AGR1050-ABED_1: Section 1 Think About It! | MoodleHUB 🎓

Glossary

Self - Check Questions

Test your knowledge of the contents of Section 1 by thinking about whether these statements are true or false.

For each false statement, think of a correction to make it true.

1. The term biotechnology refers to the fact that biology courses are now available on the internet.

False. Biotechnology refers to the application of scientific and technical advances to the life sciences to develop new or improved products such as foods, medicines, textiles, etc.

2. Agronomy and horticulture are the sciences that deal with the production of new medicines from natural sources.

False. Agronomy and horticulture are the sciences that deal with crop production. Agronomy deals with more large-scale field crop operations, whereas horticulture deals with plants of smaller-scale operations such as greenhouses and gardens.

3. Plants can grow only in soil which has the necessary minerals and nutrients added to it.

False. Plants can be grown in a variety of ways that do not include soil. Examples of other growing media are organics and water.

4. Fruits and vegetables are generally classified as horticultural crops.

True.

5. Producing field crops has the advantage of lower start-up costs as compared to producing other kinds of crops.

False. Producing field crops involves higher start-up costs than smaller-scale productions.

6. Greenhouse crops are generally hardier than field crops and require a much longer time to mature.

False. Field crops are much hardier. Greenhouse crops can often be produced more than once per growing season because they are shielded from harsh weather.

7. There are no environmental concerns with greenhouse crop production because the plants are confined to a small area.

False. Water and fertilizer run-off must be managed carefully to avoid groundwater contamination.