5.1 Introduction to Agriculture
1. Agriculture is best defined as:
A) The practice of raising livestock for commercial sale
B) The deliberate effort to modify a portion of Earth's surface through the cultivation of crops and the
raising of livestock for subsistence or economic gain
C) The practice of gathering wild plants and hunting animals for food
D) The development of irrigation systems to increase crop yield
Answer: B) The deliberate effort to modify a portion of Earth's surface through the cultivation of
crops and the raising of livestock for subsistence or economic gain
Explanation: Agriculture involves the modification of Earth's surface for the purpose of growing
crops and raising animals. This is done for both subsistence and commercial purposes.
2. Which of the following is a major characteristic of subsistence agriculture?
A) The use of high-tech machinery for large-scale production
B) Crops are grown primarily for local consumption rather than for sale
C) Focus on growing cash crops for international trade
D) Extensive use of genetically modified crops
Answer: B) Crops are grown primarily for local consumption rather than for sale
Explanation: Subsistence agriculture is focused on growing food primarily for the farmer's family or
local community, with little to no surplus for sale.
3. Which of the following is most likely to occur in a region where commercial agriculture is
practiced?
A) Minimal use of machinery and tools
B) Production of crops mainly for local consumption
C) Large-scale production of crops for global markets
D) Heavy reliance on hand labor rather than technology
Answer: C) Large-scale production of crops for global markets
Explanation: Commercial agriculture is characterized by the large-scale production of crops and
livestock for sale in national or international markets, often using advanced machinery and
technology.
4. The practice of shifting cultivation is most common in which of the following regions?
A) The rainforests of Southeast Asia
B) The savannas of sub-Saharan Africa
C) The grasslands of North America
D) The Mediterranean climates of Southern Europe
Answer: A) The rainforests of Southeast Asia
Explanation: Shifting cultivation, also known as slash-and-burn agriculture, is most commonly
practiced in tropical regions, such as the rainforests of Southeast Asia, where soil fertility is often low
and land is cleared for cultivation.
5. The first agricultural revolution involved:
A) The domestication of plants and animals
B) The development of genetically modified crops
C) The creation of large-scale mechanized farms
D) The increase in the use of irrigation systems in urban areas
Answer: A) The domestication of plants and animalsExplanation: The first agricultural revolution, which began around 10,000 years ago, marked the
transition from hunting and gathering to settled farming, involving the domestication of plants and
animals.
6. Which of the following best describes the concept of "green revolution"?
A) The increase in agricultural productivity due to the use of new technology, such as genetically
modified organisms and chemical fertilizers
B) The shift from industrial agriculture to organic farming methods
C) The reversion of agricultural land to its natural state through conservation efforts
D) The development of new methods of irrigation to conserve water resources
Answer: A) The increase in agricultural productivity due to the use of new technology, such as
genetically modified organisms and chemical fertilizers
Explanation: The Green Revolution refers to the rapid increase in agricultural productivity during the
mid-20th century due to new technologies such as high-yielding varieties of crops, chemical
fertilizers, and improved irrigation methods.
7. In which type of agricultural practice is the primary focus on growing crops for export?
A) Subsistence agriculture
B) Commercial agriculture
C) Intensive subsistence agriculture
D) Nomadic herding
Answer: B) Commercial agriculture
Explanation: Commercial agriculture is focused on growing crops and raising animals for sale, often
for export to other countries, rather than for personal or local consumption.
8. What is a key characteristic of pastoral nomadism?
A) Cultivation of permanent crops for sale
B) Raising animals for food and other products while moving seasonally
C) The use of irrigation for crop production
D) The growing of a single cash crop on large estates
Answer: B) Raising animals for food and other products while moving seasonally
Explanation: Pastoral nomadism involves the raising of livestock that are moved seasonally to find
better grazing land. It is a form of subsistence agriculture practiced in arid regions.
9. Which of the following is most associated with the development of intensive subsistence
agriculture?
