Question

The rearing of silkworms for obtaining silk is called

• A. Cocoon
• B. Silk
• C. Sericulture
• D. Silviculture

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Sericulture

The correct option is C.

Explanation of the correct option:

1. Sericulture is the process in which silkworms are made to breed, and grow in a specific environment and they are monitored.
2. They are then used for the extraction of silk.
3. Bombyx mori is an example of a silkworm that is often used for the extraction of silk.
4. Other species of silkworm used are Eri, Muga, and Tasar. These species are used to produce wild silk.
5. In the process of sericulture, the female silk moth lays many eggs which are stored on clean paper or cloth.
6. These eggs are sold to silkworm farmers.
7. The farmers keep the eggs in the appropriate temperature and humidity so that the eggs hatch and produce caterpillar larvae.
8. This is done when mulberry has grown fresh leaves on which the caterpillar feeds.

Explanation of the incorrect options:

Option A:

1. A cocoon is a protective layer built by moths in the larval stage in order to protect the larvae.
2. This protective coating is made of silk and is often a place where the larvae develop themselves into an adult.
3. Hence rearing of the silkworm is not called a cocoon.

Option B:

1. Silk is a natural fiber rich in protein which is often obtained from silkworms.
2. The silk obtained is used for various commercial purposes including in the textile industry.
3. Silk is often produced by the larvae of insects that have completed the metamorphosis stage.
4. Hence rearing of the silkworm is not called silk.

Option D:

1. Silviculture deals with forests.
2. It is the art of growing forest crops.
3. It also deals with the growth and regulates the quality of the forest.
4. Hence rearing of silkworms is not called silviculture.

Final answer: The rearing of silkworms for obtaining silk is called sericulture.