Unit 5 Test - Agricultural And Rural Land Use

The advantage of domesticating animals was that they provided various resources and services to humans. Animals could be used for their meat, milk, furs, and skins, which were valuable for food, clothing, and shelter. Additionally, domesticated animals could be trained and used as beasts of burden, assisting humans in tasks such as transportation and agriculture. Therefore, all of the given options are correct, as they highlight the different advantages of domesticating animals.

The correct answer is "all of the above" because grapes, olives, dates, and lemons are all agricultural products commonly grown in the Mediterranean region. These products thrive in the Mediterranean climate, which is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The region's fertile soil, ample sunshine, and suitable temperatures make it ideal for cultivating these crops. Grapes are used for wine production, olives for olive oil, dates as a sweet fruit, and lemons for culinary purposes and as a source of vitamin C.

Aquaculture is the correct answer because it refers to the farming of fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants in controlled environments such as ponds, tanks, or cages. With the over harvesting of fish stocks and the rising demand for seafood, aquaculture has experienced significant growth in the last thirty years as a means to meet the demand for seafood while reducing pressure on wild fish populations.

Subsistence agriculture refers to a type of farming where farmers produce crops and raise livestock primarily for their own consumption, rather than for sale in the market. This type of agriculture is commonly found in less developed countries where the majority of the population is engaged in small-scale farming to meet their basic needs. In contrast, more developed countries tend to have advanced agricultural practices and rely more on commercial farming for both domestic consumption and export. Therefore, the correct answer is less developed countries.

The dramatic increase in yields of crops in developed countries since the 1950s can be attributed to a combination of factors. The increased use of machinery has facilitated more efficient and faster farming practices, leading to higher yields. The use of pesticides has helped control pests and diseases that can damage crops, further enhancing yields. Additionally, the increased use of fertilizers has provided essential nutrients to the soil, promoting plant growth and increasing yields. Lastly, the development of improved seed varieties with higher yield potential has also contributed to the overall increase in crop yields. Therefore, all of the mentioned factors have played a role in the significant increase in yields.

The correct answer is hunting and gathering. Before the invention of agriculture, humans relied on hunting animals and gathering wild plants for their survival. They would hunt animals for meat and gather fruits, nuts, and edible plants from the environment. This lifestyle allowed them to adapt to different environments and move around in search of food. Agriculture later emerged as a more reliable food production system, leading to settled communities and the development of civilizations.

Sub-Saharan Africa is the correct answer because this region experienced the least benefits from the Green Revolution. The Green Revolution was a period of significant agricultural advancements, including the development of high-yield crop varieties and the use of modern farming techniques. While South Asia, East Asia, and Central America saw improvements in agricultural productivity and food security due to the Green Revolution, Sub-Saharan Africa faced various challenges that hindered its progress, such as limited access to technology, inadequate infrastructure, and political instability. These factors prevented the region from fully benefiting from the Green Revolution's innovations and advancements.

The European Union refuses to purchase corn and soybeans from the US because they are opposed to GMO crops. The EU has strict regulations and labeling requirements for genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and many European consumers have concerns about the potential health and environmental impacts of GMOs. Therefore, the EU prefers to import non-GMO crops from other sources or grow them domestically.

The correct answer is 2-5%. This means that only a small percentage of the labor force in the United States is directly involved in agriculture. This can be attributed to advancements in technology and mechanization in the agricultural industry, which have reduced the need for manual labor. Additionally, the growth of other sectors, such as manufacturing and services, has provided alternative employment opportunities for the workforce.

Many countries in Europe and Africa are reluctant to import Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) produced foods from the United States because they could severely alter local agricultural economies. This is because GMO crops often require specific farming techniques and equipment, which may not be accessible or affordable for local farmers. Additionally, GMO crops may outcompete traditional crops, leading to a decline in local agricultural production and income. Furthermore, GMO crops could possibly crossbreed with domestic varieties, leading to unintended genetic modifications and potential loss of biodiversity. Importing GMO foods would also cause economic dependence on US corporations, as these companies are often the primary producers of GMO crops. Lastly, some people consider GMO foods to be less nutritious compared to traditional, non-GMO foods, which further contributes to the reluctance to import them.