A) Use of large machinery to till the soil
B) Focus on the cultivation of cash crops for export
C) The cultivation of crops on small plots of land with a large labor force
D) The practice of shifting cultivation on large plots of land
Answer: C) The cultivation of crops on small plots of land with a large labor force
Explanation: Intensive subsistence agriculture involves the use of small plots of land, often
supported by a large amount of labor, to grow enough food to feed a family. This is common in
densely populated areas, such as parts of Asia.
10. The main reason for the development of agriculture in the Fertile Crescent was:
A) The region's proximity to major urban centers
B) The fertile soil and favorable climate for crop cultivation
C) The presence of large-scale irrigation systems
D) The availability of large herds of wild animals for domestication
Answer: B) The fertile soil and favorable climate for crop cultivation
Explanation: The Fertile Crescent, often referred to as the "Cradle of Civilization," had fertile soil
and a favorable climate for the cultivation of early crops, making it one of the earliest centers of
agricultural development.5.2 Settlement Patterns and Survey Methods
1. The primary characteristic of a nucleated settlement pattern is:
A) A scattered arrangement of homes and farms
B) A compact arrangement with buildings grouped closely together
C) A settlement along a linear transportation route
D) A settlement in isolated locations across a vast area
Answer: B) A compact arrangement with buildings grouped closely together
Explanation: Nucleated settlements feature a dense concentration of buildings grouped together,
often around a central point such as a market or a church, making the community compact.
2. What type of settlement pattern is most commonly associated with the agricultural use of
land in the United States Midwest?
A) Nucleated
B) Dispersed
C) Linear
D) Clustered
Answer: B) Dispersed
Explanation: In the U.S. Midwest, the settlement pattern is largely dispersed, meaning farmhouses
and agricultural activities are spread out over large areas of land, typical of commercial farming
regions.
3. Which of the following is a major factor that influences the distribution of rural settlements?
A) Climate and weather patterns
B) The location of major urban centers
C) The availability of arable land and water
D) The transportation network
Answer: C) The availability of arable land and water
Explanation: Rural settlements are often located in areas with abundant natural resources, especially
fertile land and water, which are essential for agricultural production.
4. Which of the following survey methods is most commonly used to divide land for agricultural
use in the United States?
A) Metes and bounds
B) Long-lot system
C) Township and range system
D) Subdivision survey method
Answer: C) Township and range system
Explanation: The township and range system, introduced in the United States by the Land Ordinance
of 1785, divides land into square parcels, facilitating organized land distribution for agriculture.
5. Which of the following is a common characteristic of a linear settlement pattern?
A) Buildings are arranged along a main road or river
B) Houses are evenly spread across a wide area
C) Houses are clustered around a central point, such as a church
D) The settlement is characterized by evenly spaced farmhouses
Answer: A) Buildings are arranged along a main road or river
Explanation: Linear settlement patterns occur when buildings and homes are built along a
transportation route, such as a river or road, to facilitate access and trade.
6. Which of the following settlement patterns is most likely to develop in a region with a
mountainous terrain?
A) Dispersed
B) NucleatedC) Linear
D) Random
Answer: B) Nucleated
Explanation: In mountainous regions, nucleated settlements tend to develop because the natural
barriers and limited space encourage the clustering of buildings near fertile valleys or transportation
routes.
7. The long-lot system of land surveying is most commonly associated with which type of
settlement?
A) Nucleated settlements near large bodies of water
B) Linear settlements along rivers or roads
C) Dispersed settlements in the prairie regions
D) Clustered villages in urban areas
Answer: B) Linear settlements along rivers or roads
Explanation: The long-lot system, where land is divided into long, narrow parcels that extend from a
river or road, is most common in regions with a strong reliance on transportation routes, such as parts
of Quebec and Louisiana.
8. Which of the following best describes a "centripetal" factor that influences settlement
patterns?
A) Political instability that causes people to move away from certain areas
B) Natural disasters that push people out of a region
C) Positive economic opportunities that attract people to an area
D) Cultural differences that discourage people from settling in an area
Answer: C) Positive economic opportunities that attract people to an area
Explanation: Centripetal factors are forces that attract people to a specific location, such as job
opportunities, good living conditions, or a strong sense of community.
