APHUG Test 10

Von Thünen's model is used by geographers to explain the importance of proximity to the market in the choice of crops to the commercial farm. This model suggests that farmers will choose to grow crops that have a higher market value and are more perishable closer to the market, while crops that have a lower market value and are less perishable will be grown farther away. This is because transportation costs and perishability decrease as the distance to the market increases. Therefore, the closer a farm is to the market, the more likely it is to grow high-value crops.

Crop rotation is a farming practice that involves growing different crops in a specific sequence on the same piece of land over time. The purpose of crop rotation is to maintain the fertility of fields. By rotating crops, different plants with varying nutrient needs are grown, which helps prevent the depletion of specific nutrients from the soil. This practice also helps control pests and diseases, improves soil structure, and increases overall crop yield. Therefore, the main objective of crop rotation is to ensure that the soil remains fertile and productive for future agricultural activities.

Hunting and gathering societies are found in isolated places in the world. This means that these societies are not widespread and are typically located in remote or secluded areas. They are not characterized by large concentrations of people and occur nearly everywhere. Additionally, it is not stated that they are responsible for most of the environmental degradation of the planet. Therefore, the correct answer is that hunting and gathering societies are found in isolated places in the world.

Farmers in LDCs choose to grow drug crops for export primarily because of their market value in MDCs. This means that these crops have a high demand and can fetch a higher price in developed countries. This economic incentive drives farmers to choose drug crops over other options. It is not mentioned that their proximity to local markets, inability to grow maize, disdain for freedoms enjoyed by developed countries, or desire to fund terrorist organizations are reasons for their choice.

Afghanistan is important to the world drug trade primarily because it produces about 90 percent of the world's opium. This means that a majority of the opium supply in the world comes from Afghanistan. Opium is a key ingredient in the production of heroin, which is a highly addictive and illegal drug. The high production of opium in Afghanistan makes it a significant player in the global drug trade, as it is a major source for the supply of this illicit substance.

Plantation agriculture is found primarily in less developed countries because it involves the large-scale cultivation of a single crop for export, such as sugar, coffee, or bananas. This type of agriculture requires a significant amount of land and labor, making it more feasible in countries where labor costs are lower and land is more abundant. Additionally, plantation agriculture often has a history rooted in colonialism and the exploitation of natural resources in these countries.

In Asia, growing rice typically involves several practices. First, the fields are prepared by using a plow drawn by oxen. Then, the plowed fields are flooded with water, creating a suitable environment for rice cultivation. Seedlings are grown in a nursery before being transplanted into the flooded field. Therefore, all of the given answers are correct as they describe typical practices in growing rice in Asia.

Transportation improvements have aided commercial farmers in MDCs by allowing them to transport their products more efficiently and quickly to markets, reducing spoilage and increasing profits. Scientific advances have provided farmers with new technologies and techniques to improve crop yields, such as genetically modified seeds and advanced irrigation systems. Electronics, such as GPS and precision farming technologies, have also played a role in increasing agricultural productivity by enabling farmers to monitor and manage their operations more effectively. Together, these factors have contributed to the success and profitability of commercial farming in MDCs.

The correct answer is climate. Mediterranean agriculture is characterized by a specific climate that includes hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This climate is ideal for growing crops such as olives, grapes, and citrus fruits, which are commonly found in Mediterranean agriculture. The other options, such as cultural beliefs, flat land, social customs, and livestock production, may vary in different regions where Mediterranean agriculture is practiced.

In von Thünen's model, the primary factor for choosing commercial farm products is market location. This means that farmers will choose to produce crops or raise livestock based on their proximity to markets where they can sell their products. The closer the farm is to the market, the higher the value of the land and the more profitable it becomes to produce high-value perishable goods. This model emphasizes the importance of transportation costs and market accessibility in determining the types of agricultural activities that are most profitable in a given area.

Double cropping is the practice of growing two or more crops on the same land within a single growing season. This technique is commonly used by farmers in South China to increase their crop yields. By planting different crops in succession, farmers can maximize the use of their land and optimize the growing conditions for each crop. This allows them to produce more food and increase their overall agricultural productivity.