The correct answer is cultural taboos exist on eating pork. This means that in Southwest Asia and North Africa, there is a strong cultural aversion to consuming pork, which is why hog production is nearly nonexistent in these regions. The cultural beliefs and practices of the population play a significant role in shaping their dietary preferences and choices.

The modern definition of agriculture includes the deliberate domestication of plants and animals. This means that agriculture involves intentionally cultivating and breeding plants and animals for human use and benefit. This definition encompasses practices such as selective breeding, crop cultivation, and animal husbandry, which are essential components of modern agricultural systems. The inclusion of this answer option signifies the importance of human intervention and control in the development and management of agricultural practices.

During the late 1970s and 1980s, the farm crisis in the US led to several consequences. Many family farms went bankrupt due to factors such as high interest rates, inflation, and falling commodity prices. As a result, corporate farms started playing a larger role in rural America, as they were better equipped to withstand the financial pressures. Additionally, the crisis led to an increased size of the average farm, as struggling farmers had to sell their land to larger operations. This, in turn, made it more difficult for individuals to become farmers, as the barriers to entry became higher. Therefore, all of the above options are correct explanations for the farm crisis during that period.

According to the von Thunen model, a commercial farmer considers transportation costs and the cost of land when deciding what crops to plant. Transportation costs are important because they determine the profitability of transporting the crops to market. The cost of land is also a crucial factor as it directly affects the overall profitability of the farm. Transaction costs and the cost of externalities are not mentioned in the von Thunen model as significant factors in crop selection.

In Mediterranean agriculture, farmers derive most of their income from fruits and vegetables. This is because the Mediterranean region has a favorable climate and fertile soil that supports the growth of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. These crops are in high demand due to their nutritional value, taste, and versatility in various cuisines. Additionally, the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes the consumption of fruits and vegetables, has gained popularity worldwide, further increasing the demand for these agricultural products.

Intensive commercial agriculture is characterized by the dominance of commercial agriculture in More Developed Countries (MDCs), the decrease in profit margins due to globalization and competition, the need for farmers to specialize in order to stay competitive, and their participation in a complex and highly integrated system called agribusiness.

The correct answer is wheat, rice, and maize. These three grains are the most widely produced in the world. Wheat is a staple crop in many countries and is used to make various food products. Rice is a major food source for a large portion of the global population, particularly in Asia. Maize, also known as corn, is widely cultivated for both human consumption and animal feed. Together, these three grains play a crucial role in global food production and supply.

Market gardening farms grow highly perishable fruits and vegetables because they are located close to urban centers. This proximity allows for quick and efficient transportation of the produce to the consumers, ensuring that the fruits and vegetables reach the market while still fresh. Being close to urban centers also reduces transportation costs and minimizes the time between harvest and sale, maximizing the shelf life and quality of the perishable produce.

Boserup theorized that as the population increases in a subsistence agriculturally-based community, the demands for resources and food also increase. In order to meet these increased population pressures, the level of technology and labor efforts must increase. This means that the community needs to develop new and more efficient farming techniques, invest in machinery, and put in more labor to maximize agricultural productivity and meet the growing demands of the population.

Feedlots have several advantages over traditional methods of livestock ranching. Firstly, they combine multiple steps in the meat packing industry in one location, which increases efficiency and streamlines the process. Secondly, feedlots are more efficient at adding weight to cattle, allowing them to reach market weight faster. This results in higher productivity and faster turnaround time. Additionally, feedlots reduce transportation costs of both live cattle and the finished product, as everything is centralized in one location. Therefore, all of the given options are advantages of cattle feedlots over traditional methods of livestock ranching.

