STUDENT EDUCATION NUMBER

GOVERNMENT OF SAMOA
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, SPORTS AND CULTURE

Samoa School Certificate

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE
2021
QUESTION and ANSWER BOOKLET
Time allowed: 3 Hours & 10 minutes

INSTRUCTIONS
1. You have 10 minutes to read before you start the exam.
2. Write your Student Education Number (SEN) in the space provided on the top right hand corner of this page.
3. Answer ALL QUESTIONS. Write your answers in the spaces provided in this booklet.
4. If you need more paper to write your answers, ask the Supervisor for extra paper. Write your SEN on all
extra sheets used and clearly number the questions. Attach the extra sheets at the appropriate places in this
booklet.

STRANDS Pages Time (min) Weighting

STRAND 1 AGRICULTURE IN SAMOA 2 13 8

STRAND 2 SOIL 5 18 10

STRAND 3 FARM MANAGEMENT, ECONOMICS AND MARKETING 8 32 20

STRAND 4 CROP PRODUCTION 12 50 24

STRAND 5 ANIMAL PRODUCTION 18 54 30

STRAND 6 TOOLS EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES 25 13 8

TOTAL 180 100

Check that this booklet contains pages 2-28 in the correct order and that none of these pages are blank.
HAND THIS BOOKLET TO THE SUPERVISOR AT THE END OF THE EXAMINATION.

SSC | Agricultural Science 1

STRAND 1: AGRICULTURE IN SAMOA WEIGHTING 8

Study the picture given below and answer Question 1.

For Questions 1 to 3, choose and write the LETTER of the correct answer in the box provided.

1. What is an ecosystem?

A. A community. SL 1
B. A biosphere.
C. A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical
environment.
D. Its reliance on silence to guide decisions and set boundaries.

2. Name ONE agricultural practice in Samoa.

A. Irrigation SL 1
B. Travelling
C. Climbing
D. Walking

SSC | Agricultural Science 2

3. Select the correct definition for monohybrid crosses.

A. Describes a mating experiment between two organisms that are

identically hybrid for two traits.
SL 1
B. The hybrid of two individuals with homozygous genotypes that
results in the opposite phenotype for a certain genetic trait.
C. The type of hybrid that is produced when two different single-cross
hybrids are cross-pollinated.
D. The type of hybrid that is produced when two different inbreeds
are cross-pollinated.

Study the picture given below and answer Question 4.

Source: Google search

4. Describe a managed ecosystem.

_______________________________________________________________________
SL 2
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

SSC | Agricultural Science 3

5. Explain ONE long term effect of using pesticides in farming.

_______________________________________________________________________
SL 3
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

SSC | Agricultural Science 4

STRAND 2: SOIL WEIGHTING 10

Study the picture given below and answer Questions 6 and 7.

Source: Google search

For Question 6, choose and write the LETTER of the correct answer in the box provided.

6. Name a cause in any farming system that reduces soil fertility.

A. Over use of mechanical labour and chemical properties of soil that

can lead to land degradation.
SL 1
B. Over watering of plants.
C. Rotating of crops in an area.
D. Grazing of cattle in a paddock.

7. Describe any farming method that can improve soil fertility.

______________________________________________________________________
SL 2
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

SSC | Agricultural Science 5

Study the picture given below and answer Questions 8 and 9.

Source: Google search

8. Explain how the soil conservation method shown in the picture is beneficial for the
environment.

______________________________________________________________________
SL 3
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

SSC | Agricultural Science 6

9. Discuss the effect of over grazing of livestock on soil properties.

______________________________________________________________________
SL 4
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

SSC | Agricultural Science 7

STRAND 3: FARM MANAGEMENT, ECONOMICS WEIGHTING 20
AND MARKETING

For Questions 10 to 15, choose and write the LETTER of the correct answer in the box provided.

10. The change in the total cost that arises when the quantity produced is increased by
one unit is referred to as the:

A. marginal cost.
SL 1
B. business cost.
C. unit cost.
D. average cost.

11. What is a gross margin?

A. A planning and decision-making framework used to compare the

costs and benefits of alternatives faced by a farm business.
SL 1
B. A company’s net sales revenue minus its cost of goods sold.
C. Business costs, such as rent, that are constant whatever the amount
of goods produced.
D. The sum of all costs incurred by a firm in producing a certain level of
output.

