Agricultural Science Exam Questions for SS2 First Term

You’re welcome to our school exams series where we provide you with termly examination questions in different subjects. In today’s post, we will focus on Agricultural Science exam questions. We will cover Agricultural Science exam questions for SS2 First term with answers. This means that we’ll be providing you with answers to the questions at the end. Also, you will get a few success tips on how to pass Agricultural Science examinations with flying colors. Remember to use the comments sections if you have questions, and don’t forget to join our Free Online Tutorial Classes on YouTube. (Subscribe to the Channel)

Introduction to Agricultural Science as a School Subject

Before we venture into Past Agricultural Science Exam Questions for SS2 First term, here’s a brief introduction to the subject:

Agricultural Science is a school subject that deals with the study of crops, animals, and the environment in relation to farming and food production. It introduces students to the basic principles and practices of agriculture, including crop production, livestock management, soil science, and agricultural technology. The subject helps learners understand the importance of agriculture to human survival, economic development, and national growth. By studying Agricultural Science, students acquire both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for self-reliance, higher studies, and careers in agriculture and related fields.

Agricultural Science Exam Questions for SS2 First Term

Agricultural Science Exam Questions for SS2 First Term are divided into two sections:

• Section A
• Section B

The first section, namely, Section A is the objective test, and students are expected to attempt all questions in the section. Section B is the theory part, and students are expected to follow specific instruction and answer the required number of questions.

Note that what you have below are SS2 Agricultural Science First Term Exam Past Questions made available to assist students in their revision for 1st term examinations and also teachers in structuring standard examinations.

SECTION A: Objectives

Instruction: Answer all questions in this section by choosing from the options lettered A—D. Each question carries equal marks.

1. The botanical name of elephant grass is
A. Panieum maximum
B. Cynodon dactylon
C. Pennisetum purpureum
D. Crotalaria juncea

2. Carotene in food is a precursor of
A. vitamin A
B. vitamin C
C. vitamin E
D. vitamin K

3. Feeds that have more than 18% crude fibre and of low digestibility are classified as
A. concentrates
B. roughages
C. supplements
D. basal feeds

4. Which of the following statement about fats and oils is not correct? They
A. are broken down to provide energy
B. help to conserve body heat when stored under the skin
C. are solvents for some vitamins
D. are needed to replace worn-out tissues

5. Which of the following farm animals are commonly used during religious festivals? I. Rabbit II. Sheep III. Turkey
A. I and II only
B. I and III only
C. II and III only
D. I, II and III

6. Another name for red blood cells in farm animals is
A. Thrombocytes
B. Erythrocytes
C. Granulocytes
D. Leucocytes

7. Crops grown primarily for feeding livestock are known as
A. cereals       B. forages
C. legumes    D. vegetables
E. weeds

8. An injured animal that bleeds continuously for hours, is deficient in vitamin
A. B      B. C
C. D      D. K
E. K

9. Which of these mineral nutrients are needed by cattle for the formation of bones and teeth?
A. Calcium and phosphorus
B. Cobalt and copper
C. Iron and magnesium
D. Potassium and sulphur
E. Sodium and chlorine

10. Which of the following is not a forage grass?
A. Asphilia Africana
B. Axonopus compressus
C. Cynodon dactylon
D. Panicum maximum
E. Pennisetum purpureum

11. For maximum production of fertile eggs in both quality and quantity layers should be kept in housing system
A. battery cage
B. brooder
C. deep litter
D. fold
E. free range

12. Which of the following feed ingredients should be increased in the diet of laying birds?
A. bone meal
B. Groundnut cake
C. Palm kernel meal
D. Vitamin supplement
E. Wheat offal

13. The following are sources of animal protein except meal
A. blood      B. feather
C. fish          D. poultry offal
E. soyabeans

14. Which of these is the most available mineral nutrient in oyster shell?
A. calcium       B. Chlorine
C. Nitrogen     D. Sodium
E. Sulphur

15. Which of these forms of roughages is preserved under anaerobic condition?
A. hay        B. Molasses
C. silage     D. Soilage
E. Straw

16. As a cattle farmer, why will you plant tall grasses and legumes together in your pasture? Because the mixture
A. Allows excessive evapotranspiration
B. creates balanced ration for the cattle
C. helps to destroy ration for the cattle
D. prevents invasion by pests
E. reduces trampling by grazing animals

17. A farmer might be reluctant in performing artificial insemination because
A. females can be serviced with the same semen
B. it quickens upgrading of poor local breeds
C. it reduces the spread of veneral diseases
D. The cost of maintaining male animal is less
E. There is difficulty in detecting female animal on heat.