Horticulture is the practice of cultivating plants for food, medicinal purposes, and aesthetic appeal. It encompasses various agricultural techniques, including Mediterranean agriculture, market gardening, and truck farming. Mediterranean agriculture refers to the cultivation of crops in regions with a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Market gardening involves the intensive production of fruits, vegetables, and flowers for sale in local markets. Truck farming, on the other hand, focuses on growing high-value crops on a small scale for direct selling to consumers or restaurants. Therefore, all of the options mentioned - Mediterranean agriculture, market gardening, and truck farming - are potential components of horticulture.

The correct answer is the U.S. The U.S. is the largest producer of maize in the world. It has a favorable climate and extensive agricultural land, which allows for high production levels. Additionally, the U.S. has advanced agricultural technology and infrastructure, further contributing to its dominance in maize production.

Globalization and improved transportation links have led to changes in the geography of production areas for products such as apples, grapes, and fresh cut flowers. Farmers now seek out areas with the lowest production costs, which can be found in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) due to lower labor and land costs. North American farmers no longer have a competitive advantage all year as production areas have become more competitive globally. Additionally, Southern hemisphere producers have increased their production of these items, further impacting the geography of production. Therefore, all of the given options are correct explanations for the changes in production areas.

Banana is not considered a luxury crop because it is widely consumed and affordable for most people. Luxury crops are typically expensive and consumed by a smaller, more affluent population. Coffee, tea, cacao, and tobacco are all considered luxury crops because they are often associated with higher prices and are consumed by a more niche market.

Commercial agriculture refers to the production of crops and livestock for sale, rather than for personal consumption. It involves large-scale farming operations that rely heavily on machinery for efficiency and productivity. The products produced are typically consumed off the farm, meaning they are sold and distributed to consumers through various channels. Additionally, commercial agriculture often requires a significant workforce, although only a small percentage of the overall workforce is directly engaged in agriculture. Finally, commercial farms tend to be large in size, often spanning hundreds of acres. However, there is a strong relationship between commercial agriculture and other businesses, as it involves the supply chain, transportation, processing, and marketing of agricultural products.

The correct answer is agribusiness. Agribusiness refers to the trend in which large corporations acquire and control various stages of the food-processing industry. This includes activities such as farming, processing, packaging, and distribution. It involves the integration of agriculture and business, with a focus on maximizing profits and efficiency. Agribusiness allows corporations to have significant control over the entire food supply chain, from production to consumption. This trend has led to concerns about the concentration of power and potential negative impacts on small farmers and local food systems.

North America has the lowest percent of the labor force directly engaged in agriculture compared to the other regions listed. This can be attributed to the region's high level of industrialization and technological advancements in agriculture, which have led to increased efficiency and reduced the need for manual labor in farming. Additionally, North America has a highly developed service sector and a diverse economy, with a significant portion of the labor force engaged in other industries such as manufacturing, finance, and technology.

Truck farming refers to the practice of growing fruits and vegetables for sale in local markets. It is a type of commercial agriculture, where crops are grown on a large scale and primarily for profit. On the other hand, subsistence agriculture focuses on producing enough food to meet the needs of the farmer and their family, with little surplus for trade. Pastoral nomadism, shifting cultivation, swidden agriculture, and intensive rice farming are all examples of subsistence agriculture, as they involve the production of food primarily for self-sufficiency rather than commercial purposes.

The correct answer is A and B only. This is because both wheat and grain farming and livestock ranching are examples of extensive commercial agriculture. Extensive commercial agriculture refers to large-scale farming practices that involve the cultivation of a single crop or the raising of livestock over a vast area of land. Both wheat and grain farming and livestock ranching require extensive land and are typically carried out for commercial purposes. Banana plantations in Latin America and mixed crop and livestock operations in Iowa, on the other hand, may involve smaller-scale farming practices or a combination of different crops and livestock.

The correct answer is "All of the above." The Green Revolution, massive relief on the part of the US, technological advancements, and high yield varieties (HYVs) all contributed to preventing Malthus's predictions from becoming a reality in Least Developed Countries (LDCs). The Green Revolution significantly increased crop yields in developing countries, while the relief efforts from the US helped prevent worldwide famine. Technological advancements further increased agricultural yields globally, and the use of high yield varieties also contributed to increased yields in many parts of the world.

