Environmental Science Agriculture and Food Production

Question 1

The Green Revolution of the mid-20th century primarily involved:

Accepted Answer

Development of high-yielding crop varieties, increased irrigation, and synthetic fertilizer use that dramatically raised food production

Answer

The Green Revolution (1940s-1970s) introduced high-yield varieties of wheat and rice, expanded irrigation, and dramatically increased fertilizer and pesticide use, averting famine in much of Asia and Latin America.

Question 2

Monoculture farming poses environmental risks primarily because:

Accepted Answer

Genetic uniformity increases vulnerability to pests, diseases, and climate variability

Answer

A single genetically uniform crop planted over large areas is highly vulnerable to a single pathogen or pest that overcomes its defenses, risking crop failures.

Question 3

Contour plowing reduces soil erosion by:

Accepted Answer

Plowing across (perpendicular to) the slope so furrows act as barriers that slow water flow

Answer

Contour plowing runs furrows horizontally across a slope, creating ridges that intercept rainwater, reduce runoff velocity, and hold soil in place.

Question 4

The primary cause of hypoxic dead zones in coastal marine ecosystems is:

Accepted Answer

Nutrient runoff (nitrogen and phosphorus) from agriculture that causes algal blooms and oxygen depletion

Answer

Excess nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizer runoff stimulate algal blooms; when algae die and decompose, bacteria consume oxygen, creating hypoxic zones where fish and invertebrates cannot survive.

Question 5

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is defined as an approach that:

Accepted Answer

Combines biological, cultural, physical, and chemical controls to manage pests with minimal environmental impact

Answer

IPM uses monitoring and economic thresholds to determine when intervention is needed, then applies the least-harmful effective control before escalating to synthetic pesticides.

Environmental Science Practice Test

Environmental Science Practice Test

Environmental Science Agriculture and Food Production