The correct answer is 10,000 years ago. This is because the earliest known domesticated wheat, barley, and rice crops are believed to have originated in Asia around this time. This marks the beginning of agriculture and the transition from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to settled farming communities.

Plantations are large-scale agricultural estates that specialize in the cultivation of cash crops such as coffee, tea, sugar, and rubber. These plantations are typically found in less developed countries where land and labor are more affordable. The favorable climate and soil conditions in these countries also make them suitable for plantation agriculture. Additionally, plantations in less developed countries often employ a large number of workers, providing employment opportunities and contributing to the local economy.

Mixing crops and livestock allows farmers to create a system where crops provide food for livestock and the livestock provide manure for crop fertilization. This is known as a symbiotic relationship where both crops and livestock benefit from each other. The crops provide feed for the livestock, reducing the need for external feed sources, and the livestock provide manure which serves as a natural fertilizer for the crops. This system helps in maintaining soil fertility, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers, and improving overall farm productivity.

Truck farming refers to the type of agriculture practiced near large cities that involves the production of fruits and vegetables. This term is commonly used in North America and is characterized by the cultivation of high-value crops that are transported to urban areas for sale. The term "truck" in truck farming refers to the transportation of the produce using trucks, highlighting the close proximity of the farms to the cities they serve. This type of agriculture allows for fresh and locally grown produce to be readily available in urban markets.

Von Thünen's model can best be used to explain the location of dairying in the Northeast United States because it focuses on the spatial organization of agricultural activities based on the cost of land and transportation. According to the model, agricultural activities that require intensive labor and have high transportation costs, such as dairying, tend to be located closer to the market. The Northeast United States has a high population density and a strong demand for dairy products, making it economically viable to have dairy farms in close proximity to urban areas.

The climate in northeast China is the most important reason why most farmers in the region grow crops other than wet rice. The climate in this area is not suitable for growing wet rice, which requires a warm and humid environment. Therefore, farmers in northeast China choose to grow other crops that are better suited to the cooler and drier climate of the region.

Increasing tariffs on grain exports is not a strategy for increasing food supply because it restricts the flow of grain to other countries, potentially leading to higher prices and decreased availability of food in those regions. This strategy focuses on protecting domestic markets rather than increasing overall food production.

Transhumance refers to the seasonal movement of livestock between different grazing areas, typically between mountains and lowland pastures. This practice is common in areas with varying climatic conditions, where animals are moved to higher elevations during the summer months to take advantage of cooler temperatures and better forage, and then brought back to lower elevations during the winter months. It is a traditional form of animal husbandry that has been practiced for centuries in many parts of the world, including regions with a Mediterranean climate, such as Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

Agribusiness refers to the integration of farms into a larger food production industry. This means that farms are not operated independently, but rather as part of a larger system that includes various stages of food production, such as processing, distribution, and marketing. Agribusiness aims to maximize efficiency and profitability by streamlining the entire food production process. This term is commonly used in the United States to describe the modern agricultural industry, which is characterized by large-scale, corporate farming operations.

The correct answer is 2 million. This means that the number of farms in the United States decreased from about 6 million in 1940 to 2 million in 1980. This decline could be due to various factors such as changes in agricultural practices, increased mechanization, consolidation of farms, and urbanization.

Potatoes were domesticated in the Americas. This is supported by historical evidence that shows the cultivation of potatoes by indigenous peoples in the Andean region of South America as early as 8,000 to 5,000 BCE. The potato then spread throughout the Americas and eventually reached Europe and other parts of the world through the Columbian Exchange. The Americas, specifically South America, is therefore considered the region where potatoes were first domesticated.

Butter is least likely to be produced in Mediterranean agriculture because the Mediterranean region is known for its production of fruits, grapes, olives, and cereals. The climate and soil conditions in the Mediterranean are more suitable for growing these crops rather than for dairy farming and butter production. Additionally, traditional Mediterranean diets often rely more on olive oil rather than butter as a source of fat. Therefore, it is less likely for butter to be produced in this agricultural region.