Von Thunen included a forestry ring in his model of agricultural land use because wood was used for construction purposes and heating, and it was also expensive to transport due to its weight. This suggests that the proximity of forests to agricultural areas would be important for easy access to wood resources, making it a significant factor in land use decisions.

Shifting cultivation is a threatened form of agriculture because of competition for resources from logging and mining companies as well as population increase. Logging and mining companies often clear large areas of land, destroying the natural habitat and resources required for shifting cultivation. Additionally, as the population increases, there is a higher demand for land and resources, leading to the encroachment on shifting cultivation areas. Therefore, both competition from logging and mining companies and population increase pose threats to shifting cultivation.

Shifting cultivation is a type of agricultural practice where farmers clear land, grow crops for a few years, and then move on to a new area once the soil nutrients are depleted. They usually return to the same area after a long period of time, typically around twenty years. The practice is characterized by farmers living in small villages and using slash and burn techniques to clear the land. However, the statement about primogentric land ownership dominating shifting cultivation societies is not true. Shifting cultivation is typically practiced in societies where communal land ownership is more common, rather than individual ownership based on primogeniture.

Monoculture refers to the practice of growing or raising a single specialty crop on large tracts of land. This method is commonly used in commercial agriculture, where farmers focus on cultivating a single crop for mass production. Monoculture allows for efficient management and harvesting of crops, but it also poses risks such as vulnerability to pests and diseases. This method is different from extensive commercial agriculture, which involves cultivating multiple crops on large areas of land, and industrial agriculture, which incorporates advanced technology and machinery in the production process. Agribusiness, on the other hand, refers to the industry that encompasses various aspects of agriculture, including production, processing, and distribution.

All of the options listed - cultural taboos, distance to the market, political policies, and level of economic development - can affect agriculture in some way. However, the correct answer is "all of the above" because it states that agriculture is not affected by any of these factors. This implies that none of these factors have an impact on agriculture, which is not accurate.

The second agricultural revolution and the Industrial Revolution are connected through advancements in agricultural production and technological advancements. The second agricultural revolution brought about innovations such as the use of new farming techniques, improved crop rotation, and the development of new tools and machinery. These advancements increased agricultural productivity, which in turn helped to feed the expanding population during the Industrial Revolution. Additionally, technological advancements, such as the invention of new machinery like the seed drill and the use of steam power, further increased agricultural production. Therefore, the conclusion that can be made is that both advancements in agricultural production and technological advancements played a role in connecting the second agricultural revolution with the Industrial Revolution.

The Enclosure Movement in rural England brought about significant changes in geography and agricultural practices. One of these changes was the consolidation of oddly shaped fields, which made farming more efficient and easier to manage. This allowed for the use of more farm machinery, further increasing productivity. However, it also resulted in the displacement of farmers from their lands, as larger landowners enclosed common lands for their own use. Therefore, the correct answer is A and B only, as the Enclosure Movement both consolidated oddly shaped fields and encouraged the use of more farm machinery.

In early medieval times, Europeans practiced a system of farming called strip farming, where they cultivated a single field. However, by the 18th century, they had adopted a more advanced agricultural technique known as crop rotation. This involved dividing their land into four different sections or fields and rotating the crops grown in each section every year. Crop rotation helped improve soil fertility, prevent the spread of diseases, and increase crop yields. Therefore, the correct answer is four.

The long lot system is a linear agricultural land use pattern commonly found in Quebec and Louisiana. This system divides land into long, narrow lots that run perpendicular to a river or road. Each lot has access to water and transportation, making it efficient for agricultural activities. This system is unique to these regions and is not found in other parts of North America.

The correct answer is transhumance. Transhumance refers to the practice of herders moving their animals between mountain pastures and lowland valleys seasonally. This allows the animals to graze on fresh pastures and ensures their survival during different seasons. It is a traditional and sustainable way of managing livestock and utilizing different ecological resources.

