Download California UC A–G Ag/Horticulture Pathways, covering Units 1–5 (Plant and Crop Science) a and more Exams Gardening and Horticulture in PDF only on Docsity!
California UC A–G Ag/Horticulture Pathways , covering Units 1– 5 (Plant
and Crop Science) and Unit 34 (Career Options) Questions And Correct
Answers Plus Rationales 2025
1. What is the process by which green plants use sunlight to make food? A. Germination B. Photosynthesis C. Respiration D. Transpiration
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight, carbon
dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen.
2. What is the primary function of plant roots? A. Photosynthesis B. Reproduction C. Water and nutrient absorption D. Seed dispersal
Roots absorb water and nutrients from the soil and anchor the plant in
place.
3. What type of soil particle is the smallest and holds water the best? A. Sand B. Silt C. Clay D. Loam
Clay particles are the smallest and can hold the most water, though
they may hinder drainage.
4. Which part of the plant is responsible for reproduction in flowering plants? A. Flower B. Leaf C. Stem D. Root
The flower is the reproductive structure in angiosperms, responsible for
producing seeds.
5. Which plant hormone is responsible for cell elongation and growth? A. Cytokinin B. Ethylene C. Auxin D. Gibberellin
Auxins promote elongation of cells in shoots and are crucial for plant
growth and phototropism.
6. Which of the following is considered a micronutrient for plants? A. Nitrogen B. Phosphorus C. Zinc D. Potassium
Micronutrients like zinc are required in smaller quantities but are
essential for plant development.
C. 8.0–9.
D. 5.0–5.
Most plants grow best in slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 6.0–7.0).
11. What is the correct term for the movement of water through a plant from roots to leaves? A. Osmosis B. Transpiration C. Diffusion D. Fertigation
Transpiration is the process of water movement through a plant and its
evaporation from aerial parts.
12. Which of the following careers involves designing landscapes for aesthetics and function? A. Landscape architect B. Soil scientist C. Crop advisor D. Agronomist
Landscape architects plan and design outdoor spaces for beauty and
utility.
13. Which macronutrient is most responsible for leafy green growth in plants? A. Nitrogen B. Potassium
C. Calcium D. Phosphorus
Nitrogen supports vegetative growth, especially in leaves.
14. Which part of the plant conducts water and minerals from roots to leaves? A. Xylem B. Phloem C. Stomata D. Cambium
The xylem transports water and dissolved nutrients upward from the
roots.
15. What is the process of selectively breeding plants to enhance desired traits called? A. Grafting B. Plant breeding C. Cultivation D. Cross-pollination
Plant breeding develops crops with improved yield, disease resistance,
or adaptability.
16. Which environmental factor most directly influences seed germination? A. Wind B. Temperature C. Soil structure D. Pruning
Tissue culture produces clones and is commonly used in commercial
plant production.
20. Which California crop is most associated with the Central Valley region? A. Bananas B. Oranges C. Almonds D. Pineapples
Almonds are one of the major crops grown in California’s Central Valley.
21. Which layer of soil contains the most organic matter and nutrients? A. Topsoil B. Subsoil C. Parent material D. Bedrock
Topsoil is rich in organic matter and supports most plant roots.
22. A person studying plant genetics and improvement is called a: A. Horticulturist B. Plant breeder C. Botanist D. Agronomist
Plant breeders focus on improving plant traits through genetic selection.
23. What is the female reproductive part of a flower called? A. Stamen
B. Pistil C. Petal D. Anther
The pistil includes the stigma, style, and ovary – the female parts of a
flower.
24. What does IPM stand for in agricultural management? A. International Plant Movement B. Integrated Pest Management C. Insect Population Management D. Irrigation and Pest Monitoring
IPM uses biological, cultural, and chemical tools for sustainable pest
control.
25. Which element helps plants resist drought and strengthens stems? A. Nitrogen B. Phosphorus C. Potassium D. Boron
Potassium improves drought resistance and strengthens cell walls.
26. What tool measures soil pH accurately? A. Rain gauge B. pH meter C. Tensiometer D. Hydrometer
A pH meter provides accurate readings of soil acidity or alkalinity.
B. Wheat C. Soybeans D. Cotton
Wheat is a cereal grain grown for its edible seeds.
31. Which plant organ contains stomata for gas exchange? A. Leaf B. Stem C. Flower D. Root
Stomata on leaves regulate gas exchange and transpiration.
32. What is the practice of rotating different crops in the same field called? A. Crop rotation B. Intercropping C. Monocropping D. Fallowing
Crop rotation improves soil health and reduces pest/disease buildup.
33. What is the best example of an annual crop? A. Apple tree B. Lettuce C. Alfalfa D. Grapevine
Annual crops like lettuce complete their life cycle in one season.