12. The sum of all costs incurred by a firm in producing a certain level of output.

A. Fixed cost.
SL 1
B. Service cost.
C. Cost of rent.
D. Total cost.

SSC | Agricultural Science 8

13. Define fixed cost.

A. A cost that varies with the level of output.

SL 1
B. Is a planning and decision-making framework used to compare the
costs and benefits of alternatives faced by a farm business.
C. Business costs, such as rent, that are constant whatever the amount
of goods produced.
D. Is a company’s net sales revenue minus its cost of goods sold.

14. A cost that varies with the level of output is the:

A. variable cost.
SL 1
B. cost of service.
C. gross domestic income.
D. cost of returnees.

15. The cost added by producing one additional unit of a product or service.

A. Marginal cost.
SL 1
B. Variable cost.
C. Differentiation value.
D. Input cost.

16. List TWO companies in Samoa that operate based on gross margin.

(i) ________________________________________________________________ SL 2

________________________________________________________________
(ii)

17. List TWO types of farm records used in a poultry farm.

(i) ________________________________________________________________ SL 2

________________________________________________________________
(ii)

SSC | Agricultural Science 9

18. Explain how to promote coconut cream to consumers.

______________________________________________________________________
SL 3
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

19. Explain how the sale of a farm produce benefits from going through a market channel.

______________________________________________________________________
SL 3
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

SSC | Agricultural Science 10

20. Discuss the impact of good farm management of taro before exporting to New
Zealand.

______________________________________________________________________
SL 4
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

SSC | Agricultural Science 11

STRAND 4: CROP PRODUCTION WEIGHTING 24

Study the picture given below and answer Questions 21 and 22.

Source: Google search

For Questions 21 and 22, choose and write the LETTER of the correct answer in the box provided.

21. The interaction of agriculture and trees, including the agricultural use of trees.

A. Agroforestry
SL 1
B. Forestry
C. Mixed farming
D. Crop rotation

22. Name a type of species in a forest.

A. Tools.
SL 1
B. Tractor.
C. Insects.
D. None of the above.

SSC | Agricultural Science 12

Study the picture given below and answer Questions 23 – 26.

Source: Google search

For Questions 23 to 26, choose and write the LETTER of the correct answer in the box provided.

23. The vascular tissue in plants which conducts sugars and other metabolic products
downwards from the leaves is the:

A. zylem.
SL 1
B. trunk.
C. cambium.
D. phloem.

24. A cellular plant tissue from which phloem, xylem, or cork grows by division, resulting
(in woody plants) in secondary thickening is the:

A. vascular tissue.
SL 1
B. woody stem.
C. cambium layer.
D. zylem.

SSC | Agricultural Science 13

25. The vascular tissue in plants which conducts water and dissolved nutrients upwards
from the root and also helps to form the woody element in the stem is the:

A. xylem.
SL 1
B. spongy mesophyll.
C. chlorophyll.
D. grana.

26. At the very center of the tree which is the oldest part of the tree. Pith is defined as
the:

A. bark.
SL 1
B. stomata.
C. lower epidermis.
D. pith.

Study the picture given below and answer Questions 27 – 29.

Source: Google search

For Questions 27 to 29, choose and write the LETTER of the correct answer in the box provided.

27. A plastid in green plant cells which contains chlorophyll and in which photosynthesis
takes place is the:

A. grana.
SL 1
B. chloroplast.
C. stoma.
D. vascular tissue in plants.

SSC | Agricultural Science 14

28. Each of a pair of curved cells that surround a stoma, becoming larger or smaller
according to the pressure within the cells is the:

A. lower epidermis.
SL 1
B. upper mesophyll.
C. guard cell.
D. pith.

29. Any of the minute pores in the epidermis of the leaf or stem of a plant, forming a slit
of variable width which allows movement of gases in and out of the intercellular
spaces is the:

A. vascular bundle.
SL 1
B. guard cell.
C. stomata.
D. cork cambium.

Study the picture given below and answer Questions 30 and 31.

Source: Google search

30. Describe agro forestry.

______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________ SL 2

______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

SSC | Agricultural Science 15

31. Explain the impact of agro forestry in a farming community.

______________________________________________________________________
SL 3
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

32. Explain THREE functions of roots.

______________________________________________________________________
SL 3
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

SSC | Agricultural Science 16

33. Explain the reason why farmers do pruning on their fruit trees.

______________________________________________________________________
SL 3
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

34. Discuss in your own words the movement of water in plant.

______________________________________________________________________
SL 4
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

SSC | Agricultural Science 17

STRAND 5: ANIMAL PRODUCTION WEIGHTING 30

Study the picture given below and answer Questions 35 to 38.

Source: Google search

For Questions 35 to 38, choose and write the letter of the correct answer in the box provided.

