Mix Example - IMPROVEMENT IN FOOD RESOURCES Questions in English

(A) Lentils are pulse-yielding plants.
Cauliflower is a vegetable.
Hibiscus is a flowering plant.
Sunflower seeds are rich in oil and are used for extracting edible oil.

(B) Carbohydrates are the main source of energy in food crops. Rice,Sorghum,and Millets are primarily carbohydrate-rich crops. Gram (chickpea) is a pulse crop and is primarily a rich source of protein,not carbohydrate.

(C) The statement in option $A$ is correct because the White Revolution (Operation Flood) was launched to increase milk production.
The statement in option $B$ is correct because the Blue Revolution is associated with the increase in fish and aquatic product production.
The statement in option $D$ is correct because sustainable agriculture refers to farming practices that meet current food needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,while maintaining environmental quality.
Since all the given statements are correct,the correct answer is $C$ (None of the above).

(D) To ensure food security in a country,three fundamental criteria must be met:
$1$. Increased production and effective storage of food grains to ensure availability.
$2$. Easy access for the population to the available food grains.
$3$. Economic affordability,meaning people must have sufficient income to purchase the food.
Therefore,all the mentioned factors are necessary to solve the food problem.

(A) Statement $(i)$ is correct: Hybridisation is the crossing between genetically dissimilar plants.
Statement $(ii)$ is correct: $A$ cross between two different varieties is known as inter-varietal hybridisation.
Statement $(iii)$ is correct: Introducing genes of desired characters into a plant results in a genetically modified crop.
Statement $(iv)$ is incorrect: $A$ cross between plants of two different species is called inter-specific hybridisation,not inter-varietal.
Therefore,statements $(i)$,$(ii)$,and $(iii)$ are correct. Given the options,$(i)$ and $(iii)$ are correct,but $(ii)$ and $(iii)$ are also correct. Based on standard textbook definitions,$(i)$ and $(iii)$ are the most accurate choices provided in option $A$.

(B) Weeds are unwanted plants that grow in a cultivated field along with the main crop. They affect crop plants by competing for essential resources such as sunlight,water,nutrients,and space. This competition reduces the availability of these resources for the main crop,leading to stunted growth and reduced yield.

(C) The Italian honey bee species is $Apis \ mellifera$.
This species is widely used in commercial beekeeping because it has high honey collection capacity,stings less,and breeds very well.
$Apis \ dorsata$ is the rock bee,$Apis \ florae$ is the little bee,and $Apis \ cerana \ indica$ is the Indian hive bee.

(D) Statement $(i)$ is correct: Manure is a bulky source of organic matter that provides nutrients in small quantities.
Statement $(ii)$ is correct: The addition of organic matter improves the soil structure,thereby increasing the water-holding capacity of sandy soil.
Statement $(iii)$ is correct: Organic matter helps in improving the soil structure of clayey soil,which facilitates the drainage of excess water.
Statement $(iv)$ is incorrect: Manure is eco-friendly and sustainable; it does not pollute the environment but rather helps in recycling agricultural and animal waste.
Therefore,the correct statements are $(i), (ii)$,and $(iii)$.

(A) Cattle husbandry involves the rearing of cows and buffaloes for various economic purposes.
$(i)$ Milk production is a primary purpose of cattle farming.
$(ii)$ Cattle are used for agricultural work such as ploughing,tilling,and carting in many regions.
$(iii)$ Meat production is also a purpose for which cattle are reared in certain systems.
$(iv)$ Egg production is associated with poultry farming,not cattle husbandry.
Therefore,the correct purposes are $(i), (ii),$ and $(iii)$.

(B) The scientific name for the Indian cow is $Bos$ $indicus$.
The scientific name for the Indian buffalo is $Bos$ $bubalis$ (also commonly referred to as $Bubalus$ $bubalis$).
$Bos$ $domestica$ and $Bos$ $vulgaris$ are not valid scientific names for cattle species.
Therefore,both $(i)$ and $(iii)$ represent Indian cattle.

(C) Exotic breeds are foreign breeds that are selected for long lactation periods.
$(i)$ Brawn is not a recognized cattle breed.
$(ii)$ Jersey is a well-known exotic breed of cattle originating from the Channel Islands.
$(iii)$ Brown Swiss is an exotic breed of cattle originating from Switzerland.
$(iv)$ Jersey Swiss is not a standard breed name.
Therefore,$(ii)$ and $(iii)$ are the correct exotic breeds.

