lorrin mike AGRICULTURE   -   Entomology

A pest control specialist is assessing the effectiveness of a biological control method using parasitoid wasps to manage aphid populations in a greenhouse. Which ecological principle underlies this approach?

Keystone predation refers to a situation where a predator (in this case, parasitoid wasps) has a disproportionately large impact on the structure and diversity of a community relative to its abundance, controlling populations of a dominant prey species (aphids) and benefiting other species in the ecosystem.
lorrin mike AGRICULTURE   -   Entomology

A researcher is investigating a parasitic relationship where an insect species lays its eggs on the surface of a host insect, and the larvae develop by feeding on the host's body. Which term best describes this type of parasitism?

Ectoparasitism refers to the parasitic relationship where the parasite lives on the exterior of the host organism, feeding on its body or bodily fluids.
lorrin mike AGRICULTURE   -   Entomology

A forest ecologist observes that certain trees show signs of wilting and dieback, which is attributed to infestations by a specific group of insects that bore into the bark and disrupt water transport. Which family of insects is likely responsible for this damage?

Cerambycidae, or longhorn beetles, are known for their wood-boring larvae that can cause damage to trees by disrupting the vascular tissues responsible for water and nutrient transport.
lorrin mike AGRICULTURE   -   Entomology

A researcher is studying a species of bees that exhibit eusocial behavior, with a single reproductive female (queen) and non-reproductive females (workers) in the colony. Which genus of bees is the researcher likely studying?

Bees of the genus Apis, commonly known as honeybees, exhibit eusocial behavior with a queen and worker castes within the colony structure.
lorrin mike AGRICULTURE   -   Entomology

In an agricultural field, a farmer notices defoliation of tomato plants and suspects insect damage. Upon inspection, caterpillars are found feeding on the leaves. Which family of insects are these caterpillars likely to belong to?

Lepidoptera is the order of insects that includes butterflies and moths, whose larval stage (caterpillars) often feed on plant leaves, causing defoliation.
Shalisha Mumtaz AGRICULTURE   -   Soil science

Is soil pH more likely to be acidic or alkaline in regions with high rainfall?

In regions with high rainfall, leaching of basic cations (such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium) occurs, leading to an increase in hydrogen ion concentration and resulting in more acidic soils. This process is a common natural phenomenon in high-rainfall areas.
Shalisha Mumtaz AGRICULTURE   -   Soil science

How to improve the water-holding capacity of sandy soils?

Sandy soils have large particles and low water-holding capacity. Incorporating organic matter, such as compost or manure, can improve the soil's structure and increase its ability to retain moisture, benefiting plant growth.
Shalisha Mumtaz AGRICULTURE   -   Soil science

Where in the soil profile would you typically find the highest concentration of organic matter?

The A horizon, or topsoil, is the uppermost layer of the soil profile and contains the highest concentration of organic matter. This layer is rich in decomposed plant and animal materials, which contribute to soil fertility and structure.
Shalisha Mumtaz AGRICULTURE   -   Soil science

When is soil compaction most likely to occur?

Soil compaction occurs when soil particles are pressed together, reducing pore space and impeding root growth and water infiltration. This is most likely to happen under the pressure of heavy machinery, particularly when soils are moist and susceptible to compression.
Shalisha Mumtaz AGRICULTURE   -   Soil science

What soil property is most directly affected by the cation exchange capacity (CEC)?

Cation exchange capacity (CEC) is a measure of a soil's ability to hold and exchange positively charged ions (cations). Soils with high CEC can retain more nutrients, making them available for plant uptake. This property is crucial for soil fertility and plant nutrition.

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