Animal Systems

Specific Competencies and Skills Tested in this Assessment:

 

General Agriculture Technical Skills

• Apply knowledge of the basics of animal systems
• Apply knowledge of the basics of plant and insect systems
• Apply knowledge of the basics of soil, water, and air systems
• Use, maintain, and store tools and equipment appropriately
• Analyze current issues in the fields of Animal Science, Natural Resources, and Agricultural Biotechnology

 

Animal Systems Technical Skills

• Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology to identify, produce, and manage animals in a domesticated or natural environment
• Provide proper nutrition, handling, and sanitation to maintain animal health
• Recognize animal behaviors, and employ precautions to facilitate working with animals safely

 

Academic Foundations

• Apply reading skills in an Animal Science, Natural Resources, and/or Agricultural Biotechnology environment
• Apply writing skills in an Animal Science, Natural Resources, and/or Agricultural Biotechnology environment
• Apply mathematical skills in an Animal Science, Natural Resources, and/or Agricultural Biotechnology environment
• Apply science skills in an Animal Science, Natural Resources, and/or Agricultural Biotechnology environment

 

Systems

• Understand the major governing bodies and groups that impact how Animal Science, Natural Resources, and/or Agricultural Biotechnology organizations function (e.g., EPA)
• Demonstrate knowledge of economic principles as applied to Animal Science, Natural Resources, and/or Agricultural Biotechnology systems (e.g., supply and demand, profit)

 

Ethic and Legal Responsibilities

• Understand the major laws and regulations that impact the Animal Science, Natural Resources, and/or Agricultural Biotechnology industry
• Identify and practice ethical behavior in the workplace

 

Communications

• Locate, organize, and reference written information from reliable sources to communicate with coworkers and clients
• Develop and deliver formal and informal presentations using appropriate media to engage and inform audiences
• Apply listening skills and interpret verbal and nonverbal behaviors to enhance communication with coworkers and clients
• Interpret and use tables, charts, and graphics to support written and oral communication

 

Information Technology Applications

• Use computers and software to increase general work efficiency
• Use information technology tools specific to Animal Science, Natural Resources, and/or Agricultural Biotechnology to access and manage information (e.g., GPS)

      

Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, and Decision Making

• Use problem solving and critical thinking skills to locate sources of information about problems and determine appropriate methods for investigating causes
• Use problem solving and critical thinking skills to determine root causes of problems and suggest solutions

 

Leadership and Teamwork

• Exhibit leadership practices to improve production and quality of work and the work environment
• Work effectively in a team environment to improve the quality of work and the work environment

 

Safety, Health, and Environmental

• Identify and practice appropriate environmental, health, and safety procedures for Animal Science, Natural Resources, and/or Agricultural Biotechnology occupations
• Demonstrate appropriate first aid knowledge and procedures for Animal Science, Natural Resources, and/or Agricultural Biotechnology occupations

 

Employability and Career Development

• Demonstrate employability skills related to a career in Animal Science, Natural Resources, and/or Agricultural Biotechnology
• Pursue career development skills to advance in Animal Science, Natural Resources, and/or Agricultural Biotechnology

 

Written Assessment:

Administration Time: 2 hours
Number of Questions: 112

 

Areas Covered:

General Agriculture Technical Skills: 14%

Natural Resources Technical Skills: 18%

Academic Foundations: 13%

Systems: 5%

Ethic and Legal Responsibilities: 6%

Communications: 13%

Information Technology Applications: 5%

Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, and Decision Making: 5%

Leadership and Teamwork: 6%

Safety, Health, and Environmental: 9%

Employability and Career Development: 6%

 

Sample Questions:

Individual state Departments of Conservation and Natural Resources in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture manage

1. pesticides
2. food safety
3. timber
4. pet stores

 

The technique used to practice water conservation in creative landscapes is called

1. hardscaping
2. xeriscaping
3. landscaping
4. greenscaping

 

An agronomist is primarily concerned with what use of soil?

1. construction
2. acting as a filter for the hydraulic cycle
3. supporting crop growth
4. natural beauty

 

The thread-like structures that exist in pairs and carry genes are called

1. gametes
2. mitosis
3. meiosis
4. chromosomes

 

Selenium is added to animal feed to help prevent

1. mad cow disease
2. white muscle disease
3. dehydration
4. avian flu

The purpose of a summary in a report is to emphasize

1. an introduction
2. references and sources
3. key points
4. an autobiographical sketch