18. The method of identification shown in the diagram above is called
A. branding        B. chaining
C. notching        D. tagging
E. tattooing

19. The period between the fertilization of an ovum and the birth of the young one is called
A. gestation     B. heat period
C. lactation      D. ovulation
E. parturition

20. The organ in cattle that is responsible for deamination of excess amino acid is the
A. heart        B. kidney
C. liver          D. lung
D. skin

21. C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + A
In the aerobic respiration equation for farm animals written above, what does A stand for?
A. Alcohol       B. Energy
C. Glucose       D. Haemoglobin
E. Oxygen

22. Effects of overgrazing on soil include the following except
A. Exposure of soil to erosion
B. Depletion of soil nutrients
C. Improvement of soil structure
D. soil compaction

23. A piece of land is said to be on lease to a farmer when the land is
A. inherited from his father
B. gives to him as a gift
C. given as a compensation
D. gives for a specific period on rental basis

24. One of the following land tenure systems encourage establishment of permanent crops
A. communal land tenure system
B. leasehold land tenure system
C. freehold land tenure system
D. Land tenure by tenancy

25. Which of the following is an advantage of land tenure by inheritance?
A. it encourages production of crops in large quantities
B. permanent crops can be grown
C. it cannot be used as collateral
D. Sharing of land can generate bitter enmity among family members

26. The land tenure system that results in fragmentation of land is
A. leasehold
B. inheritance
C. land tenure by pledge
D. tenancy at will
E. government

27. The land tenure system by inheritance in Nigeria encourages
A. freehold to any land
B. use of land to obtain loans
C. commercial farming
D. ownership of large farmlands

28. The most common method of acquiring land in West Africa is by
A. Communal ownership
B. leasehold
C. inheritance
D. tenancy at the will of government

29. The Land Use Decree of 1978 vested lands for each state of the country on the
A. commissioner for agriculture
B. state government
C. president of the country
D. local government chairman

30. The Land Use Decree was promulgated by the Federal Military Government of Nigeria at
A. December 28, 1978
B. May 29, 1978
C. March 29, 1987
D. March 29, 1978

31. As a result of problems and inconsistencies of land tenure system, the federal government of Nigeria, promulgated an edict on land use of Nigeria during the reign of
A. General Mohammad Buhari
B. General Ibrahim Babangida
C. General Olusegun Obasanjo
D. General Yakubu Gowon

32. Which of the following statement is not correct about land use decree?
A. Land cannot be used for any purpose
B. government can control any unused land
C. it does not lead to land fragmentation
D. it aims at reallocation of land for farming purpose

33. One of the challenges resulting from land tenure system, the Federal Government of Nigeria enacted a reversed land use act on land use in Nigeria during the regime of
A. General Mohammadu Buhari
B. General Ibrahim Babangida
C. General Olusegun Obasanjo
D. General Yakubu Gowon

34. Government finances agriculture through the following means except
A. reduction of tariffs on agricultural inputs
B. establishment of credit source
C. establishment of agriculture schools
D. granting of subsidies to the farmer.

35. The main reason for establishment of game reserves is to prevent wildlife from
A. being poached
B. being hunted illegally
C. becoming extinct
D. attacking tourists

36. Which of the following is not a government agriculture programme?
A. Operation feed the nation
B. agriculture development projects
C. farm settlement schemes
D. west Africa Rice Development Authority

37. One of the statements about farm settlement schemes is false. They are set up
A. to provide is employment for young school leavers
B. to develop rural infrastructure
C. form research and commercial farming
D. to encourage young people to take up farming

38. The difference between subsidy and loan is that subsidy
A. is a short term credit while, loan is a long term credit
B. is a medium-term credit while, loan is a short term credit
C. is refundable while loan is not refundable
D. is not refundable while loan is refundable

39. The role of government in promoting agriculture development includes the following except
A. formulation of policies
B. provision of rural infrastructure
C. establishing and funding
D. breeding of plants and animals