9. Which of the following survey methods would most likely be used in the northeastern United
States?
A) Metes and bounds
B) Township and range system
C) Long-lot system
D) Rectangular survey system
Answer: A) Metes and bounds
Explanation: The metes and bounds system, which uses natural landmarks and irregular boundaries,
was commonly used in the northeastern U.S., where land divisions were based on physical features
like rivers and trees.
10. What is one advantage of a dispersed settlement pattern?
A) Easier access to resources and services
B) Greater reliance on communal activities
C) More efficient land use for agriculture
D) Better protection from natural disasters
Answer: C) More efficient land use for agriculture
Explanation: Dispersed settlements, typical in agricultural regions, allow for more efficient land use,
as farmhouses and buildings are spread out across large areas, maximizing the use of available land.5.3 Agricultural Origins and Diffusions
1. The origin of agriculture is believed to have occurred around 10,000 years ago in:
A) The Middle East
B) East Asia
C) Sub-Saharan Africa
D) Central America
Answer: A) The Middle East
Explanation: Agriculture is believed to have first developed in the Middle East, particularly in the
region known as the Fertile Crescent, around 10,000 years ago. This region provided fertile soil and a
favorable climate for the domestication of plants and animals.
2. Which of the following crops is believed to have been domesticated in the Andes region of
South America?
A) Rice
B) Corn
C) Potatoes
D) Wheat
Answer: C) Potatoes
Explanation: Potatoes were domesticated in the Andes Mountains of South America, where they
were first cultivated by ancient civilizations such as the Incas.
3. The spread of agriculture from its hearths to other parts of the world is an example of:
A) Expansion diffusion
B) Relocation diffusion
C) Hierarchical diffusion
D) Stimulus diffusion
Answer: A) Expansion diffusion
Explanation: The spread of agriculture from its hearths to other regions, such as the diffusion of
wheat or rice, is an example of expansion diffusion, where innovations spread outward while
remaining strong at the origin.
4. The domestication of wheat and barley is most closely associated with which of the following
regions?
A) Sub-Saharan Africa
B) East Asia
C) The Fertile Crescent
D) Mesoamerica
Answer: C) The Fertile Crescent
Explanation: The domestication of wheat and barley, two of the earliest crops, is associated with the
Fertile Crescent, which is located in the Middle East, particularly in present-day Iraq, Syria, and
Turkey.
5. What is a primary reason why agriculture began to spread from its hearths to new regions?
A) Climatic changes
B) Cultural diffusion of farming techniques
C) Urbanization and population growth
D) Colonial expansion
Answer: B) Cultural diffusion of farming techniques
Explanation: As different cultures interacted through trade and migration, agricultural practices
spread, allowing people to adopt new farming techniques and crops, leading to the diffusion of
agriculture.
6. The process by which crops are adapted to local environments and climates is called:A) Domestication
B) Fertilization
C) Hybridization
D) Acclimatization
Answer: D) Acclimatization
Explanation: Acclimatization refers to the process by which crops or animals are adapted to new
local environments and climates, allowing them to thrive outside their original areas of domestication.
7. The diffusion of rice cultivation to Southeast Asia is an example of:
A) Relocation diffusion
B) Contagious diffusion
C) Expansion diffusion
D) Hierarchical diffusion
Answer: C) Expansion diffusion
Explanation: The spread of rice cultivation to Southeast Asia from its origin in East Asia is an
example of expansion diffusion, as rice farming practices were adopted by surrounding regions.
8. The agricultural revolution that occurred during the 18th and 19th centuries is associated
with the development of:
A) Commercial agriculture
B) The industrialization of farming
C) The shift from subsistence to intensive agriculture
D) The invention of the plow
Answer: B) The industrialization of farming
Explanation: The Agricultural Revolution during the 18th and 19th centuries marked the beginning
of industrial farming, characterized by the use of machinery, advanced irrigation, and selective
breeding, which increased agricultural production.
