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