MCQs on Climate Resilient Agriculture:

10 multiple-choice questions with explanations for each answer:

What contributes to the variability and change in climate?

A) Only natural internal processes

B) Persistent anthropogenic changes in land use

C) Changes in solar radiation and volcanism

D) All of the above 

Answer: D) All of the above 

Explanation: Climate change can be attributed to natural internal processes, external forces, and persistent anthropogenic changes in the composition of the atmosphere or in land use​​.

Which greenhouse gas is primarily emitted from rice-paddy fields?

A) Carbon dioxide (CO2)

B) Methane (CH4) 

C) Nitrous oxide (N2O)

D) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Answer: B) Methane (CH4) 

Explanation: Methane is the main greenhouse gas emitted from rice-paddy fields. Although rice plants do not produce methane, they allow it to be transported to the atmosphere from the paddy soils​​.

What characterizes a meteorological drought?

A) Prolonged absence or marked deficiency of precipitation 

B) Depletion of surface water

C) Extended dry period in crop-root zone

D) Social and economic impacts

Answer: A) Prolonged absence or marked deficiency of precipitation 

Explanation: Meteorological drought is characterized by a prolonged absence or marked deficiency or poor distribution of precipitation over an area​​.

How is a heat wave defined in regions where the normal maximum temperature is more than 40°C?

A) Temperature exceeds 5°C above normal for 5 days

B) Temperature exceeds 3°C above normal for 5 days 

C) Temperature exceeds 3°C above normal for 3 days

D) Temperature exceeds 5°C above normal for 3 days

Answer: B) Temperature exceeds 3°C above normal for 5 days 

Explanation: In regions where the normal maximum temperature is more than 40°C, a heat wave is defined as when the day temperature exceeds 3°C above normal for 5 days​​.

Which climate event is defined by a minimum temperature remaining 5°C lower than normal for 3 days or more?

A) Frost

B) Heat Wave

C) Hailstorm

D) Cold Wave 

Answer: D) Cold Wave 

Explanation: A cold wave is defined as a condition where, in regions with a normal minimum temperature of 10°C or above, the minimum temperature remains 5°C lower than normal for 3 days or more​​.

What impact does increased CO2 have on photosynthesis in C4 plants compared to C3 plants?

A) Increases more in C4 plants

B) Decreases in both C3 and C4 plants

C) Increases more in C3 plants 

D) No impact in either type of plants

Answer: C) Increases more in C3 plants 

Explanation: Increased CO2 levels may increase photosynthesis, especially in C3 plants, as they do not have a CO2 concentrating mechanism like C4 plants do​​.

Which crop is mentioned as being resilient to high temperatures and drought due to its vertical tap root?

A) Wheat

B) Rice

C) Cotton 

D) Maize

Answer: C) Cotton 

Explanation: Cotton is resilient to high temperatures and drought due to its vertical tap root. However, it is highly sensitive to water availability, especially during flowering and boll formation​​.

What is a key impact of climate change on soils?

A) Increased soil fertility

B) Decreased susceptibility to erosion

C) Increased vulnerability to erosion 

D) Decrease in soil organic matter

Answer: C) Increased vulnerability to erosion 

Explanation: Climate change impacts on soils include increased vulnerability to erosion and changes in soil organic matter supply, temperature regimes, and hydrology​​.

What is a primary approach to mitigating climate change in agriculture?

A) Increasing use of synthetic pesticides

B) Expanding urban farming

C) Reducing greenhouse gas emissions 

D) Eliminating crop rotations

Answer: C) Reducing greenhouse gas emissions 

Explanation: A primary approach to mitigating climate change in agriculture includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing carbon sinks through various techniques such as using new technologies, making equipment more energy efficient, or changing management practices​​.

What is the role of biochar in climate resilient agriculture?

A) Decreasing soil fertility

B) Enhancing soil carbon sequestration 

C) Increasing greenhouse gas emissions

D) Reducing crop diversity

Answer: B) Enhancing soil carbon sequestration 

Explanation: Biochar, a byproduct of pyrolysis, enhances soil carbon sequestration and soil fertility when returned to the soil, offering environmental benefits related to climate change mitigation​​.