9. The domestication of animals such as goats, pigs, and cattle primarily took place in:
A) Sub-Saharan Africa
B) The Americas
C) Central Asia and the Middle East
D) Southeast Asia
Answer: C) Central Asia and the Middle East
Explanation: The domestication of animals such as goats, pigs, and cattle began in Central Asia and
the Middle East, regions that provided the necessary environments for the herding of these animals.
10. The spread of corn (maize) from Mesoamerica to other parts of the world is an example of:
A) Stimulus diffusion
B) Contagious diffusion
C) Relocation diffusion
D) Expansion diffusion
Answer: C) Relocation diffusion
Explanation: The spread of corn (maize) from its hearth in Mesoamerica to other parts of the world,
particularly during the Columbian Exchange, is an example of relocation diffusion, where people
moving to new regions brought the crop with them.5.4 The Second Agricultural Revolution
1. The Second Agricultural Revolution, which began in the 17th century, is most associated
with:
A) The mechanization of agriculture
B) The spread of crop rotation
C) The introduction of synthetic fertilizers
D) The development of genetically modified organisms
Answer: B) The spread of crop rotation
Explanation: The Second Agricultural Revolution saw the introduction of crop rotation systems, such
as the four-field system, which improved soil fertility and increased yields. This revolution helped
increase food production and allowed for population growth.
2. Which of the following innovations was NOT part of the Second Agricultural Revolution?
A) The seed drill
B) The mechanization of farming
C) The use of synthetic fertilizers
D) The enclosure movement
Answer: C) The use of synthetic fertilizers
Explanation: Synthetic fertilizers became more common in the 20th century during the Green
Revolution, not during the Second Agricultural Revolution. Innovations like the seed drill,
mechanization, and the enclosure movement were key features of the Second Agricultural Revolution.
3. The enclosure movement in England during the Second Agricultural Revolution contributed
to:
A) The increase in common land for peasants
B) The consolidation of small farms into larger, more efficient farms
C) The decrease in food production
D) The development of sustainable agriculture
Answer: B) The consolidation of small farms into larger, more efficient farms
Explanation: The enclosure movement involved fencing off common lands, which allowed wealthier
landowners to consolidate their lands into larger farms. This made farming more efficient and led to
increased agricultural output, but it also displaced many small-scale farmers.
4. Which of the following best describes one result of the Second Agricultural Revolution?
A) Increased reliance on manual labor
B) A shift from subsistence farming to commercial farming
C) The decline of urbanization
D) The disappearance of agricultural practices in Europe
Answer: B) A shift from subsistence farming to commercial farming
Explanation: The Second Agricultural Revolution led to the increase in commercial farming, where
crops were grown for sale rather than just personal consumption. This shift played a significant role in
the growth of cities and the expansion of trade.
5. The introduction of which of the following played a significant role in increasing agricultural
productivity during the Second Agricultural Revolution?
A) Irrigation systems
B) Synthetic pesticides
C) New machinery like the mechanical reaper and seed drill
D) Genetically modified crops
Answer: C) New machinery like the mechanical reaper and seed drill
Explanation: Key inventions like the mechanical reaper and the seed drill helped to increase
agricultural productivity by improving planting and harvesting efficiency. These innovations reduced
the need for manual labor and increased the scale of agricultural production.6. Which region was the primary center of the Second Agricultural Revolution in the 17th and
18th centuries?
A) Southeast Asia
B) Sub-Saharan Africa
C) Western Europe
D) North America
Answer: C) Western Europe
Explanation: The Second Agricultural Revolution primarily took place in Western Europe, especially
in countries like England, the Netherlands, and France. These regions saw the introduction of new
agricultural techniques and tools that significantly boosted food production.
7. The development of new crop varieties during the Second Agricultural Revolution was
facilitated by:
A) The exchange of agricultural knowledge during the Columbian Exchange
B) The creation of genetically modified organisms
C) The use of crop monocultures
D) Advances in biotechnology in the 21st century
Answer: A) The exchange of agricultural knowledge during the Columbian Exchange
Explanation: The Columbian Exchange introduced new crops to Europe, such as maize, potatoes,
and tomatoes, which helped diversify the food supply and improve nutrition. The Second Agricultural
Revolution built upon this exchange, incorporating these new crops into farming systems.
