Chapter 11 Test - Agriculture And Rural Land Use

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) refer to crops that have been modified using advanced genetic engineering techniques to possess specific traits. These traits are not naturally found in the crops but are introduced through genetic manipulation. This allows for the development of crops with desirable characteristics such as resistance to pests, diseases, or herbicides, increased yield, or enhanced nutritional value. GMOs have been a subject of debate due to concerns about their potential impact on human health and the environment. However, they have also been praised for their potential to address global food security challenges.

The Von Thunen Model is a theoretical model that explains the spatial patterns of agricultural activities. According to this model, agricultural activities are organized in concentric rings around a market, with the type of crops cultivated being determined by the transportation costs involved. The closer a crop is to the market, the higher its value and the more expensive it is to transport, so high-value crops like fruits and vegetables are grown closer to the market. On the other hand, low-value and bulky crops like root crops are grown further away from the market. Therefore, the Von Thunen Model provides an explanation for the location of agricultural activities based on minimizing transportation costs.

The correct answer is slash and burn agriculture. This method involves cutting down vegetation and burning it to clear land for cultivation. The ashes from the burned foliage replenish the soil with nutrients, allowing crops to grow. This practice is commonly used in tropical forest regions where the soil is nutrient-poor. Slash and burn agriculture is often associated with subsistence farming, as it is primarily used to provide food for the farmer and their family rather than for commercial purposes.

Livestock ranching refers to the practice of raising domesticated animals for various purposes such as meat, leather, wool, etc. This involves the management and care of animals in order to produce these resources. Livestock ranching is a suitable answer because it specifically relates to the raising of animals for their meat, leather, wool, etc., as mentioned in the question.

Agribusiness is the correct answer because it refers to the general term for businesses that provide goods and services to support the agriculture industry. This includes activities such as farming, processing, distribution, and marketing of agricultural products. The term encompasses a wide range of businesses, from small family farms to large multinational corporations, that contribute to the overall functioning and growth of the agriculture sector.

Seed crops are the correct answer because they are crops that are reproduced through cultivation of seeds. These crops are specifically grown for the purpose of harvesting the seeds, which can then be used for planting in subsequent seasons. Unlike luxury crops, which are grown for their high economic value, or root crops, which are grown for their edible roots, seed crops are primarily cultivated for their seeds.

Shifting cultivation is the correct answer because it involves the cultivation of crops in tropical forest clearings that are relocated from year to year. This practice is common in areas with nutrient-poor soil, where farmers clear a small plot of land, cultivate it for a few years, and then move on to a new area. The old plot is left fallow and allowed to regenerate over time. Shifting cultivation is a sustainable farming method that helps maintain the fertility of the soil and allows for the continuation of agricultural practices in tropical forest regions.

Monoculture refers to the practice of cultivating only one type of crop in a particular area. This can lead to a heavy dependence on that single agricultural commodity, such as coffee or bananas, which is mentioned in the question. Monoculture can be risky as it makes the agricultural system vulnerable to pests, diseases, and market fluctuations. It also reduces biodiversity and can negatively impact the soil quality. Therefore, the correct answer is monoculture.

Root crops are crops that are reproduced by using roots or cuttings, such as planting the "eye" of a potato. These crops are typically grown for their edible roots or tubers, such as potatoes, carrots, beets, and radishes. Unlike seed crops, which are reproduced by planting seeds, root crops are propagated by planting a piece of the root or a cutting from the plant. Monoculture refers to the practice of growing a single crop in a large area, while luxury crops are high-value crops grown for export or luxury consumption. Therefore, the correct answer is root crops.

Primogeniture refers to a system where the oldest son or occasionally daughter inherits the family land after the father's death. This practice is commonly found in agricultural societies, where land ownership and inheritance are crucial for maintaining the family's wealth and status. By passing the land down to the eldest child, primogeniture ensures the continuity and stability of the family's agricultural activities, allowing for the preservation of ancestral land and the passing down of farming traditions from one generation to the next.

Luxury crops refer to non-subsistence crops that are cultivated for their high value and demand in the market. These crops, such as tea, cacao, coffee, and tobacco, are not grown primarily for sustenance but for commercial purposes. They are often associated with higher income levels and are considered luxury items due to their relatively high prices. The cultivation of luxury crops can contribute significantly to the economy, as they generate substantial revenue through exports and international trade.

Agriculture refers to the practice of raising crops and livestock for the purpose of producing food and fiber. It involves various activities such as cultivating land, planting and harvesting crops, and breeding and raising animals. This term encompasses the entire process of farming and is essential for sustaining human populations by providing them with necessary sustenance and resources.

Secondary economic activity refers to the process of transforming raw materials into finished goods or products. This includes activities such as manufacturing, construction, and processing. In this case, the term "Manufacturing" specifically falls under the category of secondary economic activity. This is because manufacturing involves the conversion of raw materials or components into finished goods through various processes and techniques.

The correct answer is the township and range system. This system, created by Thomas Jefferson, was used to divide and distribute land evenly across the U.S. interior. It involved dividing land into 6 square mile townships, which were further divided into 1 mile square sections. This system allowed for efficient and organized settlement of the land, ensuring that settlers were dispersed evenly across the farmland.

Subsistence agriculture refers to a type of farming where the main goal is to produce enough food to meet the needs of the farmer and their family, with little or no surplus for sale. This type of agriculture is typically practiced in tropical regions, where small-scale and low-tech methods are used. The emphasis is on local consumption rather than commercial production. This explanation aligns with the given description, making subsistence agriculture the correct answer.

Plantation agriculture is the correct answer because it refers to large estates owned by individuals, families, or corporations that are organized to produce cash crops. These plantations were commonly established in tropical regions by European colonialists. This type of agriculture involves the cultivation of a single crop, usually for export, and is often associated with the exploitation of labor and resources in colonial and post-colonial contexts.

The given answer, quaternary economic activity, is the correct choice because it refers to the subcategory of the tertiary economic sector that involves the collection, processing, and manipulation of information and capital. This includes activities such as finance, administration, insurance, and legal services. Quaternary economic activity is characterized by its focus on knowledge-based industries and the creation and dissemination of information.

The metes and bounds system is a land division system that relies on descriptions of land ownership and natural features. This system is commonly used in areas east of the Appalachian Mountains. In this system, land boundaries are described by using physical landmarks, such as trees or rocks, and by providing measurements of distances and angles. This allows for a more flexible and detailed description of land boundaries compared to other systems, such as the rectangular survey system or the township and range system.

The correct answer is quinary economic activity. Quinary economic activity refers to the highest level of economic activities that involve decision-making and leadership roles in areas such as government, education, healthcare, and research. This category includes scientific research and high-level management, which aligns with the given description. Primary economic activity refers to the extraction of natural resources, secondary economic activity involves manufacturing and processing, and tertiary economic activity includes services.