Economic Botany: Comprehensive Examination

 Economic Botany: Comprehensive Examination

Dr. Abe V Rotor

Professor: University of Santo Tomas Graduate School

Top, clockwise: Typical rice-based farming, integrated upland farming with cash crops, orchard and forest trees.

Economic Botany explores the relationship between plants and man. Topics covered in this 3-unit course include our use of plants as medicine, food, beverage, clothing, energy and industry.  We also explore our use of plants in ornamental gardening and forensics, and their role in maintaining environmental balance (ecology). Economic Botany is taught on the collegiate level and in the graduate school. This course requires the successful completion of General botany (5 units) or its equivalence. 

Part 1 - Multiple Choice (Copy the letter of the correct answer)

Knowledge Recall and Application: These are the main uses/classification of plants: A. Fruits and Vegetables B. Medicine and drugs  C. Shelter and Construction  D. Fiber E. Rubber and latex  F. Cereals  G. Garden and Decor

___1. Havea braziliensis.

___2. Vitex negundo.

___3. Triticum vulgare  

___4. Imperata cylindrica

___5. Musa textiles.

___6. Agave cantala.

___7. Jasminium sambac

___8. Anacardium occidentale.

___9. Pterocarpus indicus.

__10. Lagerstroma speciosa.

 

Knowledge Recall: Vegetables are divided into the following categories:  A. Seed  B. Leaf  C. Root   D. Fruit  E. Flower

___ 11.  Glicine max

___ 12. Brassica oleracea var capitata

___1 3. Ipomea aquatica

___1 4. Vigna sequipedales

___ 15. Brassica oleracea

___ 16. Dolichos lalab

___1 7. Musa sapientum

___ 18. Colocasia esculenta

___1 9. Solanum tuberosum

___20. Moringa oleracea

Part 2 – Analysis (10 points)

1. The cultivation of Jatropha is gaining attention as alternative energy source. What are the advantages?  Disadvantages?
2. Biofuel is derived from plants mainly sugarcane, corn and cassava.  What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Part 3 – Knowledge Recall, Analysis and Application (15)

1. How can Economic Botany help in restoring productivity of farms and in conserving our natural resources? Cite specific cases. 

Integrated homestead farming model.  How do you compare this with our Bahay Kubo model?  

1. Would you recommend common economic policies for both developed and developing countries? Consider food supply and nutrition of the people. Support your answer. Cite cases.
2. What is the Pork and Bean Syndrome? What is its relevance to the Philippines?  How can you “cure” this syndrome?

Part 4 – Analysis and Application (10) 

Make a top view sketch on a separate page your concept of Bahay Kubo in relation to the following aspects: (Label your drawing, indicate salient information such as location, area, surroundings, sections of garden, view with the landscape and sun, others.)

1. Self reliance in food
2. Proper nutrition
3. Livelihood opportunity
4. Environment friendly
5. Peace of Mind

Acknowledgement: Internet Photos