8. Which of the following is a direct result of the Second Agricultural Revolution on society?
A) A decrease in food production
B) Increased urbanization
C) The rise of agricultural communes
D) A shift to hunter-gatherer societies
Answer: B) Increased urbanization
Explanation: The increased food production resulting from the Second Agricultural Revolution
supported larger populations and helped drive urbanization. With fewer people needed to work on
farms, many moved to cities in search of employment in industrial jobs.
9. The shift to more intensive farming during the Second Agricultural Revolution led to:
A) A greater need for unskilled labor
B) A decrease in the number of small, family-owned farms
C) The spread of organic farming methods
D) A decline in agricultural technology
Answer: B) A decrease in the number of small, family-owned farms
Explanation: As farms became more industrialized and mechanized, many small, family-owned
farms were unable to compete. This resulted in consolidation and the rise of larger farms, which were
able to take advantage of new technologies.
10. One of the most important outcomes of the Second Agricultural Revolution was:
A) The establishment of plantation agriculture in tropical regions
B) The decline of food surpluses in European nations
C) The creation of a more sedentary and urbanized population
D) The return to more traditional farming techniques
Answer: C) The creation of a more sedentary and urbanized population
Explanation: The Second Agricultural Revolution led to a surplus in food production, which allowed
people to live more sedentary lifestyles. This contributed to urbanization, as people moved to cities
for industrial jobs, which also led to population growth and the development of more complex
societies.5.5 The Green Revolution
1. The Green Revolution refers to:
A) The development of biotechnology to improve crop yields
B) The industrialization of agriculture in the early 1900s
C) The widespread use of chemical pesticides in agriculture
D) The introduction of new agricultural techniques and high-yield crops in the 20th century
Answer: D) The introduction of new agricultural techniques and high-yield crops in the 20th century
Explanation: The Green Revolution involved the introduction of high-yielding varieties of crops,
chemical fertilizers, and advanced irrigation techniques, which significantly boosted agricultural
productivity in developing countries, particularly from the 1940s to the 1960s.
2. Which of the following is a key component of the Green Revolution?
A) Use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
B) The use of traditional farming methods
C) The development of high-yielding varieties of crops
D) Decreased reliance on chemical fertilizers
Answer: C) The development of high-yielding varieties of crops
Explanation: A major feature of the Green Revolution was the development of high-yielding crop
varieties, such as wheat and rice, which were genetically improved to produce more food per acre.
3. The Green Revolution had its greatest success in which of the following regions?
A) Sub-Saharan Africa
B) Southeast Asia and South Asia
C) Latin America
D) Eastern Europe
Answer: B) Southeast Asia and South Asia
Explanation: The Green Revolution was most successful in countries like India and China, where the
adoption of high-yielding varieties of crops, chemical fertilizers, and modern irrigation techniques
helped significantly boost food production.
4. Which of the following was a major criticism of the Green Revolution?
A) It led to increased food prices in developed countries
B) It caused severe environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity
C) It exclusively benefited only the poorest farmers in developing countries
D) It encouraged the adoption of non-sustainable farming practices
Answer: B) It caused severe environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity
Explanation: While the Green Revolution greatly increased food production, it also contributed to
soil degradation, water shortages, and a loss of biodiversity due to the heavy reliance on chemical
fertilizers and pesticides, as well as monoculture farming.
5. The introduction of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture is most closely
associated with:
A) The Green Revolution
B) The Neolithic Revolution
C) The Columbian Exchange
D) The Industrial Revolution
Answer: A) The Green Revolution
Explanation: The Green Revolution laid the groundwork for the use of genetically modified
organisms (GMOs), which continue to be a part of modern agricultural practices aimed at improving
crop yields and resistance to pests.
