not antibiotics (for bacteria), vaccines (for viruses), or dewormers (for parasites).
Q.5What is the importance of bee-keeping (apiculture) in agriculture beyond the production of honey?
A) It increases the population of pests.
B) It improves crop pollination.
C) It reduces the need for farm machinery.
D) It contributes to soil fertility.
What is the importance of bee-keeping (apiculture) in agriculture beyond the production of honey?
A) It increases the population of pests.
B) It improves crop pollination.
C) It reduces the need for farm machinery.
D) It contributes to soil fertility.
Correct Answer: option b
Further reading: Bee-keeping (apiculture).
Show explanation
Apiculture is important not only for the economic products it yields (like honey and wax) but also for the critical role bees play in pollinating crops, which is vital for fruit and seed production and overall crop yield.
Q.6The process of converting forage crops into silage primarily involves which method of preservation?
A) Sun-drying the crops.
B) Anaerobic fermentation.
C) Cooking and canning.
D) Chemical desiccation.
The process of converting forage crops into silage primarily involves which method of preservation?
A) Sun-drying the crops.
B) Anaerobic fermentation.
C) Cooking and canning.
D) Chemical desiccation.
Correct Answer: option b
Further reading: Post-harvest operations.
Show explanation
Silage is a method of preserving pasture and forage crops for livestock feed. The process relies on anaerobic fermentation, where beneficial bacteria produce lactic acid, which lowers the pH and preserves the crop. Hay-making, on the other hand, involves sun-drying.
Q.7A farmer is using a drag net to catch fish. What type of fishing system is this most likely associated with?
A) Extensive system (inland fishing).
B) Semi-intensive system.
C) Intensive system (fish pond).
D) Land-based system.
A farmer is using a drag net to catch fish. What type of fishing system is this most likely associated with?
A) Extensive system (inland fishing).
B) Semi-intensive system.
C) Intensive system (fish pond).
D) Land-based system.
Correct Answer: option a
Further reading: Fish culture systems.
Show explanation
The use of drag nets is a method of harvesting fish typically associated with extensive fish culture systems, which include fishing in large bodies of water like lakes, rivers, and inland seas. This method is less common in smaller, controlled fish ponds.
Q.8The Nigerian government provides incentives for small and medium-sized farms, aiming to increase local food production and reduce dependence on imports. This action directly addresses which importance of agriculture?
A) Source of foreign exchange.
B) Provision of food.
C) Source of employment.
D) Supply of industrial raw materials.
The Nigerian government provides incentives for small and medium-sized farms, aiming to increase local food production and reduce dependence on imports. This action directly addresses which importance of agriculture?
A) Source of foreign exchange.
B) Provision of food.
C) Source of employment.
D) Supply of industrial raw materials.
Correct Answer: option b
Further reading: Importance of agriculture in the Nigerian economy
Show explanation
A direct consequence of increasing local food production is the provision of food for the country's population, which is a fundamental importance of agriculture.
Q.9A farmer wants to test the effectiveness of a new fertilizer on his yam crop. Which of the following is an essential basic concept in planning this agricultural experiment?
A) Ignoring the weather forecast.
B) Using a control group that does not receive the fertilizer.
C) Applying the fertilizer at a random rate.
D) Harvesting the crop prematurely.
A farmer wants to test the effectiveness of a new fertilizer on his yam crop. Which of the following is an essential basic concept in planning this agricultural experiment?
A) Ignoring the weather forecast.
B) Using a control group that does not receive the fertilizer.
C) Applying the fertilizer at a random rate.
D) Harvesting the crop prematurely.
Correct Answer: option b
Further reading: Agricultural experimentation.
Show explanation
A control group is a fundamental concept in agricultural experiments. It provides a baseline for comparison, allowing the farmer to accurately assess the effect of the new fertilizer by comparing the results to a group of yams that received no fertilizer.
Q.10Which of the following is a problem associated with agricultural insurance?
A) It guarantees full compensation for all losses.
B) It is easily accessible to all farmers.
C) It has complex and expensive premiums.
D) It encourages farmers to take higher risks.
Which of the following is a problem associated with agricultural insurance?
A) It guarantees full compensation for all losses.
B) It is easily accessible to all farmers.
C) It has complex and expensive premiums.
D) It encourages farmers to take higher risks.
Correct Answer: option c
Further reading: Agricultural finance and insurance.
Show explanation
While agricultural insurance is important, a major problem is often the complexity and high cost of the premiums. This can make it inaccessible or unaffordable for many small-scale farmers in West Africa.
Q.11The concept of scale of preference in agricultural economics helps a farmer to:
A) calculate the total production cost.
B) rank their needs and make choices based on their priorities.
C) determine the market price of their produce.
D) measure the elasticity of demand for their crops.
The concept of scale of preference in agricultural economics helps a farmer to:
A) calculate the total production cost.
B) rank their needs and make choices based on their priorities.
C) determine the market price of their produce.
D) measure the elasticity of demand for their crops.
Correct Answer: option b
Further reading: Principles of economics.
Show explanation
The scale of preference is an economic concept where individuals or businesses rank their wants in order of importance. A farmer uses this to make rational choices about what to produce, which resources to use, and how to allocate their limited capital.
Q.12The establishment of a game reserve is primarily for what purpose?
A) To domesticate all wild animals.
B) To protect and conserve wildlife habitats and species.
C) To provide a space for hunting.
D) To convert wild animals into farm animals.
The establishment of a game reserve is primarily for what purpose?
A) To domesticate all wild animals.
B) To protect and conserve wildlife habitats and species.
C) To provide a space for hunting.
D) To convert wild animals into farm animals.