Shifting cultivation is a traditional agricultural practice where farmers clear a piece of land, cultivate it for a few years, and then move on to a new site. This allows the previously used land to regenerate and regain its fertility. The answer choice "A new site is designated every few years" accurately describes this characteristic of shifting cultivation.

Truck farming refers to the practice of exchanging or bartering commodities. This term originated from the Middle-English word "truck," which means "bartering" or "exchange of commodities." In truck farming, farmers typically grow a variety of crops and then trade or sell them directly to consumers or local markets. This system allows for a direct exchange of goods without the involvement of intermediaries or cash transactions.

Sustainable agriculture focuses on the long-term health and productivity of the land. Careful land management involves practices such as crop rotation, soil conservation, and water management to minimize environmental impact and maintain soil fertility. It aims to balance the needs of agriculture with the preservation of natural resources and biodiversity. This approach promotes sustainable food production while minimizing negative effects on the environment.

The correct answer is "limited use of chemicals." Sustainable agriculture focuses on minimizing the use of chemical inputs such as pesticides and fertilizers to reduce environmental impact and promote long-term soil health. By limiting chemical use, farmers can prevent water and soil pollution, protect biodiversity, and maintain the natural balance of ecosystems. This approach also promotes the use of organic and natural alternatives, such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and integrated pest management, to ensure sustainable and resilient agricultural practices.

Farmers in both more developed and less developed countries face the problem of inadequate income. This means that their earnings from farming are not sufficient to meet their basic needs and sustain their livelihoods. This can be due to various factors such as low crop prices, lack of access to markets, limited agricultural resources, and unfair trade practices. Inadequate income can lead to poverty, food insecurity, and limited investment in farming practices, which ultimately hinders the overall development of the agricultural sector in both types of countries.

Asian agriculture is characterized by shortages of equipment, funds, and land. However, labor is not in shortage in Asian agriculture. This means that there is an abundance of available labor in Asian agriculture, which helps to support and sustain the industry.

Intensive subsistence agriculture is practiced by the largest percentage of the world's people. This type of agriculture involves a high level of labor and inputs on small plots of land to produce enough food for the farmer's family. It is commonly practiced in densely populated regions where land is scarce, such as parts of Asia and Africa. Farmers rely on manual labor and traditional farming techniques to maximize their crop yields and sustain their livelihoods. This type of agriculture is characterized by its focus on self-sufficiency and small-scale farming.

Pastoral nomadism is most commonly found in dry climate regions. This is because dry climates typically have sparse vegetation and limited agricultural opportunities, making it difficult for settled farming communities to thrive. Nomadic herders, on the other hand, can move their livestock to areas with available grazing land and water sources. The dry climate allows them to sustain their animals through the use of mobile shelters and by following seasonal patterns of rainfall and vegetation growth. Therefore, dry climates provide the most suitable conditions for the traditional practice of pastoral nomadism.

The decline in the number of farmers in MDCs is primarily due to push/pull economic factors. This means that farmers are being pushed out of rural areas due to the lack of opportunities and are being pulled towards urban areas where there are higher-paying jobs available. This shift in economic opportunities has led to a decrease in the number of farmers in rural areas as they seek better employment prospects in urban areas.

Mediterranean agriculture is not a form of subsistence agriculture. Subsistence agriculture refers to the practice of growing crops and raising livestock for the sole purpose of feeding oneself or one's family. Mediterranean agriculture, on the other hand, is a type of commercial agriculture that is practiced in the Mediterranean region, characterized by the cultivation of high-value crops such as grapes, olives, and citrus fruits for export. Unlike subsistence agriculture, Mediterranean agriculture is focused on generating income rather than solely meeting basic food needs.

Ranching is practiced in a climate region most similar to that of pastoral nomadism. Both ranching and pastoral nomadism involve the raising of livestock, particularly grazing animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats. Both types of agriculture rely on large areas of land for grazing and require a climate that is suitable for the growth of grass and other vegetation that the animals feed on. Additionally, both ranching and pastoral nomadism involve the movement of livestock from one area to another in search of fresh grazing land, making them similar in terms of their nomadic nature.

