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How to Identify and Classify Nopal Cactus Paddles - Exam
Contributed by: Crossley
  • 1. What is the primary shape of a mature Nopal cactus paddle?
A) Triangular
B) Oval or oblong
C) Square
D) Circular
  • 2. What is the name of the small, barbed bristles found on Nopal paddles?
A) Thorns
B) Hairs
C) Glochids
D) Spines
  • 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) Bright green
B) Light blue
C) Pale yellow
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) Only leaves
B) Only spines
C) Only roots
D) Spines, glochids, and flowers
  • 8. What is the most common use for Nopal cactus paddles?
A) Building material
B) Food
C) Clothing
D) Fuel
  • 9. What type of leaf does the Nopal cactus have?
A) Broad leaves
B) It lacks true leaves.
C) Needle-like leaves
D) Compound leaves
  • 10. What is the primary method of propagation for Nopal cacti?
A) Stem cuttings (paddle propagation)
B) Root division
C) Air layering
D) Seed germination
  • 11. How does the age of a Nopal paddle affect its suitability for consumption?
A) Younger paddles are more tender.
B) Age doesn't affect tenderness.
C) Only the spines affect tenderness.
D) Older paddles are more tender.
  • 12. What is a common pest that affects Nopal cacti?
A) Cochineal scale
B) Ladybugs
C) Honeybees
D) Earthworms
  • 13. What is the general climate that Nopal cacti thrive in?
A) Temperate deciduous forest
B) Arctic tundra
C) Tropical rainforest
D) Arid and semi-arid
  • 14. What is the purpose of the waxy coating on the paddle's surface?
A) Reduce water loss
B) Provide structural support
C) Attract pollinators
D) Deter predators
  • 15. Which of these is a characteristic of a healthy areole?
A) Firm and well-defined
B) Covered in mold
C) Soft and mushy
D) Missing or damaged
  • 16. What is the significance of the flowers on a Nopal cactus?
A) They are purely ornamental.
B) They serve as a food source for the cactus.
C) They are toxic to humans.
D) They lead to fruit production.
  • 17. What is the botanical family that Nopal cacti belong to?
A) Rosaceae
B) Poaceae
C) Fabaceae
D) Cactaceae
  • 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) Roots
B) Fruits
C) Flowers
D) Young paddles
  • 20. Which characteristic is useful in differentiating between different species of Nopal?
A) Paddle size only
B) Spine arrangement and density
C) Paddle color only
D) Flower color only
  • 21. What type of soil is best for growing Nopal cacti?
A) Clay-rich soil
B) Waterlogged soil
C) Well-draining soil
D) Salty soil
  • 22. What is the purpose of 'curing' or drying Nopal paddles after harvesting?
A) To soften the texture
B) To add nutrients
C) To reduce moisture content
D) To increase sweetness
  • 23. Which of the following is a sign of overwatering in Nopal cacti?
A) Soft, mushy paddles
B) Abundant spine growth
C) Bright green color
D) Firm, upright paddles
  • 24. What is the role of spines on Nopal paddles?
A) Attracting pollinators
B) Defense against herbivores
C) Supporting the plant
D) Producing energy
  • 25. How are glochids typically removed from Nopal paddles before consumption?
A) Soaking in water
B) Freezing
C) Boiling
D) Scrubbing or singeing
  • 26. Why should you wear gloves when handling Nopal cactus paddles?
A) To protect from glochids
B) To protect the plant
C) To keep the paddles clean
D) To prevent allergic reactions
  • 27. What is the best time of year to harvest Nopal paddles?
A) Fall
B) Winter
C) Spring and summer
D) Any time of year
  • 28. Which of the following is a common method of cooking Nopal paddles?
A) Frying
B) Grilling
C) Baking
D) All of the above
  • 29. What is a characteristic of the flowers of the Nopal cactus?
A) Odorless
B) Fragrant
C) Small and inconspicuous
D) Large and showy
  • 30. What is a key indicator of the overall health of the Nopal cactus?
A) Excessive spine production
B) Pale coloration
C) Lack of flowering
D) Consistent growth rate
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