How to Identify and Classify Nopal Cactus Paddles - Exam
  • 1. What is the primary shape of a mature Nopal cactus paddle?
A) Oval or oblong
B) Square
C) Triangular
D) Circular
  • 2. What is the name of the small, barbed bristles found on Nopal paddles?
A) Thorns
B) Glochids
C) Spines
D) Hairs
  • 3. The term 'cladode' refers to what part of the Nopal cactus?
A) The root
B) The fruit
C) The paddle
D) The flower
  • 4. What is the typical color of a young, healthy Nopal paddle?
A) Pale yellow
B) Light blue
C) Bright green
D) Dark brown
  • 5. Are spines always present on Nopal cactus paddles?
A) No
B) Only on old paddles
C) Only on young paddles
D) Yes
  • 6. What indicates that a Nopal paddle may be unhealthy?
A) Bright green color
B) Regular spine distribution
C) Firm texture
D) Discoloration and soft spots
  • 7. The 'areoles' on a Nopal paddle are where which of the following grow?
A) Spines, glochids, and flowers
B) Only leaves
C) Only roots
D) Only spines
  • 8. What is the most common use for Nopal cactus paddles?
A) Fuel
B) Building material
C) Clothing
D) Food
  • 9. What type of leaf does the Nopal cactus have?
A) Compound leaves
B) Needle-like leaves
C) It lacks true leaves.
D) Broad leaves
  • 10. What is the primary method of propagation for Nopal cacti?
A) Stem cuttings (paddle propagation)
B) Root division
C) Seed germination
D) Air layering
  • 11. How does the age of a Nopal paddle affect its suitability for consumption?
A) Younger paddles are more tender.
B) Older paddles are more tender.
C) Age doesn't affect tenderness.
D) Only the spines affect tenderness.
  • 12. What is a common pest that affects Nopal cacti?
A) Earthworms
B) Cochineal scale
C) Honeybees
D) Ladybugs
  • 13. What is the general climate that Nopal cacti thrive in?
A) Temperate deciduous forest
B) Arctic tundra
C) Arid and semi-arid
D) Tropical rainforest
  • 14. What is the purpose of the waxy coating on the paddle's surface?
A) Attract pollinators
B) Provide structural support
C) Deter predators
D) Reduce water loss
  • 15. Which of these is a characteristic of a healthy areole?
A) Covered in mold
B) Firm and well-defined
C) Missing or damaged
D) Soft and mushy
  • 16. What is the significance of the flowers on a Nopal cactus?
A) They are purely ornamental.
B) They are toxic to humans.
C) They lead to fruit production.
D) They serve as a food source for the cactus.
  • 17. What is the botanical family that Nopal cacti belong to?
A) Cactaceae
B) Rosaceae
C) Poaceae
D) Fabaceae
  • 18. What is the edible fruit of the Nopal cactus called?
A) Glochid
B) Areole
C) Cladode
D) Tuna
  • 19. What part of the Nopal cactus is typically used to make nopales (the edible vegetable)?
A) Fruits
B) Flowers
C) Roots
D) Young paddles
  • 20. Which characteristic is useful in differentiating between different species of Nopal?
A) Spine arrangement and density
B) Paddle color only
C) Flower color only
D) Paddle size only
  • 21. What type of soil is best for growing Nopal cacti?
A) Well-draining soil
B) Waterlogged soil
C) Salty soil
D) Clay-rich soil
  • 22. What is the purpose of 'curing' or drying Nopal paddles after harvesting?
A) To add nutrients
B) To reduce moisture content
C) To increase sweetness
D) To soften the texture
  • 23. Which of the following is a sign of overwatering in Nopal cacti?
A) Bright green color
B) Firm, upright paddles
C) Soft, mushy paddles
D) Abundant spine growth
  • 24. What is the role of spines on Nopal paddles?
A) Producing energy
B) Defense against herbivores
C) Supporting the plant
D) Attracting pollinators
  • 25. How are glochids typically removed from Nopal paddles before consumption?
A) Soaking in water
B) Scrubbing or singeing
C) Boiling
D) Freezing
  • 26. Why should you wear gloves when handling Nopal cactus paddles?
A) To keep the paddles clean
B) To protect the plant
C) To prevent allergic reactions
D) To protect from glochids
  • 27. What is the best time of year to harvest Nopal paddles?
A) Spring and summer
B) Fall
C) Any time of year
D) Winter
  • 28. Which of the following is a common method of cooking Nopal paddles?
A) Baking
B) Grilling
C) All of the above
D) Frying
  • 29. What is a characteristic of the flowers of the Nopal cactus?
A) Small and inconspicuous
B) Odorless
C) Fragrant
D) Large and showy
  • 30. What is a key indicator of the overall health of the Nopal cactus?
A) Excessive spine production
B) Consistent growth rate
C) Pale coloration
D) Lack of flowering
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