6. Which of the following was an important result of the Green Revolution in developing
countries?A) A reduction in poverty and hunger
B) A sharp decline in the use of chemical fertilizers
C) The migration of farmers from urban to rural areas
D) Increased food production and improved food security
Answer: D) Increased food production and improved food security
Explanation: The Green Revolution helped increase food production in developing countries,
improving food security and reducing hunger in places like India, although it also led to social
inequalities and environmental challenges.
7. Which of the following factors played a key role in the success of the Green Revolution?
A) The use of organic farming techniques
B) Government support for agricultural research and technology
C) A decrease in global food demand
D) The reliance on traditional knowledge and farming methods
Answer: B) Government support for agricultural research and technology
Explanation: The success of the Green Revolution was largely due to government support for
agricultural research, such as the development of high-yielding crop varieties and the spread of new
farming techniques, often through international organizations and research institutions.
8. One of the criticisms of the Green Revolution in Sub-Saharan Africa is that:
A) It was too successful and led to overproduction
B) It failed to address the region’s specific agricultural needs
C) It caused the region to adopt unsustainable farming practices
D) It relied too heavily on traditional farming methods
Answer: B) It failed to address the region’s specific agricultural needs
Explanation: While the Green Revolution succeeded in many regions like South Asia, its impact was
less pronounced in Sub-Saharan Africa. The lack of appropriate infrastructure, access to technology,
and differences in climate and farming practices prevented the Green Revolution from being as
successful in this region.
9. The Green Revolution contributed to which of the following social changes?
A) The decrease in rural population as people moved to urban centers
B) An increase in the agricultural workforce in rural areas
C) The creation of large-scale, corporate-owned farms
D) The spread of communism in rural areas
Answer: C) The creation of large-scale, corporate-owned farms
Explanation: The Green Revolution often led to the consolidation of small farms into larger, more
mechanized operations. This shift towards larger-scale farming sometimes displaced smallholder
farmers who were unable to afford the new technologies.
10. Which of the following best explains why the Green Revolution may have contributed to
increased social inequality in some countries?
A) It led to the widespread adoption of organic farming
B) It caused a decline in agricultural wages for unskilled workers
C) Wealthier farmers were able to invest in new technology, while poorer farmers could not
D) It decreased the number of farmers needed in rural areas
Answer: C) Wealthier farmers were able to invest in new technology, while poorer farmers could not
Explanation: The Green Revolution often favored wealthier farmers who had the financial resources
to invest in new technologies, such as high-yield seeds, chemical fertilizers, and modern irrigation
systems. Poorer farmers were often unable to afford these technologies, exacerbating social inequality.5.6 Agricultural Production Regions
1. Which of the following is a characteristic of the pastoral nomadism agricultural region?
A) Heavy reliance on mechanized equipment for large-scale farming
B) Farming is concentrated in areas with fertile, irrigated soil
C) Livestock is raised for both consumption and trade
D) Permanent settlement is common, with little migration
Answer: C) Livestock is raised for both consumption and trade
Explanation: Pastoral nomadism involves the herding of livestock such as camels, goats, and sheep,
with the primary goal of providing food and trade goods. It is practiced in dry areas, often in regions
like the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Central Asia.
2. In which region is the majority of commercial grain production found?
A) Southeast Asia
B) Sub-Saharan Africa
C) North America and Europe
D) South Asia
Answer: C) North America and Europe
Explanation: Commercial grain production, particularly wheat and corn, is primarily concentrated in
regions such as the Great Plains of North America, as well as in parts of Europe, where advanced
farming techniques and large-scale mechanized production are common.
3. Which type of agriculture is typically associated with intensive subsistence farming in South
Asia and East Asia?
A) Shifting cultivation
B) Rice farming
C) Commercial dairy farming
D) Pastoral nomadism
Answer: B) Rice farming
Explanation: Intensive subsistence farming in South Asia and East Asia typically involves the
cultivation of rice, especially in regions with abundant water resources like the Ganges River basin
and Southeast China. This form of agriculture is labor-intensive and involves small-scale farms.