34. What job requires extensive knowledge of soil and fertilizer use? A. Veterinarian B. Agronomist C. Welder D. Livestock inspector
Agronomists advise on soil fertility and crop production.
35. Which part of the flower produces pollen? A. Pistil B. Ovary C. Anther D. Stigma
The anther, part of the stamen, generates and releases pollen.
36. The movement of sugar throughout the plant is done by: A. Xylem B. Phloem C. Cambium D. Cuticle
Phloem carries sugars from the leaves to other parts of the plant.
37. What does a soil texture triangle measure? A. pH B. Soil composition of sand, silt, and clay C. Fertilizer rate D. Organic matter content
The triangle helps determine soil type based on particle percentages.
D. Biotechnology
Organic farming avoids synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
42. What is the name for a plant that lives more than two years? A. Annual B. Biennial C. Perennial D. Monocot
Perennials live and bloom over multiple seasons.
43. Which soil color indicates high organic content? A. Yellow B. Red C. Dark brown/black D. White
Darker soil usually means more organic matter and nutrients.
44. Which career requires knowledge of pesticides and safety protocols? A. Food inspector B. Pest control advisor C. Livestock breeder D. Agricultural economist
Pest control advisors recommend safe and legal pesticide usage in
agriculture.
45. Which nutrient is most important for strong root development? A. Nitrogen
B. Phosphorus C. Zinc D. Iron
Phosphorus supports root growth and energy transfer in plants.
46. The point where the leaf blade meets the stem is called the: A. Stoma B. Node C. Apical meristem D. Anther
Nodes are areas where leaves, branches, or flowers originate on the
stem.
47. What is a common tool for measuring plant growth? A. Tensiometer B. Soil probe C. Ruler or caliper D. PH strip
Growth is tracked using physical measurements of plant height or stem
thickness.
48. What type of horticulture involves growing flowers? A. Pomology B. Floriculture C. Olericulture D. Silviculture
Floriculture is the study and cultivation of flowering plants.
52. Which part of the plant anchors it and absorbs water and minerals? A. Leaf B. Stem C. Root D. Flower
Roots are responsible for anchoring the plant and absorbing
water/nutrients from the soil.
53. What is the primary function of guard cells in leaves? A. Photosynthesis B. Controlling stomata opening/closing C. Producing pollen D. Transporting nutrients
Guard cells regulate gas exchange and water loss by opening and
closing the stomata.
54. Which type of crop is typically grown to cover and protect soil between harvests? A. Row crop B. Cash crop C. Cover crop D. Perennial crop
Cover crops prevent erosion, improve soil fertility, and suppress weeds.
55. Which of the following is NOT a benefit of organic matter in soil? A. Increases water retention B. Improves nutrient availability
C. Reduces soil aeration D. Supports microbial life
Excessive compaction reduces aeration, but organic matter typically
enhances it.
56. What is the scientific name for the process of seed sprouting? A. Pollination B. Fertilization C. Germination D. Dormancy
Germination is the development of a seed into a new plant under the
right conditions.
57. Which structure in the plant conducts food from leaves to the rest of the plant? A. Xylem B. Cambium C. Phloem D. Stomata
Phloem moves sugars and other metabolic products from the leaves
throughout the plant.
58. Which of the following best describes a biennial plant? A. Grows and dies in one year B. Lives two years, flowering in the second C. Lives indefinitely D. Grows fruit continuously
6 2. Which of the following careers works to ensure safe food handling and labeling? A. Horticulturist B. Agronomist C. Food safety inspector D. Irrigation specialist
Food safety inspectors monitor compliance with food safety regulations.
63. Which gas is most used during photosynthesis? A. Carbon dioxide B. Oxygen C. Nitrogen D. Hydrogen
Plants use CO₂ to produce glucose through photosynthesis.
64. What term describes a plant’s upward growth response to light? A. Gravitropism B. Phototropism C. Thigmotropism D. Hydrotropism
Phototropism is a plant's directional growth response toward light.
65. Which element is considered a secondary nutrient for plants? A. Nitrogen B. Iron C. Calcium D. Boron
Calcium is a secondary nutrient essential for cell wall structure and
growth.
66. What’s the best pH range for nutrient availability in most soils? A. 4.0–5. B. 7.5–8. C. 6.0–7. D. 5.0–5.
Most plant nutrients are readily available between pH 6.0–7.5.
67. Which of these is an example of a nonrenewable resource in agriculture? A. Phosphate rock B. Compost C. Cover crop D. Rainwater
Phosphate rock is mined and cannot be replenished naturally on a
human timescale.
68. What is the purpose of the cambium layer in a plant? A. Store sugars B. Transport nutrients C. Produce new xylem and phloem D. Prevent water loss
The cambium is a growth tissue that produces vascular tissues.
69. Which structure allows plant cells to store water and nutrients? A. Nucleus
