NCERT Solutions Class 9 Science Chapter 12 - Improvement in Food Resources

Improvement in Food Resources – Important Questions with Answers

1. What are the two main types of food sources for humans?
Answer: Plant-based and animal-based food sources.

2. What is crop production?
Answer: Crop production refers to growing plants in large quantities for food or commercial purposes.

3. Name the three major types of crop improvement practices.
Answer:

• Crop variety improvement

• Crop production improvement

• Crop protection improvement

4. What is hybridisation?
Answer: Hybridisation is the process of crossing two genetically different plants to get a new variety with desired traits.

5. Name two factors that affect crop yield.
Answer:

• Genetic factors (crop variety)

• Environmental factors (soil, climate, irrigation, etc.)

6. Name two methods of irrigation.
Answer:

• Drip irrigation

• Sprinkler system

7. Why is organic farming important?
Answer: Organic farming uses natural methods and materials, which are eco-friendly and free from harmful chemicals.

8. What are manures?
Answer: Manures are organic substances obtained by decomposition of plant and animal wastes.

9. How are manures different from fertilisers?
Answer:

• Manures are natural, organic and improve soil fertility slowly.

• Fertilisers are chemical-based and provide quick nutrient supply.

10. Name two examples each of macronutrients and micronutrients for plants.
Answer:
Macronutrients – Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P)
Micronutrients – Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe)

11. What are the advantages of crop rotation?
Answer:

• Prevents soil depletion

• Controls pests and weeds

• Improves soil fertility

12. What is mixed cropping?
Answer: Growing two or more crops simultaneously on the same field.

13. What is intercropping?
Answer: Growing two or more crops in a definite row pattern to utilise space and nutrients efficiently.

14. Name two common crop diseases and their causes.
Answer:

• Rust of wheat (fungus)

• Blast of rice (fungus)

15. What are weeds?
Answer: Unwanted plants that grow along with crops and compete for nutrients, water, and sunlight.

16. Name two common weed control methods.
Answer:

• Manual weeding

• Use of weedicides

17. What is animal husbandry?
Answer: The scientific management of farm animals for food production and other uses.

18. Name four practices of animal husbandry.
Answer:

• Feeding

• Breeding

• Disease control

• Shelter management

19. What is poultry farming?
Answer: Rearing of domesticated birds like hens and ducks for eggs and meat.

20. Name two improved poultry breeds.
Answer:

• Leghorn

• Rhode Island Red

21. What is the difference between milk yield improvement and breed improvement in cattle?
Answer:

• Milk yield improvement focuses on better feeding and care.

• Breed improvement focuses on cross-breeding or selection of superior animals.

22. What is apiculture?
Answer: Apiculture is the rearing of honeybees for honey and wax production.

23. Name two types of bees used in apiculture.
Answer:

• Apis cerana indica

• Apis mellifera

24. What is aquaculture?
Answer: Rearing, breeding, and harvesting of aquatic animals and plants for food.

25. What are the major sources of fish?
Answer:

• Inland fisheries (rivers, lakes, ponds)

• Marine fisheries (seas and oceans)