40. Which of the following agricultural programs covers risk and uncertainties in agriculture business?
A. Agricultural development project
B. river basin development authority
C. agricultural insurance scheme
D. farm settlement scheme

41. Financial assistance from government to farmers is usually in the following forms except
A. tax           B. loan
C. credit       D. subsidy

42. The provision of farm input to the farmers by government can best be described as
A. loan            B. credit
C. subsidy       D. capital

43. Farm settlement is an example of agriculture
A. commodity     B. program
C. subsidy           D. production

44. In encouraging farmers to produce more of a particular crop, the Nigerian government has helped farmers in marketing their crops through the establishment of
A. rural extension offices
B. Universities of Agriculture
C. stores for peasant farmers
D. marketing boards

45. Non-government organizations are organizations that are formed by
A. rural farmers to enable them sell their produce
B. co-operate bodies concerned for the development of agriculture all over the country
C. the president of the country
D. ministry of agriculture

46. One of the following is not the contribution of non-governmental organization to agricultural production
A. they carry out research to improve new crop varieties
B. they carry out research to develop breeds of animals
C. provision of financial support for agriculture extension project
D. they provide food for the farmers satisfaction

47. Which of the following is not a non-governmental organization?
A. food and agriculture organization
B. Agricultural Development project
C. West African Rice Development Agency
D. International Institute for tropical agriculture

48. Exposing farmers to scientific knowledge is the responsibility of the
A. agro-service centre
B. extension personnel
C. farm settlers
D. research institutes

49. Which of the following is not a source of farm credit?
A. Co-operative societies
B. Government Agencies
C. Mortgage Banks
D. Agricultural Banks

50. A farmer uses his agricultural tools for the following except
A. purchasing drugs for his livestock
B. hiring machines and tools
C. paying labour wages
D. marketing his crop

51. Agricultural extension is best defined as
A. an informal educational process which aims at teaching farmers how to improve their farming activities and practices B. a formal education procedure of improving the image of farmers
C. An informal education institution to improve farmers and their standard of living
D. a formal educational process designed to teach farmers and their families improved method of living

52. Legumes are useful in agriculture because they
A. fix nitrogen to the soil
B. determine the relative humidity of the place
C. improve soil aeration
D. increase soil moisture

53. One of the following is not among the economic importance of soil living organisms.
A. They fix nitrogen to the soil
B. They can cause diseases to the plants
C. they help in the formation of rain water
D. they help in the decomposition of organic matters

54. The biotic factor which derives much benefit from livestock and reduces productivity is a
A. microbe       B. pathogen
C. bacteria        D. parasite

55. The most important micro-organisms causing decay and nutrient recycling are
A. bacteria and algae
B. fungi and termites
C. fungi and algae
D. bacteria and fungi

56. Soil water is made available to the crops through
A. surface drainage
B. evaporation
C. root absorption
D. leaf absorption

57. Which of the following is not an edaphic factor affecting agricultural production?
A. Topography
B. Relative humidity
C. Soil PH
D. Soil profile

58. Which of the following farm practices can prevent excessive evaporation from soil surface?
A. liming          B. pruning
C. mulching     D. clean clearing

59. By which of the following ways is the agriculture production in Nigeria affected by topography?
A. decreasing the pest incidence of crops
B. determining the manure requirement of a farm
C. lowering of crop quality
D. influencing the area of land actually available for agriculture

60. Adequate knowledge of climate is useful in determining the following except
A. methods of land clearing to adopt
B. crops and livestock managements practices
C. harvest and storage of crops
D. marketing strategies

SECTION B: Essay

INSTRUCTION – Answer number one (1) question, and any other three (3) questions in this section

(1a) Explain the following biochemical processes pointing out in each case the bacteria that carry out the function and product of each process
(i) Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation
(ii) Asymbiotic Nitrogen Fixation
(iii) Nitrification I
(iv) Nitrification II
(v) Denitrification

(1b) Identify four (4) reasons why bush burning should be discouraged in agriculture.

(1c) State two (2) effects on the soil of each of the following practices
(i) Continuous Cropping
(ii) Over grazing
(iii) Clean clearing
(iv) Chemical Application
(v) Use of farm machines

(2a) Identify any four (4) aims and objective of non-Governmental organizations in agriculture.
(2b) List seven (7) local agricultural research institutes in Nigeria and their locations.
(2c) State four (4) characteristics/features of non-Governmental organizations.