(D) Poultry farming refers to the rearing of domesticated fowl for commercial purposes.
$(i)$ Egg production is a primary objective of poultry farming (layers).
$(ii)$ Feather production is not a primary commercial objective of poultry farming.
$(iii)$ Chicken meat production is a primary objective of poultry farming (broilers).
$(iv)$ Milk production is associated with dairy farming,not poultry farming,as birds are not mammals.
Therefore,poultry farming is undertaken for $(i)$ and $(iii)$.

(D) Poultry birds are susceptible to various infectious diseases caused by different types of pathogens. These include:
$1$. Viruses (e.g.,Ranikhet disease,Bird flu).
$2$. Bacteria (e.g.,Fowl cholera,Salmonellosis).
$3$. Fungi (e.g.,Aspergillosis).
Therefore,poultry fowl are susceptible to all of these pathogens.

(B) In composite fish farming,different species of fish are selected based on their feeding habits to utilize all available food in the pond.
$1$. $Catla$ $(Catlas)$ are surface feeders.
$2$. $Rohu$ $(Rohus)$ are column feeders (feed in the middle zone).
$3$. $Mrigal$ $(Mrigals)$ and $Common$ $carps$ are bottom feeders.
Therefore,$Catlas$ is the correct answer as it is a surface feeder.

(C) Animal husbandry is the agricultural practice of breeding and raising livestock.
It involves the scientific management of:
$(i)$ Animal breeding: Selective breeding to improve desirable traits.
$(iii)$ Animal livestock: Proper care and management of farm animals.
$(iv)$ Rearing of animals: Providing food,shelter,and protection to animals.
$(ii)$ Culture of animals (like tissue culture) is not a part of animal husbandry.
Therefore,the correct combination is $(i), (iii),$ and $(iv)$.

(D) Fertilizers are commercially produced plant nutrients that supply essential elements like Nitrogen $(N)$,Phosphorus $(P)$,and Potassium $(K)$. Iron is a micronutrient that plants absorb directly from the soil. There are no standard commercial fertilizers formulated to supply iron to plants.

(A) The storage of grains requires effective preventive and control measures to protect them from biotic factors (insects,rodents,fungi,mites,bacteria) and abiotic factors (inappropriate moisture and temperature).
$1$. Strict cleaning: The grains must be cleaned properly before storage to remove debris and contaminants.
$2$. Proper drying: The grains must be dried in the sun and then in the shade to reduce moisture content,which prevents fungal growth.
$3$. Fumigation: Using chemicals (fumigants) that produce toxic fumes to kill pests and insects within the storage area.
Since all these methods are essential for grain storage,the correct answer is 'all of the above'.

(B) The correct matching is as follows:
$(a)$ Catla is a surface feeder, so $(a) - (ii)$.
$(b)$ Rohu is a middle-zone feeder, so $(b) - (iii)$.
$(c)$ Mrigal is a bottom feeder, so $(c) - (i)$.
$(d)$ Fish farming is known as culture fishery, so $(d) - (iv)$.
Therefore, the correct sequence is $(a) - (ii), (b) - (iii), (c) - (i), (d) - (iv)$.

(N/A) Pigeon pea is a good source of protein.
$(b)$ Berseem is an important fodder crop.
$(c)$ The crops which are grown in the rainy season are called Kharif crops.
$(d)$ Vegetables are rich in vitamins.
$(e)$ Rabi crop grows in the winter season.

(N/A) crop that has been developed by introducing a new gene from another source to obtain a desired character is called a genetically modified $(GM)$ crop.
$Bt$ Cotton is an example of a $GM$ crop grown in India,which is made insect-resistant by introducing a gene from the bacterium $Bacillus$ $thuringiensis$.