35. Identify ONE characteristic of the pig breed above.

A. Tail
SL 1
B. Mouth
C. Colour
D. Hoofs

36. Name ONE poultry production in Samoa.

A. Layer production.
SL 1
B. Sausage production.
C. Broiler production.
D. Giblets process.

SSC | Agricultural Science 18

37. A stock of animals within a species having a distinctive appearance and typically
having been developed by deliberate selection are:

A. varieties.
SL 1
B. human.
C. living cells of a host.
D. breeds.

38. Name the pig breed shown in the picture on page 18.

A. Large white.
SL 1
B. Landrace.
C. Duroc.
D. None of the above.

Study the picture given below and answer Question 39.

Source: Google search

39. Name the dairy cattle shown in the picture.

A. Friesian Holstein.
SL 1
B. Jersey.
C. Brahman.
D. Drought master.

SSC | Agricultural Science 19

Study the picture given below and answer Question 40.

Source: Google search

For Questions 40 to 42, choose and write the letter of the correct answer in the box provided.

40. Name the identification method shown on the calf ears above.

A. Ear notches.
SL 1
B. Ear tattoos.
C. Ear tags.
D. Ear brandings.

41. What is the process of collecting sperm cells from a male animal and manually
depositing them into the reproductive tract of a female?

A. Tail docking.
SL 1
B. Dredging.
C. Artificial insemination.
D. Ear tag.

42. An organism that lives on or in a host organism and gets its food from or at the
expense of its host is the:

A. pest.
SL 1
B. exoskeleton insects.
C. weeds.
D. parasites.

SSC | Agricultural Science 20

43. List TWO parasites that you have studied.

SL 2
(i). _______________________________________________________________

(ii). _______________________________________________________________

44 Describe the function of the mono gastric digestive system of a pig.

______________________________________________________________________
SL 2
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

45. Briefly describe the effect of tuberculosis in cattle.

______________________________________________________________________
SL 2
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

SSC | Agricultural Science 21

Study the picture given below and answer Question 46.

46. Briefly explain the step by step process of castrating a pig.

______________________________________________________________________
SL 2
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

47. Explain the importance of raising pigs in a semi subsistence farm.

______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________ SL 3

______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

SSC | Agricultural Science 22

48. Explain the function of the ruminant digestive system of a cow.

______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________ SL 3

______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

49. Describe the symptoms and control measures for mastitis on dairy cows.

______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________ SL 4

______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

SSC | Agricultural Science 23

50. Describe how you select the most pure breed of beef cattle for a farmer.

______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________ SL 4

______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

SSC | Agricultural Science 24

STRAND 6: TOOLS EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES WEIGHTING 8

Study the picture given below and answer Question 51.

For Questions 51 and 52, choose and write the letter of the correct answer in the box provided.

51. What is the usage of the tool shown above?

A. Digging the soil.

SL 1
B. Pruning of stems and branches.
C. Cutting grasses.
D. Cutting hairs.

52. Disperses liquid through a hand-held nozzle that is attached to a pressurized reservoir
carried on the operators back is the main function of the:

A. knapsack sprayer.
SL 1
B. had cultivar.
C. mist blower.
D. chain saw.

SSC | Agricultural Science 25

Study the picture given below and answer Question 53.

Source: Google search

53. What is the function of a weed eater?

A. Uses a set of curved tines attached to a rotating shaft that is

powered by your tractor’s PTO.
SL 1
B. Useful for treating large outdoor areas quickly and getting
insecticide into areas of dense foliage uses a two-cycle gasoline
motor.
C. It is used in activities such as tree felling, bucking, pruning, cutting
and harvesting of firewood.
D. Is a garden tool used for cutting grass, small weeds, and ground
cover.

54. Explain the best time of applying pesticide on vegetables.

______________________________________________________________________
SL 2
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

SSC | Agricultural Science 26

55. Describe the safe and proper ways of storing tools.

______________________________________________________________________
SL 3
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

SSC | Agricultural Science 27

 STUDENT EDUCATION NUMBER

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE
2021
(For Scorers only)

STRANDS Check AED

Weighting Scores
Scorer Check

STRAND 1 AGRICULTURE IN SAMOA 8

STRAND 2 SOIL 10

FARM MANAGEMENT,
STRAND 3: 20
ECONOMIC AND MARKETING

STRAND 4 CROP PRODUCTION 24

STRAND 5 ANIMAL PRODUCTION 30

STRAND 6 TOOLS 8

TOTAL 100

SSC | Agricultural Science 28