(3a) Explain the following types of land tenure systems in Nigeria:
(i) Communal land tenure system;
(ii) Inheritance land tenure system;
(iii) Leasehold land tenure system;
(iv) Tenancy at the will of government land tenure system.
(3b) Outline any four (4) advantages and three (3) disadvantages of legislating the agricultural land use decree of 1978 and reversed act of 1990 in agriculture in Nigeria

(4a) Explain briefly using two points in each case to show how the following factors affect Agricultural production
(i) Soil type
(ii) Soil living Organisms
(iii) Sunlight
(iv) Wind

(4b) Define the following terms as used in environmental physiology and also mention the specific instruments used in measuring them:
(i) Temperature;
(ii) Relative humidity;
(iii) Pressure;
(iv) Sunlight
(v) Rainfall;
(vi) Wind speed
(vii) Wind Direction

(5a) Explain the following terms
(i) Surface irrigation
(ii) Underground irrigation
(iii) Sprinkler irrigation
(iv) Drip irrigation
(5b) With seven reasons, explain why irrigation schemes are necessary in West Africa.

Read Also: Agricultural Science Exam Questions for SS2 Second Term

Answers to Agricultural Science Exam Questions for SS2 First Term

Answers to Section A (Objective Test)

The following table gives the correct answers to the objective section of Agricultural Science exam questions for SS2 First term. If you are using a mobile device, hold the table and scroll to the right or left for a complete view.

So here you have the answers to the objective section of Agricultural Science Exam Questions for SS2 First term. Use the comments section to let me know if you have any questions you would want me to clarify or discuss further.

Answers to Section B (Theory)

(1a) Explanation of Biochemical Processes

(i) Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation: This is the process by which nitrogen-fixing bacteria such as Rhizobium live in the root nodules of leguminous plants. They convert atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into ammonia (NH₃), which the plants use to make proteins. Product: Ammonia/Ammonium compounds.

(ii) Asymbiotic Nitrogen Fixation: This process is carried out by free-living bacteria in the soil such as Azotobacter and Clostridium. They convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia without depending on host plants. Product: Ammonia/Ammonium compounds.

(iii) Nitrification I: This is the oxidation of ammonia (NH₃) into nitrites (NO₂⁻). It is carried out by bacteria such as Nitrosomonas. Product: Nitrites.

(iv) Nitrification II: This is the oxidation of nitrites (NO₂⁻) into nitrates (NO₃⁻). It is carried out by bacteria such as Nitrobacter. Product: Nitrates.

(v) Denitrification: This is the process by which nitrates (NO₃⁻) in the soil are reduced back to atmospheric nitrogen (N₂). It is carried out by bacteria such as Pseudomonas and Clostridium. Product: Free atmospheric nitrogen.

(1b) Reasons Why Bush Burning Should Be Discouraged

• It destroys soil organic matter and humus.
• Ît kills useful soil organisms and wildlife.
• It exposes soil to erosion and degradation.
• It reduces soil fertility and structure over time.

(1c) Effects of Certain Practices on Soil

(i) Continuous Cropping:

• Leads to depletion of soil nutrients.
• Causes decline in soil fertility.

(ii) Over Grazing:

• Leads to soil compaction.
• Exposes soil to erosion and loss of nutrients.

(iii) Clean Clearing:

• Removes vegetation cover, exposing soil to erosion.
• Reduces soil organic matter.

(iv) Chemical Application:

• Excessive use may lead to soil toxicity.
• Can alter soil pH and reduce microbial activity.

(v) Use of Farm Machines:

• Causes soil compaction due to heavy machinery.
• Destroys soil structure when poorly managed.

(2a) Aims/Objectives of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Agriculture

• To promote rural agricultural development.
• To provide funding and technical support for farmers.
• Tō conduct research and introduce improved crop and livestock varieties.
• To train and educate farmers through extension services.

(2b) Local Agricultural Research Institutes in Nigeria

1. Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) – Benin City
2. National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) – Umudike
3. National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI) – Badeggi
4. Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T) – Ibadan
5. Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) – Ilorin
6. National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) – Zaria
7. Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria (RRIN) – Benin City

(2c) Features of Non-Governmental Organizations

• They are non-profit making organizations.
• They operate independently of government control.
• Thëy are funded by donations, grants and membership contributions.
• They focus on research, training, extension and community development.