4. The Mediterranean agricultural region is primarily known for the production of:
A) Wheat and barley
B) Grapes, olives, and citrus fruits
C) Livestock and animal products
D) Rice and maize
Answer: B) Grapes, olives, and citrus fruits
Explanation: The Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters,
supports the production of crops such as grapes, olives, citrus fruits, and vegetables. This type of
agriculture is found in regions like Southern Europe, parts of California, and parts of Australia.
5. What distinguishes shifting cultivation from other types of agriculture?
A) It relies heavily on irrigation and fertilization
B) It is practiced in highly populated areas
C) It involves the rotation of fields and short-term cultivation periods
D) It is characterized by extensive use of mechanized farming equipment
Answer: C) It involves the rotation of fields and short-term cultivation periods
Explanation: Shifting cultivation involves clearing a plot of land, farming it for a few years, and then
moving to a new area once soil fertility diminishes. This type of agriculture is practiced in tropical
regions with low population densities, such as parts of Central Africa and Southeast Asia.
6. Which of the following agricultural practices is commonly associated with the dry regions ofCentral Asia?
A) Wet rice cultivation
B) Livestock herding
C) Intensive grain farming
D) Commercial dairy farming
Answer: B) Livestock herding
Explanation: In dry regions like Central Asia, pastoral nomadism, or livestock herding, is a primary
form of agriculture. Nomadic herders raise animals such as camels, goats, and sheep, moving with the
seasons in search of grazing land and water.
7. Which of the following agricultural regions is most closely associated with the production of
tropical crops such as coffee, cocoa, and bananas?
A) Mediterranean
B) Sub-Saharan Africa
C) Tropical plantation agriculture
D) Prairie agricultural region
Answer: C) Tropical plantation agriculture
Explanation: Tropical plantation agriculture is found in humid tropical climates and is focused on the
production of crops such as coffee, cocoa, bananas, and sugarcane. This type of farming is prominent
in regions like Latin America, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa.
8. Which of the following is a key characteristic of the commercial dairy farming region of the
United States?
A) It is concentrated in the southernmost part of the country
B) It involves small-scale, traditional farming techniques
C) It is located in regions with cold climates, such as the Northeast
D) It requires little transportation due to the perishable nature of milk
Answer: C) It is located in regions with cold climates, such as the Northeast
Explanation: Commercial dairy farming in the United States is primarily concentrated in regions
with cooler climates, such as the Northeast and parts of the Great Lakes area, where the climate is
suitable for dairy cattle production.
9. What is the primary crop produced in the prairie agricultural region of North America?
A) Corn
B) Rice
C) Wheat
D) Sugarcane
Answer: C) Wheat
Explanation: The prairie agricultural region in North America, particularly the Great Plains, is
known for large-scale wheat farming. This region benefits from a temperate climate and rich soil,
which makes it ideal for growing wheat on a commercial scale.
10. What is the major characteristic of intensive subsistence farming in East and South Asia?
A) Large-scale farming with extensive use of machinery
B) The use of genetically modified crops
C) High labor input and small farm sizes
D) Extensive livestock herding for export
Answer: C) High labor input and small farm sizes
Explanation: Intensive subsistence farming in East and South Asia involves small-scale farming with
high labor input. It typically focuses on rice or other staple crops grown on small plots of land, often
using traditional methods without extensive mechanization.5.7 Spatial Organization of Agriculture
1. Which of the following best describes the spatial organization of agriculture in the United
States?
A) Large commercial farms are concentrated in the northeastern part of the country
B) Intensive subsistence farming is located in the southern and western parts of the country
C) Commercial grain farming dominates the central Great Plains
D) Shifting cultivation is practiced in large areas across the Midwest
Answer: C) Commercial grain farming dominates the central Great Plains
Explanation: The central Great Plains, including regions such as Kansas and Nebraska, are primarily
known for commercial grain farming, particularly wheat and corn, due to fertile soil and mechanized
farming practices.
