PDE Q1

Sericulture comes from the Latin sericum (meaning silk) and culture (meaning cultivation). It is the scientific practice and art of rearing silkworms (most commonly Bombyx mori) to produce raw silk.

The process involves:

• cultivating mulberry trees (the primary food for silkworms)

• rearing silkworms through different life stages

• harvesting cocoons spun by the silkworms

• processing silk fibers from these cocoons

It is a major cottage industry in many parts of Asia, providing employment and supporting rural economies.

Other options you saw are incorrect because:

• Option A refers to serology (study of serum)

• Option B is about pisciculture (fish farming)

• Option D relates to anthropology or sociology (study of cultures), not sericulture