Correct Answer: option b
Further reading: Wildlife and apiculture.
Show explanation
Game reserves are established for the crucial purpose of conserving and protecting wildlife habitats and the animal species within them.
Q.13The tillage practice of deep ploughing is most likely to be used for which of the following purposes?
A) Conserving soil moisture.
B) Controlling perennial weeds.
C) Reducing labor costs.
D) Minimizing soil disturbance.
The tillage practice of deep ploughing is most likely to be used for which of the following purposes?
A) Conserving soil moisture.
B) Controlling perennial weeds.
C) Reducing labor costs.
D) Minimizing soil disturbance.
Correct Answer: option b
Further reading: Tillage practices.
Show explanation
Deep ploughing is a type of soil tillage that involves turning the soil to a considerable depth. This practice is effective for burying and killing deep-rooted perennial weeds and preparing a seedbed for certain crops, though it can also lead to soil erosion.
Q.14The establishment of a large textile factory in Kaduna increases the demand for cotton. This illustrates the relationship between agriculture and which other sector?
A) The service sector.
B) The industrial sector.
C) The financial sector.
D) The mining sector.
The establishment of a large textile factory in Kaduna increases the demand for cotton. This illustrates the relationship between agriculture and which other sector?
A) The service sector.
B) The industrial sector.
C) The financial sector.
D) The mining sector.
Correct Answer: option b
Further reading: The relationship between agriculture and other sectors.
Show explanation
The textile factory is part of the industrial sector, which relies on agriculture for the supply of raw materials like cotton. This demonstrates a key interdependence between the two sectors.
Q.15What is the process where a seed absorbs water and begins to sprout, assuming all necessary conditions are met?
A) Pollination.
B) Fertilization.
C) Dormancy.
D) Germination.
What is the process where a seed absorbs water and begins to sprout, assuming all necessary conditions are met?
A) Pollination.
B) Fertilization.
C) Dormancy.
D) Germination.
Correct Answer: option d
Further reading: Seed germination.
Show explanation
Germination is the process by which a seed or spore sprouts and begins to grow. It is initiated when the seed absorbs water and favorable conditions like warmth and oxygen are present.
Q.16What is a key problem associated with the marketing of agricultural products?
A) High price elasticity of demand and supply.
B) The perishability of the products.
C) Uniform quality and standardization.
D) Easy availability of credit facilities.
What is a key problem associated with the marketing of agricultural products?
A) High price elasticity of demand and supply.
B) The perishability of the products.
C) Uniform quality and standardization.
D) Easy availability of credit facilities.
Correct Answer: option b
Further reading: Marketing of agricultural products.
Show explanation
A major problem in agricultural marketing is the perishability of most agricultural products. This often leads to a short shelf life, forcing farmers to sell their produce quickly, sometimes at lower prices, to avoid spoilage.
Q.17Which of the following is considered a modern aspect of agriculture?
A) Processing of agricultural goods.
B) Shifting cultivation.
C) Bush fallowing.
D) Using modern farm tools and ICT.
Which of the following is considered a modern aspect of agriculture?
A) Processing of agricultural goods.
B) Shifting cultivation.
C) Bush fallowing.
D) Using modern farm tools and ICT.
Correct Answer: option a
Further reading: The meaning and scope of agriculture.
Show explanation
The modern definition of agriculture extends beyond just production to include processing and marketing, reflecting a more comprehensive and value-chain-oriented approach to the sector. Shifting cultivation, bush fallowing, and simple farm tools are traditional or basic practices rather than modern conceptualizations of agriculture's scope.
Q.18The government provides subsidies to farmers to encourage agricultural production. This is an example of what?
A) A land reform policy.
B) An agricultural law.
C) A government programme aimed at agricultural development.
D) A fiscal policy aimed at controlling import duties.
The government provides subsidies to farmers to encourage agricultural production. This is an example of what?
A) A land reform policy.
B) An agricultural law.
C) A government programme aimed at agricultural development.
D) A fiscal policy aimed at controlling import duties.
Correct Answer: option c
Further reading: Government agricultural policies.
Show explanation
Subsidies and credit facilities are examples of specific government programmes and incentives designed to stimulate and develop the agricultural sector. They are different from broader fiscal policies, which might include import duties, or laws like the Land Use Act.
Q.19What is the primary objective of a seed viability test?
A) To determine the size of the seeds.
B) To check for the presence of pests.
C) To estimate the percentage of seeds that will germinate.
D) To measure the moisture content of the seeds.
What is the primary objective of a seed viability test?
A) To determine the size of the seeds.
B) To check for the presence of pests.
C) To estimate the percentage of seeds that will germinate.
D) To measure the moisture content of the seeds.
Correct Answer: option c
Further reading: Seed viability.
Show explanation
A seed viability test is conducted to determine the percentage of seeds in a lot that are capable of germinating and producing healthy seedlings. This is crucial for farmers to calculate the appropriate seed rate and ensure a successful planting.
Q.20The Nigerian government provides incentives for small and medium-sized farms, aiming to increase local food production and reduce dependence on imports. This action directly addresses which importance of agriculture?
A) Source of foreign exchange.
B) Provision of food.
C) Source of employment.
D) Supply of industrial raw materials.
The Nigerian government provides incentives for small and medium-sized farms, aiming to increase local food production and reduce dependence on imports. This action directly addresses which importance of agriculture?
A) Source of foreign exchange.
B) Provision of food.
C) Source of employment.
D) Supply of industrial raw materials.
Correct Answer: option b
Further reading: Importance of agriculture in the Nigerian economy
Show explanation
A direct consequence of increasing local food production is the provision of food for the country's population, which is a fundamental importance of agriculture.