2. What spatial pattern is characteristic of intensive subsistence agriculture in Asia?
A) Small, clustered villages with scattered fields of cash crops
B) Large farms stretching across thousands of hectares
C) Rice paddies and small farms closely organized around water sources
D) Farms located far from urban areas
Answer: C) Rice paddies and small farms closely organized around water sources
Explanation: Intensive subsistence agriculture, especially rice farming, is commonly practiced in
East and South Asia, where farms are small, labor-intensive, and closely tied to water sources such as
rivers and irrigation systems.
3. Which of the following agricultural systems typically involves large-scale monoculture?
A) Pastoral nomadism
B) Shifting cultivation
C) Commercial agriculture
D) Intensive subsistence farming
Answer: C) Commercial agriculture
Explanation: Commercial agriculture, particularly in the production of crops like wheat, corn, and
soybeans, often involves large-scale monoculture, where a single crop is grown over vast areas of
land.
4. In which of the following regions would extensive commercial agriculture most likely be
practiced?
A) Central Africa
B) North America’s Great Plains
C) Southeast Asia
D) Mediterranean Europe
Answer: B) North America’s Great Plains
Explanation: The Great Plains in North America is a prime location for extensive commercial
agriculture due to the vast, flat land and fertile soil, which support large-scale farming of crops such
as wheat and corn.
5. What is the primary factor influencing the spatial organization of Mediterranean
agriculture?
A) Climate and water availability
B) Soil fertility and slope of the land
C) Proximity to industrial centers
D) Market demand for grains and livestock
Answer: A) Climate and water availability
Explanation: Mediterranean agriculture is primarily influenced by the climate, which has hot, dry
summers and mild, wet winters. This climate supports crops such as olives, grapes, and citrus fruits,
which are grown in regions with well-distributed water sources.6. What is the main characteristic of Von Thünen’s model of agricultural land use?
A) It emphasizes the role of labor in agricultural practices
B) It places high-value crops near the urban center
C) It assumes that agriculture is driven by global markets
D) It focuses on the role of livestock herding in agricultural regions
Answer: B) It places high-value crops near the urban center
Explanation: V on Thünen’s model suggests that high-value, perishable crops are grown close to
urban centers, while less perishable and bulkier crops are grown farther away. This model is based on
the assumption that transportation costs and land value determine agricultural land use patterns.
7. The spatial organization of crops in shifting cultivation often involves:
A) Permanent settlements with large-scale mechanized farms
B) The rotation of fields every few years as soil fertility diminishes
C) The establishment of large, intensive farming operations for export
D) The planting of genetically modified crops
Answer: B) The rotation of fields every few years as soil fertility diminishes
Explanation: Shifting cultivation involves rotating plots of land. After a few years of farming, the
soil becomes depleted, so the farmer moves to a new plot, allowing the previous one to regenerate
naturally. This system is common in tropical regions.
8. Which of the following agricultural practices is most likely to occur in a tropical wet climate
region?
A) Rice farming
B) Pastoral nomadism
C) Dairy farming
D) Mediterranean agriculture
Answer: A) Rice farming
Explanation: Tropical wet climates, with abundant rainfall and warm temperatures, are ideal for rice
farming, which requires a lot of water. Rice is often grown in flooded fields, particularly in Southeast
Asia.
9. Which of the following regions is most associated with the spatial organization of plantation
agriculture?
A) Sub-Saharan Africa
B) Southeast Asia
C) The Caribbean and Latin America
D) Central Europe
Answer: C) The Caribbean and Latin America
Explanation: Plantation agriculture is commonly found in tropical regions like the Caribbean and
parts of Latin America, where crops such as sugarcane, coffee, and bananas are grown for export on
large estates.
10. What is the primary characteristic of agricultural land use in rural India?
A) Commercial grain farming and mechanized large-scale operations
B) High population density with small, fragmented plots of land
C) Intensive monoculture with extensive use of chemicals
D) Extensive livestock grazing on large, open fields
Answer: B) High population density with small, fragmented plots of land
Explanation: In rural India, agricultural land use is characterized by small, fragmented plots due to
high population density. The land is often intensively farmed for subsistence, with crops such as rice
and wheat grown in small fields