(N/A) Useful traits of improved crops are:
$(a)$ Higher yield: To increase the productivity of the crop per acre.
$(b)$ Improved nutritional quality: To enhance the protein,oil,vitamin,mineral,or micronutrient content.
$(c)$ Resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses: To make crops resistant to diseases,insects,and pests (biotic) and stresses like drought,salinity,heat,or cold (abiotic).
$(d)$ Change in maturity duration: To develop varieties that mature in a shorter duration,allowing farmers to grow multiple crops in a year.
$(e)$ Wide range of adaptability: To allow crops to grow in different climatic conditions.
$(f)$ Desired agronomic characteristics: To develop traits like dwarfness in cereals (for less nutrient consumption) or tallness and profuse branching in fodder crops.

(D) Organic matter is crucial for crop production for the following reasons:
$(a)$ It improves the physical structure of the soil,making it more porous and suitable for root growth.
$(b)$ It increases the water-holding capacity of sandy soil,which helps in retaining moisture for plants.
$(c)$ In clayey soil,the addition of organic matter helps in improving drainage and prevents waterlogging,which is essential for healthy plant development.

(B) Excess use of fertilizers is detrimental because they are not fully absorbed by plants.
Residual amounts of these chemicals leach into the groundwater,causing water pollution.
They can also lead to soil degradation by altering the soil pH and killing beneficial soil microorganisms.
Furthermore,runoff from fields can cause eutrophication in nearby water bodies,leading to the depletion of oxygen and harm to aquatic life.

(N/A) Organic farming
$(b)$ Mixed cropping
$(c)$ Inter-cropping
$(d)$ Crop rotation
$(e)$ Weeds
$(f)$ Pathogen

(A) The correct matches are as follows:
$(a)$ Cattle used for tilling and carting are known as Draught animals $(iii)$.
$(b)$ Aseel $(v)$ is a well-known Indian breed of chicken.
$(c)$ Sahiwal and Red Sindhi $(iv)$ are examples of local breeds of cattle.
$(d)$ Milch animals $(i)$ are those that are milk-producing females.
$(e)$ Broilers $(ii)$ are chickens that are specifically fed and raised for obtaining meat.
Therefore, the correct sequence is $(a) - (iii), (b) - (v), (c) - (iv), (d) - (i), (e) - (ii)$.

(B) Farmers in low rainfall areas should be suggested to:
$(a)$ Practice farming with drought-resistant and early-maturing varieties of crops,as these varieties can survive with limited water and complete their life cycle quickly.
$(b)$ Enrich the soil with more humus (organic matter),as it significantly increases the water-holding capacity of the soil and helps retain moisture for a longer duration.

(N/A) $(1)$ Energy-yielding: Wheat,rice,maize.
$(2)$ Protein-yielding: Gram,pigeon pea,lentil,soybean.
$(3)$ Oil-yielding: Groundnut,castor,mustard,soybean.
$(4)$ Fodder crops: Berseem,oat,sudan grass.

(N/A) Hybridization: Hybridization refers to the crossing between genetically dissimilar organisms to produce offspring with desirable traits.
Photoperiod: Photoperiod is the duration of sunlight available to a plant. It significantly affects the growth,flowering,and maturation of crops.

(N/A) Photoperiod affects the flowering of plants.
$(b)$ Kharif crops are cultivated from June to October.
$(c)$ Rabi crops are cultivated from November to April.
$(d)$ Paddy,maize,green gram,and black gram are Kharif crops.
$(e)$ Wheat,gram,pea,and mustard are Rabi crops.

(N/A) Different crops and cultivation practices require specific environmental conditions such as temperature,humidity,and photoperiod for their growth and the completion of their life cycle.
$1$. Photoperiod: The duration of sunlight exposure affects the flowering and growth of plants.
$2$. Temperature: Different crops have specific temperature requirements for germination and development.
$3$. Seasonal Variation: Crops are categorized based on their environmental needs,such as $Kharif$ crops (grown in the rainy season) and $Rabi$ crops (grown in the winter season).
Therefore,selecting the right crop for the right season and environment is essential for maximizing crop yield.

(N/A) $16$ nutrients are essential for plants.
$(b)$ Carbon and Oxygen are supplied by air to plants.
$(c)$ Hydrogen is supplied by water to plants.
$(d)$ Soil supplies $13$ nutrients to plants.
$(e)$ Six nutrients are required in large quantities and are called macronutrients.
$(f)$ Seven nutrients are needed in small quantities for plants and are called micronutrients.

