Topic Test Answers

Which of the following statements about large and small farms in the United States is true? A. The number of small farms has increased, but large farms still outnumber them. B. The number of small farms has increased, and they now outnumber large farms. C. The number of small farms has decreased, but they still outnumber large farms. D. The number of small farms has decreased, and they are outnumbered by large farms. Please select the best answer from the choices provided.

Which of the following statements about farm subsidies is false? A. Most farmers do not receive subsidies. B. Corporate-owned farms are not eligible for subsidies. C. Subsidies help ensure the stability of food supplies and prices. D. Subsidies have led to increased land practices. Please select the best answer from the choices provided.

Which of the following statements best characterizes a difference between GM food and organically grown food? A. GM food tastes better than organically grown food. B. GM food is improved by synthetic means, while organically grown food is improved by natural means. C. GM food is popular in Europe, while organically grown food is popular in the United States. D. Studies have shown GM food to be more nutritious than organically grown food. Please select the best answer from the choices provided.

Which of the following is not a characteristic of organic farming? A. the use of natural fertilizers B. the use of crop rotation and mulch C. the use of insects and birds to reduce pests D. the use of genetic modification to avoid using pesticides Please select the best answer from the choices provided.

All of the following are negative effects of deforestation except __________. A. decreased erosion B. increased desertification C. reduced water recycling D. increased greenhouse gas emissions Please select the best answer from the choices provided.

Which of the following are examples of the ways erosion affects the environment? I. Erosion introduces pesticides and toxins into waterways, causing pollution. II. Polluted waterways decrease biodiversity. III. Eroded soil allows sediment to break off and clog waterways. IV. Eroded soil becomes useless for agriculture. A. I. only B. I. and II. C. I., II., and IV. D. I., II., III., and IV. Please select the best answer from the choices provided.

How can a consumer tell if a product is organic? A. Organic food usually looks more attractive than non-organic food. B. Organic food is certified by the Food and Drug Administration. C. The USDA has developed a labeling system for organic food. D. There is no way to tell if a product is organic. Please select the best answer from the choices provided.

Which of the following is negatively affected by both damming and deforestation? A. grazing B. biodiversity C. soil fertilization D. greenhouse gas emissions Please select the best answer from the choices provided.

Bioengineered foods have been synthesized in the lab and are mass-produced in factories. Please select the best answer from the choices provided.

Which of the following statements about pesticides and residue is false? A. Most conventionally grown produce has detectable levels of pesticides when purchased from the store. B. The US government has determined that small levels of pesticides in produce is safe for human consumption. C. Organic produce always will be pesticide-free. D. Farm workers, children, and pregnant women are at greatest health risk from pesticides. Please select the best answer from the choices provided.

Why have some small farms turned to organic farming? A. Organic farming requires less labor and reduces costs. B. Organic foods are cheaper to produce than conventional crops. C. The demand for organic foods is increasing, and they can be sold at higher prices. D. Large farms are also shifting to organic farming, making it easier for small farms to compete. Please select the best answer from the choices provided.

Which of the following statements best describes what is occurring in the land surrounding the Sahara Desert? A. Desertification is increasing, and the desert is expanding. B. Fewer people are trying to farm in this semiarid region. C. The desert is shrinking with the increased use of irrigation. D. Increased urbanization has resulted in decreased deforestation. Please select the best answer from the choices provided.

Which of the following is not an argument in support of subsidies? A. They keep food prices down. B. They improve the quality of produce. C. They are necessary because of high costs. D. They guarantee consistent levels of production. Please select the best answer from the choices provided.

Agricultural subsidies in the United States began during the __________. A. American Revolution B. Civil War C. Panic of 1873 D. Great Depression Please select the best answer from the choices provided.

What is the most likely reason why fewer young people are becoming farmers? A. Fewer people are finding farming to be a very interesting profession. B. There are fewer opportunities to get advanced education in agricultural sciences. C. Most farmers' income is significantly less than the national average. D. Most young people cannot raise the money needed to get started in the profession. Please select the best answer from the choices provided.

Which of the following is not an argument against subsidies? A. They keep food prices high. B. They result in increased land prices. C. They are no longer necessary for farmers. D. They fail to benefit the people who most need them. Please select the best answer from the choices provided.