(3a) Land Tenure Systems in Nigeria

(i) Communal Land Tenure: Land is owned collectively by a community and allocated by chiefs or family heads for farming.

(ii) Inheritance Land Tenure: Land is passed from parents to children, usually leading to land fragmentation.

(iii) Leasehold Land Tenure: Land is given to a farmer for a fixed period of time in return for rent or lease fees.

(iv) Tenancy at the Will of Government: Land is allocated by government for agricultural use, subject to withdrawal at any time.

(3b) Advantages and Disadvantages of the Agricultural Land Use Decree (1978) and Reversed Act (1990)

Advantages:

• Ensures easy access to land for agricultural purposes.
• Prevents unnecessary land fragmentation.
• Encourages commercial farming.
• Allows government to reallocate unused land for agriculture.

Disadvantages:

• Leads to misuse of power by government officials.
• Discourages private ownership of land.
• May cause disputes and insecurity over land rights.

(4a) Factors Affecting Agricultural Production

(i) Soil Type:

• Determines the kind of crops that can be grown.
• Affects soil fertility and water-holding capacity.

(ii) Soil Living Organisms:

• Microorganisms decompose organic matter to improve soil fertility.
• Some organisms (pests, pathogens) reduce crop yield.

(iii) Sunlight:

• Provides energy for photosynthesis.
• Affects crop growth, flowering and yield.

(iv) Wind:

• Helps in pollination and seed dispersal.
• Strong winds can damage crops and cause erosion.

(4b) Environmental Physiology Terms and Instruments

• Temperature: Degree of hotness or coldness; measured by thermometer.
• Relative Humidity: Amount of moisture in the air; measured by hygrometer.
• Pressure: Force exerted by air; measured by barometer.
• Sunlight: Intensity of solar radiation; measured by photometer/light meter.
• Rainfall: Amount of precipitation; measured by rain gauge.
• Wind Speed: Rate of moving air; measured by anemometer.
• Wind Direction: Direction of wind; measured by wind vane.

(5a) Types of Irrigation

(i) Surface Irrigation: Water is applied directly to the soil surface and allowed to flow across the field by gravity.

(ii) Underground Irrigation: Water is supplied to plant roots through underground pipes and channels.

(iii) Sprinkler Irrigation: Water is sprayed into the air like rainfall using sprinklers.

(iv) Drip Irrigation: Water is delivered in drops directly to the base of plants through perforated pipes.

(5b) Reasons Why Irrigation Schemes are Necessary in West Africa

• To provide water for crops during dry season.
• To ensure steady food supply throughout the year.
• Tō improve crop yield and quality.
• To reduce dependence on rainfall.
• To support livestock farming with reliable water supply.
• Tō prevent crop failure due to drought.
• To increase the income of farmers and promote food security.

How to Pass Agricultural Science Exam Questions for SS2 First Term

Agricultural Science is a practical and theoretical subject that requires good study habits and proper preparation
to succeed. To pass your SS2 First Term Agricultural Science exam, you need to combine hard work with smart strategies.

First, ensure that you pay attention in class and take notes during lessons. Most exam questions come directly
from class discussions and your teacher’s explanations. Reviewing your notes regularly will help you understand
and remember key concepts like soil management, land tenure systems, irrigation, and environmental physiology.

Second, study past questions and practice writing answers. Agricultural Science exams usually repeat topics in
different ways, so practicing with past questions helps you to understand the pattern and improve your speed
during the real exam. Always practice both objective and essay questions.

Third, do not neglect the practical aspect. Be familiar with common farm tools, research institutes, and different
types of farming systems. Sometimes questions are set to test your ability to connect theory with practical
knowledge.

Finally, avoid last-minute cramming. Plan your study timetable and revise little by little each day. On exam day,
read instructions carefully, manage your time wisely, and answer questions to the best of your understanding.
With good preparation, confidence, and focus, you can pass Agricultural Science exam questions for SS2 First Term successfully.

It’s a wrap!

If you need more clarification on SS2 First Term Questions on Agricultural Science, you can use the comments box below. We’ll be there to answer you asap.

Best wishes..