(N/A) Compost: It is the process of decomposition of farm waste materials such as livestock excreta,vegetable wastes,animal refuse,domestic waste,straw,and eradicated weeds,which are then used as manure.
Vermicompost: It is the compost prepared from organic matter by using earthworms,which significantly hastens the process of decomposition.

(B) The correct sequence for the preparation of green manure is as follows:
$1$. $(b)$ Green plants are cultivated for preparing manure or crop plant parts are used.
$2$. $(c)$ Plants are ploughed and mixed into the soil.
$3$. $(a)$ Green plants are decomposed in the soil.
$4$. $(d)$ After decomposition,it becomes green manure.
Therefore,the correct sequence is $(b) \to (c) \to (a) \to (d)$.

(N/A) The merits of the Italian bee variety $A. mellifera$ are as follows:
$(a)$ It has a high honey collection capacity.
$(b)$ It stings much less compared to indigenous varieties.
$(c)$ It stays in the given beehive for long periods.
$(d)$ It breeds very well.

(D) In agricultural practices,higher input leads to higher yield because it allows for the adoption of advanced farming technologies and better resources.
Financial conditions of farmers determine their ability to invest in high-quality inputs such as high-yielding variety $(HYV)$ seeds,fertilizers,pesticides,and modern irrigation systems.
The farmer's purchasing capacity directly influences the choice of cropping systems and production practices.
Therefore,higher financial investment enables the implementation of intensive farming techniques,which ultimately results in increased crop production.

(N/A) Hybridisation refers to the crossing between genetically dissimilar plants. It can be inter-varietal (between different varieties),inter-specific (between different species),or inter-generic (between different genera).
Two plants with desirable traits are selected and cross-bred to obtain a new progeny that combines the beneficial characteristics of both parents.
This method is crucial in crop improvement as it helps in developing varieties with higher yield,improved quality,better disease resistance,and enhanced pest resistance.

(N/A) $(i)$ Vermicompost: Compost is a type of manure rich in organic matter and nutrients. The compost prepared by using earthworms to hasten the process of decomposition of plant and animal refuse is called Vermicompost.
$(ii)$ Green manure: The manure prepared by decomposing green plants in the field itself is called green manure. For example,sun hemp is grown in fields,mulched by ploughing,and allowed to decompose in the field to prepare green manure.
$(iii)$ Biofertilizer: Living organisms that are used as fertilizers to supply nutrients to plants are called biofertilizers. For example,blue-green algae,which fix nitrogen in the soil of rice fields,act as biofertilizers.

(N/A) Weeds are unwanted plants that grow along with the main crop and compete for nutrients,space,and sunlight. Various methods for weed control include:
$(a)$ Mechanical removal: This involves uprooting or cutting weeds manually or using simple tools like a trowel or hoe.
$(b)$ Proper seed bed preparation: Preparing the soil thoroughly before sowing helps in destroying existing weeds and their seeds.
$(c)$ Timely sowing of crops: Sowing crops at the right time ensures that the crop plants grow faster and shade the ground,preventing weed germination.
$(d)$ Intercropping and crop rotation: These agricultural practices disrupt the life cycle of weeds,making it difficult for them to establish themselves in the field.
$(e)$ Use of weedicides: Chemical substances specifically designed to kill weeds without harming the main crop.

(N/A) $(i)$ Capture fishery is the method of obtaining fish from natural resources,whereas culture fishery is the method of obtaining fish through fish farming.
$(ii)$ Mixed cropping involves growing two or more crops simultaneously on the same piece of land without a specific pattern. Intercropping involves growing two or more crops simultaneously on the same field in a definite pattern,such as in alternating rows.
$(iii)$ Bee keeping is the practice of rearing honey bees for the production of honey and wax. Poultry farming is the practice of raising domestic fowl for the production of eggs and meat.

(N/A) Merits:
$(i)$ $A$ large quantity of desired fish can be produced in a small area.
$(ii)$ Selective breeding allows for the improvement of fish quality and yield.
Demerits:
$(i)$ Intensive fish farming can pose a threat to local biodiversity if non-native species escape into the wild.
$(ii)$ It often focuses only on economically important and highly valued fish species,potentially neglecting others.