Small farmers try to compete against corporate operations by establishing a CSA, becoming an organic operation, selling their produce at farmers markets, and specializing in a high-quality product. However, increasing their use of pesticides and artificial fertilizers is not a strategy that small farmers typically employ to compete against corporate operations. This is because small farmers often prioritize sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, and increasing pesticide and fertilizer use goes against these principles.

According to Carl Sauer, the invention of plant domestication was characterized by a gradual process. Additionally, a number of independent hearths were established, and these hearths developed in areas with high biodiversity. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above."

The correct answer is A and B only because intensive subsistence and organic truck farming are both agricultural practices that can be deemed sustainable. Intensive subsistence refers to a farming system where a small amount of land is intensively cultivated to produce enough food for a farmer's family. This practice can be sustainable if it uses efficient irrigation methods and minimizes the use of chemical inputs. Organic truck farming involves the cultivation of vegetables and fruits without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, which is considered environmentally friendly and sustainable. Commercial livestock feedlots and dairy operations, on the other hand, often involve intensive use of resources, such as water and feed, and may contribute to environmental degradation, making them less sustainable.

Market gardening farms are located close to large urban areas because of several reasons. Firstly, expensive land costs force farmers to grow crops with a higher profit margin in order to make a profit. Secondly, the highly perishable nature of their crops requires them to be close to the market to ensure freshness and minimize spoilage. Additionally, transport costs are high due to the special handling requirements of these crops, making it more practical to be located near urban areas. Lastly, farmers in this type of farming often need large amounts of capital for specialized machinery, which can be more easily obtained in urban areas. Therefore, all of the above reasons contribute to the proximity of market gardening farms to large urban areas.

The correct answer is A and B only. This means that the areas of the world traditionally known for their circular rural land use patterns are Northern Germany and Sub-Saharan Africa. These regions have a history of practicing circular land use patterns, which involve the rotation of crops and the use of fallow periods to maintain soil fertility. East Asia and South America, on the other hand, may have different land use patterns that are not circular in nature.

Dairy operations locate on the suburban fringe of metropolitan areas because access to the market is greater. Being closer to the metropolitan areas allows dairy farmers to easily transport their products to consumers, reducing transportation costs and ensuring fresher products. Additionally, being in proximity to urban areas provides dairy farmers with a larger customer base and potential for higher demand for their products.

Sheep and goats were domesticated in Southwest Asia. This is supported by archaeological evidence that shows the presence of these animals in the region thousands of years ago. Domestication of sheep and goats provided a reliable source of meat, milk, and wool for early human societies in Southwest Asia, and they played a crucial role in the development of agriculture and settled communities in the region.

Dairy farmers specialize in other products rather than fresh milk because they are located outside the milkshed. The milkshed refers to the region where milk can be produced and transported to the market at a low cost. If dairy farmers are located outside this region, it becomes more expensive and inefficient to transport the milk, resulting in lower profit margins. Therefore, they choose to specialize in other products that are more viable in their location.

Ridge tillage is a farming practice that involves planting crops on the tops of hills. This technique helps to preserve soil conservation by creating ridges or raised beds, which prevent water runoff and soil erosion. The ridges also improve water infiltration and drainage, which can enhance soil health and prevent nutrient loss. By planting crops on the tops of hills using ridge tillage, farmers can effectively utilize the land while minimizing the negative impacts on soil quality and conservation.

Plantation agriculture is the correct answer because it refers to the large-scale cultivation of a single crop, typically for export, in tropical or subtropical regions. This type of agriculture involves the establishment of large estates or plantations where crops such as sugarcane, coffee, tea, bananas, or rubber are grown. Plantation agriculture often relies on cheap labor, and the crops are usually destined for international markets rather than local consumption. This form of agriculture has historically been associated with colonialism and has had significant social, economic, and environmental impacts in the regions where it is practiced.