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Illinois Agricultural Education Curriculum, focusing
on Units 1–5 (early horticulture) and Unit 34 (career
exploration) Questions and Correct Answers Plus
Rationales 2025
- Which part of the plant is primarily responsible for photosynthesis? A. Root B. Leaf C. Stem D. Flower Leaves contain chloroplasts with chlorophyll, which captures light energy for photosynthesis.
- What is the function of xylem in plants? A. Carries sugars B. Transports water C. Produces flowers D. Controls stomata Xylem transports water and minerals from the roots to other parts of the plant.
- Which type of root system is most common in grasses? A. Taproot B. Fibrous
C. Aerial D. Tuber Fibrous roots form a dense network close to the soil surface, common in monocots like grasses.
- The process where pollen moves from the anther to the stigma is called: A. Germination B. Fertilization C. Pollination D. Propagation Pollination is the transfer of pollen from male to female plant parts to enable reproduction.
- Which macronutrient is most responsible for leafy green growth in plants? A. Phosphorus B. Nitrogen C. Potassium D. Calcium Nitrogen promotes vegetative growth, especially in leaves and stems.
- What type of plant propagation uses cuttings? A. Sexual B. Asexual C. Cross-pollination D. Genetic Asexual propagation like stem cuttings produces clones of the parent plant.
D. 8.0–9.
Most crops grow well in slightly acidic to neutral pH conditions. 11.Which greenhouse covering material is most commonly used? A. Glass B. Polyethylene film C. Fiberglass D. Metal Polyethylene is lightweight, inexpensive, and allows sufficient light transmission. 12.A fertilizer labeled 10- 20 - 10 contains 20% of what nutrient? A. Nitrogen B. Phosphorus C. Potassium D. Sulfur The middle number in fertilizer labeling represents phosphorus content. 13.Which plant hormone promotes root growth? A. Ethylene B. Auxin C. Gibberellin D. Cytokinin Auxin stimulates cell elongation and root initiation. 14.Which gardening technique helps conserve soil moisture and reduce weed growth? A. Irrigation
B. Mulching C. Cultivating D. Pruning Mulching maintains soil moisture and suppresses weed germination. 15.What is the scientific name for the process of water loss from plant leaves? A. Absorption B. Transpiration C. Respiration D. Filtration Transpiration is the evaporation of water from plant surfaces, mainly through leaves. 16.A career involving the genetic engineering of plants would fall under which career pathway? A. Natural Resources B. Agricultural Mechanics C. Plant Systems D. Food Products and Processing Plant Systems includes careers related to biotechnology, plant breeding, and crop improvement. 17.What does IPM stand for in horticulture? A. Integrated Plant Mapping B. Insect Protection Method C. Integrated Pest Management D. Internal Pathogen Monitoring
C. Ovary D. Anther The ovary matures into a fruit to protect and disperse seeds. 22.What is the job of chlorophyll in a plant? A. Absorbs water B. Captures light energy C. Stores sugar D. Creates seeds Chlorophyll absorbs sunlight to power photosynthesis. 23.Which growing media is commonly used in hydroponics? A. Loam B. Silt C. Rockwool D. Clay Rockwool retains water and air, making it ideal for hydroponic systems. 24.What do we call a plant that completes its life cycle in one year? A. Perennial B. Annual C. Biennial D. Deciduous Annuals grow, flower, and die in a single growing season. 25.Which career requires education in soil science and agronomy? A. Floral designer B. Crop consultant
C. Turf manager D. Arborist Crop consultants advise farmers based on soil health and crop performance. 26.Which is a benefit of raised bed gardening? A. Increased weeds B. Poor drainage C. Better soil control D. Lower yields Raised beds improve drainage and allow precise soil amendments. 27.What is the term for the upward growth of a plant toward light? A. Hydrotropism B. Gravitropism C. Phototropism D. Thigmotropism Phototropism is plant movement in response to light. 28.What is vermiculite used for in growing media? A. Adds color B. Adds nutrients C. Improves aeration and moisture retention D. Kills fungi Vermiculite is a mineral that enhances water holding in potting mixes. 29.Which factor most affects seed germination? A. Light
33.What term refers to the growing of plants without soil? A. Aeration B. Hydroponics C. Irrigation D. Composting Hydroponics uses nutrient-rich water instead of soil for plant growth. 34.Which gas is absorbed during photosynthesis? A. Oxygen B. Carbon dioxide C. Nitrogen D. Helium Carbon dioxide is fixed into sugars during photosynthesis. 35.What does a soil test primarily determine? A. Seed depth B. Nutrient levels and pH C. Irrigation rate D. Pesticide use Soil tests help tailor fertilization and liming for optimal growth. 36.What happens during respiration in plants? A. Water is absorbed B. Energy is released from sugars C. Fruits develop D. Pollen is produced Cellular respiration breaks down glucose to release energy for growth.