(N/A) Composite fish culture is a method of farming five or six species of fish,both indigenous and exotic,together in a single fish pond.
These species are selected such that they do not compete for food among themselves because they have different food habits.
As a result,the food available in all parts of the pond is utilized efficiently.
For example,$Catlas$ are surface feeders,$Rohu$ are middle-zone feeders,and $Mrigals$ and common carps are bottom feeders.

(B) Bees require nectar and pollen to produce honey and sustain the colony.
Good pasturage provides an abundance of flowers with high-quality nectar and pollen.
This availability directly helps bees produce honey of better quality and in larger quantities.
Furthermore,access to specific types of flowers allows beekeepers to produce honey with unique tastes,colors,and consistencies.

(N/A) Following are the different modes by which insect pests affect the crop yield:
$(i)$ Cutting: Some insect pests cut different plant parts like leaves,fruits,and flowers,thereby damaging the plant. Damaged leaves result in a lower rate of photosynthesis,and damaged flowers lead to reduced seed production.
$(ii)$ Borers: Some pests bore into plant parts and live inside,such as stem borers or fruit borers. These pests consume the plant's resources.
$(iii)$ Suckers: Some pests use their specialized mouthparts (proboscis) to suck cell sap from various plant parts,weakening the plant.

(N/A) Pesticides are used in very accurate concentrations and in a very appropriate manner because,if used in excess,they:
$(a)$ Harm the soil and cause a loss of fertility.
$(b)$ Check the replenishment of organic matter.
$(c)$ Kill the beneficial micro-organisms of the soil.
$(d)$ Cause air,water,and soil pollution.

(N/A) Two types of animal feed are as follows:
$1$. Roughage: Roughage constitutes the bulk of animal feed. It helps the animal feel satiated and aids in the proper digestion of food. It is primarily provided by husk,hay,grass,and chopped leaves.
$2$. Concentrates: Concentrates are nutrient-rich feeds containing high levels of proteins,carbohydrates,and minerals. They are specially prepared according to the specific nutritional requirements of the cattle and are available in the market.

(B) Maintenance of optimal temperature is essential for better egg production in poultry birds.
Larger body size increases the surface area,making the birds more susceptible to heat stress,and the lack of summer adaptability further exacerbates this,leading to a decline in egg production.
To obtain smaller-sized poultry birds with higher summer adaptability,the method of cross-breeding is employed.
Smaller size is also advantageous for better housing management and lower feed requirements.

(N/A) The preventive measures for diseases in poultry birds include:
$(a)$ Proper cleaning and sanitation of poultry farms to maintain hygiene.
$(b)$ Regular spraying of disinfectants to eliminate pathogens.
$(c)$ Timely and appropriate vaccination of birds to build immunity against common diseases.
$(d)$ Providing clean drinking water and nutritious,uncontaminated feed.
$(e)$ Isolating sick birds to prevent the spread of infection to healthy ones.

(N/A) $(i)$ With the addition of chemical fertilizers,there is a sudden increase in yield due to the release of nutrients like $N, P, K$ in high quantities. The gradual decline in the graph may be due to the continuous use and high quantity of chemicals,which kill microbes useful for replenishing organic matter in the soil. This decreases soil fertility.
$(ii)$ Manures supply small quantities of nutrients to the soil slowly as they contain large amounts of organic matter. They enrich the soil with nutrients,thereby increasing soil fertility continuously.
$(iii)$ The difference in the two graphs indicates that the use of manure is beneficial for long-term cropping as the yield tends to remain high even when the quantity of manure increases.
In the case of Plot $B$,chemical fertilizers may cause various problems when used continuously for a long time. The loss of microbial activity reduces the decomposition of organic matter,and as a result,soil fertility is lost,which negatively affects the yield.

(A) The completed crossword puzzle is as follows:
Across:
$1.$ $SUNFLOWER$
$3.$ $RABI$
$5.$ $NITROGEN$
$9.$ $APIS$
Downward:
$2.$ $FODDER$
$4.$ $BORON$
$6.$ $WEED$
$7.$ $LEGHORN$
$8.$ $MRIGALS$
$10.$ $TUNA$

(N/A) Abiotic factors are non-living components of the environment that influence crop growth and yield. Two such factors are:
$1$. Drought: Lack of water availability leads to stunted growth and reduced yield.
$2$. Salinity: High salt concentration in the soil can interfere with nutrient uptake and cause osmotic stress in plants.