Farming practices differ across the world due to cultural and environmental factors. Cultural factors include traditions, beliefs, and knowledge that influence farming methods. For example, certain societies may have specific agricultural practices passed down through generations. Environmental factors, on the other hand, encompass the physical characteristics of a region such as soil type, topography, and availability of water. These factors determine the suitability of certain crops and livestock in a particular area. Therefore, the combination of cultural and environmental factors shapes the diverse farming practices observed globally.

Pigs were domesticated in Southwest Asia because archaeological evidence suggests that the earliest domesticated pigs were found in this region. The domestication of pigs in Southwest Asia is believed to have occurred around 9,000 years ago, making it one of the earliest known instances of animal domestication. This region was also a major center for the development of agriculture, which likely played a role in the domestication of pigs as a source of food and other resources.

Seed agriculture is the practice of cultivating crops from seeds, and it is believed to have originated in Southwest Asia. This region, also known as the Fertile Crescent, includes countries such as Iraq, Syria, and Turkey. The Fertile Crescent is considered the birthplace of agriculture, as it has a favorable climate and fertile soil for growing crops. The spread of seed agriculture to Europe most likely occurred through trade and migration routes connecting Southwest Asia to Europe.

The most important crop in the U.S. mixed crop and livestock region after maize is soybeans. This is because soybeans are a versatile crop that can be used for various purposes such as animal feed, cooking oil, and biofuel. Soybeans are also in high demand both domestically and internationally, making them a profitable crop for farmers in this region. Additionally, soybeans have a relatively short growing season and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, making them well-suited for cultivation in the U.S. mixed crop and livestock region.

In the year 2000, the United States had experienced a significant decrease in the number of farms, with approximately 60% fewer farms compared to 1900. This decline in farms also resulted in a decrease in the number of farmers, with a significant reduction of 85% in the total number of farmers during this period.

Winter wheat is a type of wheat that is planted in the autumn and harvested in the summer. This is because winter wheat requires a period of cold temperature for proper growth and development. The cold temperatures during the winter months allow the wheat to establish strong root systems and promote tillering, which leads to increased grain production. The wheat then continues to grow in the spring and is ready for harvest in the summer when the grains have fully matured.

Mixed crop and livestock farming is the most common form of commercial agriculture in Europe. This type of farming involves both the cultivation of crops and the raising of livestock on the same piece of land. It is popular in Europe because it allows for a diverse range of agricultural products, including grains, vegetables, fruits, and animal products like meat and dairy. This integrated approach helps to maximize land use and productivity, as the crops and livestock can support and benefit from each other. Additionally, mixed crop and livestock farming provides a more stable income for farmers, as they can rely on multiple sources of revenue.

Shifting cultivation is most commonly found in humid low-latitude climate regions. This type of agriculture involves clearing small areas of forest or vegetation, planting crops for a few years, and then moving on to a new area once the soil fertility declines. The humid low-latitude climate provides the necessary conditions for the rapid growth of vegetation and allows for multiple cycles of cultivation before the soil becomes depleted. This practice is often used in tropical rainforest areas where the climate is warm and wet throughout the year.

Intensive subsistence agriculture is characterized by a greater use of animal power. This means that farmers in intensive subsistence agriculture rely more on animals, such as oxen or horses, to help with tasks like plowing and transportation. This allows for more efficient and productive farming methods compared to shifting cultivation, which typically relies on manual labor. The use of animal power in intensive subsistence agriculture helps to increase agricultural output and productivity.

Commercial gardening is the correct answer because it refers to the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants for commercial purposes. The U.S. Southeast is known for its mild climate and fertile soil, which makes it suitable for growing a variety of crops for sale. Mixed crop and livestock, dairy farming, Mediterranean agriculture, and plantation farming are not as prevalent in the U.S. Southeast as commercial gardening.

Hunting and gathering, though less common in modern times, is still practiced by some groups around the world, particularly in remote or marginalized communities where agricultural modernization has not fully reached or where traditional practices are maintained for cultural or environmental reasons.