37.Which is a monocot plant? A. Maple tree B. Corn C. Bean D. Oak tree Monocots like corn have parallel veins and fibrous roots. 38.What does pruning encourage in a plant? A. Less flowering B. More branching and shape control C. Seed dormancy D. Early death Pruning promotes growth in desired directions and improves health. 39.What is a horticulturist's primary focus? A. Livestock care B. Soil erosion C. Plant cultivation and care D. Water purification Horticulturists work with ornamental, fruit, and vegetable crops. 40.What is the primary career skill developed in Unit 34? A. Weed identification B. Fertilizer application C. Career exploration and planning D. Pest control
D. Pest anatomy Agronomists research and advise on soil management and crop science. 45.Which is the best example of asexual reproduction in plants? A. Seed planting B. Grafting C. Fertilization D. Pollination Grafting joins parts of plants to propagate desirable traits. 46.A career as a plant biotechnologist requires education in: A. Accounting B. Welding C. Genetics and lab research D. Landscape maintenance Plant biotechnologists work with DNA to improve crop traits. 47.What is an example of a plant with a taproot? A. Onion B. Carrot C. Wheat D. Grass Carrots develop a single dominant root for nutrient storage. 48.Which safety gear is most important when applying pesticides? A. Sunglasses B. Gloves and respirator C. Belt
D. Hat Pesticide application requires PPE to prevent chemical exposure. 49.Which of the following careers is part of agricultural support services? A. Vet technician B. Farmer C. Agriculture educator D. Beekeeper Educators support industry growth by preparing the future workforce. 50.What does a landscape architect do? A. Builds greenhouses B. Tests soil C. Designs outdoor spaces D. Fertilizes fields Landscape architects combine art and science to create functional green areas. 51.What type of plant propagation involves joining two plant parts together? A. Layering B. Grafting C. Seeding D. Dividing Grafting is a method where two plant segments grow together to function as one plant.
D. Anther The ovary houses the ovules, which develop into seeds after fertilization. 56.What soil component helps retain moisture and nutrients? A. Sand B. Gravel C. Clay D. Air Clay particles are small and hold onto water and nutrients effectively. 57.What plant tissue transports sugars produced in photosynthesis? A. Xylem B. Cambium C. Phloem D. Epidermis Phloem transports sugars from the leaves to the rest of the plant. 58.Which is an essential micronutrient for plant growth? A. Calcium B. Iron C. Phosphorus D. Potassium Iron is a micronutrient required for chlorophyll production and enzyme function. 59.Which career involves inspecting plant shipments for diseases and pests? A. Agronomist B. Plant quarantine inspector
C. Landscape architect D. Florist Plant quarantine inspectors prevent the spread of invasive species and disease. 60.What is the process of soaking seeds to speed up germination? A. Fertilizing B. Transplanting C. Scarification or soaking D. Root pruning Scarification or soaking softens seed coats and encourages quicker sprouting. 61.Which part of the plant anchors it in the soil? A. Leaf B. Flower C. Root D. Stem Roots provide support and absorb water and minerals from the soil. 62.What tool is used to transplant small seedlings? A. Hoe B. Lopper C. Dibble D. Pruner A dibble makes holes for placing young transplants into soil.
67.What is the best method to prevent erosion on a slope? A. Flooding B. Fertilizing C. Planting ground cover D. Spraying herbicide Ground covers hold the soil in place and reduce erosion from wind and water. 68.Which part of the plant produces pollen? A. Pistil B. Ovary C. Anther D. Style The anther is part of the stamen and produces pollen grains. 69.What is the role of compost in horticulture? A. Pest control B. Pollination C. Soil amendment D. Drainage reduction Compost improves soil structure, nutrient content, and microbial life. 70.What horticulture career involves designing with flowers? A. Agronomist B. Floral designer C. Soil scientist
D. Tree surgeon Floral designers create arrangements for decorative and ceremonial use. 71.Which is a key component of a career portfolio? A. Fertilizer chart B. Resume C. Irrigation map D. Soil type A resume highlights your qualifications, education, and experience. 72.What is a benefit of cover crops? A. Increase weeds B. Improve soil health C. Reduce nutrients D. Raise pH Cover crops fix nitrogen, reduce erosion, and improve organic matter. 73.What is the scientific term for the plant’s reproductive structure? A. Leaf B. Flower C. Stem D. Root Flowers contain reproductive organs like stamens and pistils. 74.Which irrigation method conserves the most water? A. Overhead sprinkler B. Drip irrigation C. Flooding
